Outdoor Party Ideas
Easy Outdoor Party Ideas
When the warmth and sunshine of the warmer seasons come around, you might find yourself scraping your brain for new outdoor party ideas. What better way to reap the joys of spring and summer than to host a small get together where your friends and family can eat, chat, and play a couple of rounds of their favorite sport. The idea of serving the same old barbecue burgers and hot dogs while everyone tries to cram around your six-seater lawn table may have lost its appeal. That is why we are going to take a look at some alternative outdoor party ideas that you might find a pleasant change to your usual warm weather party style.
If it’s a barbecue you’re after, why not move your usual backyard cookout to the lake or beach? A few festive lanterns, a bonfire, or a good old-fashioned campfire can provide the perfect mood if you fancy an evening dinner. Even if you prefer a daytime party, there is plenty of ways to entertain everyone without having to go to very great lengths. Let the kids (and kid-like adults) splash around in the water while the adults toss around a football or sunbathe. Everything from potato salad to deviled eggs can be prepared ahead of time so that the only cooking required is whatever you want to toss onto the grill. A cooler full of ice and your average picnic-ware (paper plates, plastic cups and utensils) and a few bottles of pop will cover the basics. It may not seem like much of a party as far as the decorations go, but the atmosphere will be so fun and relaxing that it makes a wonderful alternative to a true party.
If you are limited to your backyard or patio, why not make the best of use of minimal space by throwing a seafood buffet for your family or closest friends? All you need is a table and a few chairs. Everyone can gather around the food and grab what they want as they want it. As far as formality goes, this type of party can go either way. Serve various types of sushi with sake or Japanese beer using your “good dishes” and place mats. You can even set the right atmosphere using tiki torches or candles. Alternatively, you can just throw a plaid plastic tablecloth over the table and load up a serving platter with fish cakes, shrimp with cocktail sauce, grilled fish fillets, and scallops. Chuck a few beers in the sink with ice or blend up a pitcher of margaritas (alcoholic or non, depending on your guests) and instruct your guests to feel free to help themselves. Bear in mind that seafood allergies are quite common—and some people just don’t like seafood—so it might be prudent to inquire ahead of time whether your guests have any issue with seafood.
If you and a few friends are planning a trip to a sporting event or even to an outdoor concert, why not turn it into a tailgate party? All you need is a truck, a cooler, and a meal plan and you’re ready to go! If you want to make grilled burgers, kielbasa, or chicken wings, you may want to consider getting a portable grill if you don’t already have one and topping up your supply of charcoal and lighter fluid. Load up the cooler with circumstance-friendly drinks. For instance, outdoor concerts may not allow alcohol on the premises, which means you’ll have to forego the beer. If you aren’t sure about the venue’s alcohol rules, call ahead of time so that you don’t end up having a cooler full of booze confiscated. Picnic-ware, trash bags, and blankets are other items to add to the list. If it’s a game you’re going to, you can also decorate the truck with your team’s colors or banner to boost the spirit of the party.
You don’t have to invest a great deal of money into these outdoor party ideas, which is part of their appeal. Many of us are finding ourselves with a lot less extra cash, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on a little outdoor fun with our friends and family. Here’s to a great summer!