Hi Friends!
With back-to-back birthdays in this house, we just wrapped up our 3rd backyard bash of the year, and I can’t help but think how much I learned each time.
Throwing parties in your own home can make some people nervous, a lot goes into planning AND hosting. Here are my tips and tricks on how to efficiently throw an awesome backyard party!
XO,
Ashley
10 Tips for an Epic Backyard Party
- Ask for RSVPs by the date you need to order food: This sounds like something so simple, but in my experience the best thing you can do is pick your food before sending out invites. Look up how soon the food will need to be ordered for your date and make your RSVP date off that. Grilling/Barbequing? Awesome! Give yourself enough time to calculate how many burgers/hot dogs you’ll need, and also time to buy them!
- Make décor that doubles as entertainment: Bounce houses are amazing decorations and also a fun activity to entertain the kids. There are usually fun tic-tac-toe boards, or yard games that fit the theme as well. Save money by having décor that is also fun for the guests.
- Make a party playlist: Music at parties is a must, but it can’t be too loud or too quiet. Find a part playlist ahead of time and test out the volume at the start! you don’t want people shouting over the music, but if it suddenly gets quiet, you want the music there to keep the party alive!
- Drink options for all ages: It is SO important to have PLENTY of water, seriously, buy MORE than you think you need (after all, we live in AZ and you need to keep those guests hydrated outside). We also offer a variety of other beverages for kids and adults. Kids love a great juice box or Capri Sun, so we usually just get two different packs, not everyone will grab something besides water, but it is nice to have choices on hand!
- Invest in a few outdoor toys: It doesn’t need to be a huge backyard swing set, but having a couple toys outside for kids to play with takes a lot of pressure off adults. Already have outside toys? Put them ALL out on party day, the most popular toys are always the ones you least expect!
- Choose sturdy, lightweight and disposable plates and silverware: You want plates/silverware that will hold up and not fall apart! However, if you don’t have a seat for every guest attending you may also want to consider how heavy the plate is before food, standing guests will thank you later!
- Get ice ready ahead of time: Going to have coolers full of beverages for guests? If you have the freezer space and ability- consider getting your bags of ice ahead of time so you don’t need to worry about it day of.
- Keep pests away: Consider lighting a bug-repellent candle or offering bug spray if you plan on hosting your party during the evening! Especially in the warmer months.
- Unpopular opinion– skip the party favors! 9/10 party favors end up in the trash over the couple days following a party! Try having cake pops or cookies as a “party favor” or treat to save some money! Parents will thank you for a “disposable” party favor. I used Floured Cupcakes, and they were wonderful!
- Have a back up plan! It goes without saying that issues will arise. It may rain, be too windy, or the food might not get delivered (that one happened to me ). Come up with some back up plans ahead of time to keep the party moving!
*Bonus* If you are able to hire a photographer, I highly recommend it! Or assign a family member or friend who loves photos/photography to take pictures! I have zero pictures of my daughter’s first birthday party because I was so busy hosting, and now with older kids to entertain, I always forget to take pictures! We used the wonderful Lauren with Glitter and Happiness!
