Ahh… the time is now and the time is Summer!! Oh what a glorious season… Most of you by now have either had a summer shindig or are about to plan one. Right? Every year, we open the gate to our back yard and our friends and family come flooding in with food, wine and treats!
I have hosted lots of different types of parties such as Christmas parties, Christmas Dinners, Baby showers, kid birthday parties, and just to have a “party” if you get my drift? Over the years I have managed to mess up some parties, fail miserably over some, and some well I have to say some parties I have knocked the ball out of the park on some and everyone had a Blast! It doesn’t get any better than that. Here are some of my top tips that I have learned after them.
Rule Number 1. Plan Plan… and stick to your plan.
The biggest failure I have when planning a party is sticking to the original Menu that I have laid out in the first place. My problem is that I love all types of food and I just can’t settle on ONE thing. I want it all! I have found for sanity sake it’s better to get a plan, keep it simple and stick with it and don’t look back. Not even once. Or sometimes I ask everyone to bring one thing and keep it simple for them. This takes the stress out and everyone gets to eat some amazing foods and in the end it’s not stress ful for you and you can enjoy your party too!
Rule Number 2. Try not to count on others to bear the work load.
This rule may come out rude, but one thing I have also learned is to not count on every person to bring enough food. I planned a baby shower for my sister-in-law 7 years ago and all of the guests that she requested to be there asked me if they could help out and bring some food. I said, “Hey sure, that would be great!” Little did I know most of them brought little with them, and 2 or three people only brought store-bought salsa and chips. What I also didn’t realize it that the crowd of women that I thought wouldn’t eat very much, all came very hungry and I didn’t have enough food. I think there was “just” enough. You never really want to have “just” enough at a party. From then on I am leery to ask guests to bring food if I just don’t quite know them. From then on I now have extra snacks and drinks in my pantry if this should ever happen again.
Rule Number 3. Invite a diverse group of people to invite to your party.
Go on a limb and invite all different types of people. Family, neighbours, best friends, and co – workers. A party made of such a diverse group of people can make for a very interesting party, and had a chance to make memories for years to come. The more the merrier I say!
Rule Number 4. Find a way to “break the ice” with out it feeling awkward.
Have you ever been to a party where most of the people there don’t really know each other and no one talks? I recently went to a party about a month ago and there was definitely some silence. One couple sat in the corner and ignored everyone, another couple that arrived late sat and whispered amongst themselves, and the host and hostess really never made an effort to feel comfortable in their own home. Such a shame that they couldn’t even feel comfortable in their own house!
I’ve been there too I’m sure, but one thing I know brings people together is great appetizers, great music and great wine. If you pair all those three things together and add great conversation you’ve got the party covered. So don’t worry about what everyone is doing, try to make conversation with the quiet groups, and some how they all will RELAX!
Rule Number 5. Have everything ready to go and then you’re off.
When I have planned summer parties in the past years I always try to set out all my dishware, cutlery, wine glass or other stem ware that is needed in advance. This takes the guess-work out of deciding how much time it’s gonna take to set up such a big shindig. I have to admit I love the set up and organization of parties because it pleases me so much that when my guests arrive I am available to be with them and have the head space to socialize with them.
Rule Number 6. Create ambience at all costs.
We are all human and we all like to feel good and be comfortable. So I try to set the mood when ever possible for an outdoor party. Set out candles, or have extra blankets for cool nights just in case your guests get the chills. I always try to think of my guests as better than me. It’s the “serving and being accommodating” in entertaining that I love so much.
Most of all just relax and have a great time! CLICK HERE to see more images of the setup and styling for this event.
Well that is just 6 of my top ways to pull off a successful summer outdoor party. Do you have any that I have missed, or do you have one that you would like to share? Please do. Here is to many more great parties to come!
I agree that it’s all about making people feel comfortable and at home in your home. I also agree that the food should be left to the host and hostess. That way there’s no confusion as to what will be served. Hope you have some awesome parties this summer:)