Warm afternoons spent running around after my cousins and cool evenings catching fireflies in jars. The taste of sweet watermelon fresh off the rind and the salty, smoky aroma of hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill. The hum of animated adult conversation woven with the laughter of children at play.
In Summer, life just seems more vibrant and alive. Maybe that is why it conjures up some of my most vivid childhood memories. While I can’t go back in time, I still love putting on a good, old-fashioned backyard party to gather friends and family near and recreate those moments for even just a few precious weekend hours.
A Backyard party was a blast as kids, because we weren’t in charge of planning them. We just showed up and spent the day playing barefoot and carefree. Don’t lose that childlike enthusiasm just because you’re the one that has to organize things now!
We’ve gotten away from days when things were simpler and it’s time we took a few tips from our Mama’s before us and learned that everything doesn’t have to be a full-on production. People come over because they want to spend time with you, not because they want to admire fancy table decor and eat gourmet meals.
Keep it Simple, Keep it Fun – The BEST Backyard Party
1. Decor- Shop Your House
There’s no need to run to the store to grab specialty decor for a great tablescape! Take a look around your house and see what you already own that can double as unique serving ware. I used a cookie jar for my fruit salad, mason jars to hold silverware, and a white candle stand to display my secret ingredient cookies. Adding height and interest to this table took a mere 5 minutes by just “shopping” around my house and using items I already had on hand.
2. Forget The Tablecloth
Use quality, heavy weight wrapping paper that complements your theme, in lieu of tablecloths, to line all the tables. Securely taped to the table tops, it is unaffected by wind and there’s no chance for little hands to accidentally yank a tablecloth off. Best of all, clean up is a breeze, simply crumple and toss in the trash, no need to wash & iron a pesky tablecloth!
3. Create a FUN Drink Display
A cooler is absolutely an acceptable way to store drinks for a get together, but you could also take things up just one easy and inexpensive notch for your backyard party with a colored metal container. Fill it with ice and then nestle in your drinks for an attractive beverage station. Include some colorful straws in a mason jar and tie a little ribbon around it for a little extra flare.
Also, have some Sharpie markers nearby to write adults or kid’s names on their cups or juice boxes so its easy to know whose is whose. It’s a great way to avoid ending up with 100 half empty containers littered about and it also avoids unnecessary waste.
Yet another easy choice for a great Backyard Party.
4. Create a Clean-Up Station
Save yourself a thousand trips in and out of the house by bringing everything needed for a quick clean up outside in a convenient tub. In case there’s a spill, exploding ketchup incident, or your hubs is literally wearing his famous BBQ sauce all over his face, you’re prepped & ready!
5. Simple Menu
Yes, we know, with all the cooking channels and 30 minute magazine recipes that really take an hour, it’s easy to feel like you should be offering guests something a little more fancy to eat. But you know what, there really is nothing better than one of our extra special burgers right off the grill in the summertime. We’ve got The Best Burger Recipe, sure to make your cookout a legend! Burgers and dogs are a familiar favorite and no one gets tired of them. The smells and the flavors bring back nostalgic memories for everyone.
Serve these up in cute little baskets with checkered linings (available at most dollar stores), a side of classic potato chips and a fresh fruit salad and there won’t be a complaint in the crowd (okay, unless you’ve got vegetarians, but grab a package of garden burgers and that problem is solved).
Our amazing Secret Ingredient Cookies are always a crowd pleaser and a simple way to cover your dessert bases! Or you could also try our easy berry crisp or keylime pie recipes.
6. Organized Activities
Okay, this one’s a freebie! 😉 I know I said 5 easy ideas for the BEST backyard party so consider this one a bonus! Unstructured hang out time with friends and family is lovely but if you’re hosting a group of folks that may not know one another well, having a few Fun Games to Play Outside, with a bit of friendly competition, is a fantastic way to break the ice and keep everyone mingling. Building memories is never a wasted effort and even playing with extended family is a good way to involve young and old in the fun!
If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard, don’t miss out on the Best Swimming Games For Kids! Marco Polo is retired, these new ideas will keep the kiddos entertained for hours!
Do you have any tips and tricks for throwing a Backyard Party?
Be sure to check out these popular posts that other readers have found helpful:
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10 Alternatives to Birthday Party Goody Bags That Aren’t Junk
Cathy M says
I love the idea of the cleanup station! I would have never thought of that–bet it is great to have around with the kids there!
LeAnne Matlach says
ughhh i hate my tiny city apartment come summer. it’s in a great location but i don’t have any outdoor space. i wish i could implement some of these ideas for my own summer fun.
Erin says
Perfect timing! I turn 30 in two weeks and we’re having a backyard party! These tips will definitely come in handy!
Heather says
I love the idea of a clean up station! I definitely need that with the kids always running around.
Mimi says
We don’t have a deck yet on our new house, but I’m so excited to host parties. I love that huge container full of fruit! Having our new backyard, I think we’ll be able to have some fun and amazing times!
Denea says
Great tips! I would have never thought about a clean up station! Love this!
Roxanne says
All great tips! With Memorial Day right around the corner (how is that happening?) these are all perfect ideas! I love the idea of using heavy wrapping paper!
Kiwi says
The fun drink display is such a good idea for kiddies. I love the fruit arrangements too cant get enough of those!
Wendy says
Such great ideas! I’m all about keeping things simple when we are outdoors!
Taylor says
The clean up station is seriously genius! I feel like I just need a clean up station for life, LOL!
Just Plain Marie says
Sounds like a lot of fun. Definitely like the idea of a clean up station outside.
Sheri says
We have not had one of these yet, but I will pin this post for when we do have one. I love to clean as I go, around the house and in the kitchen,so the idea of the clean up station outside is perfect!
jill conyers says
My greatest tip and most requested is a burger bar. It’s easy and fun to decorate and family and friends love trying different varieties of burgers and toppings.
Paula says
I love that you keep the food simple – and that you “shop the house” for decorations! And I totally agree, that burgers are a great option during the summer! Why mess with a perfect thing?
Dawn says
This really looks like a fun backyard party. I have been wanting to throw one, but it has been raining a lot here. I love the idea of putting the fruit in the large jar. I bet that would also help with keeping bugs away.
Julie @ Girl on the Move says
Love the clean up station! And what a clever way to serve the fruit salad!
Carolyn says
Love the clean up station. Your decorations are so cute and perfect for 4th of July too. The juice station would be a hit with my kids.
Amber Nelson says
How fun! I cant wait to have my first backyard party! Summer is here!
Rebecca Bryant says
totally borrowing you clean up station idea. I really love your set up.
Cara (@StylishGeek) says
I pretty much set everything up as much as you suggested…except that I do not have a clean up station! Oh wow! What a fantastic idea! I love that you included baby wipes because this really is so necessary specially when you serve BBQ! Thanks for a helpful post!
Kait says
I love the idea of a clean up station! It’s always backyard party weather here in Hawaii, so I’m definitely keeping these tips in mind. Why have I never thought to put fruit salad in a sealable jar like that? I LOVE it!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
A clean up station is a great idea. Why have I never thought of that? I am totally doing that next time!
Terri Steffes says
Sounds like fun and I think you covered everything. Oh, maybe a tiny first aid kit for outside? Bandaids, spray, cream, sunblock. I love the simple food, too!.