Summer is here! And most of us are relaxing over the silly season with family and friends, possibly planning a party to end all parties to help welcome in the new year. Whether you're considering a casual barbecue or a bigger get-together this silly season, there are a few key steps you can take to ensure your party is a hit. Planning ahead, setting a budget, and paying attention to the finer details are all super important when hosting a summer party. With a little bit of planning and forward-thinking, you can create a memorable and enjoyable event that your guests will still be talking about well into 2024.
The pre-party clean
Having to clean up after your party is a given, but also cleaning up beforehand will create a fresh and organised space for your guests. No one wants to walk into a party that’s cluttered or dirty - so taking the time to tidy up beforehand will make your guests feel more comfortable, and will also help making cleaning up after the party less daunting!
Cleaning up before the bash will also make it easier for you to set up and prepare: you’ll have more space to work with to shuffle furniture around; put up decorations or set up games more easily. This will help everything run smoothly and make the party more enjoyable for everyone.
Decorating
Add some summer flair to your party decorations with bold colours and tropical decorations. Bright colours are a summer staple, so consider using decorations in shades of yellow, orange, pink and green. Also consider a tropical theme for your party: install some blow-up palm trees or garden flamingos; put fairy lights up in your courtyard or along your balcony and add colourful cocktail umbrellas to your guests’ drinks to add a summery feel to the party.
As a classic summer decoration, florals will make the perfect finishing touch to your party - use them for freshness and colour! Consider freshly-cut flowers in vases, jam jars or as part of a centrepiece, or opt for paper or silk flowers if you prefer something more long-lasting.
Design your menu
When you know what type of event you want to host, the menu ideas will follow fairly naturally.
Opting for a sit-down gathering with friends? Consider cold meats and seafood platters accompanied by delicious pasta salads and green leafy salads to help everyone keep their cool on a hot summer’s day.
If you’ve got a bigger guest list, then you can opt for a steady stream of finger food throughout the party or minimise the stress by creating your own mini-food station. Consider centring the food around a build-your-own buddha bowl recipe and ensure there are plenty of ingredients and a variety of sauces - this way, people can make their own meals, which is easier when navigating allergies and food preferences.
Think drinks
It's important to keep guests hydrated during a summer party, especially if it's hot and sunny. Ensure you have plenty of ice on the day and enough insulated drink coolers or tubs to keep drinks cool. Attach a bottle opener to the handles so people can easily open beers without having to rifle through the kitchen drawers.
For guests who are driving or prefer not to drink alcohol, fill water dispensers with fresh mint, sliced cucumber and fruit for a refreshing alternative to just plain water.
Little things that make a big difference
Always ensure your bathroom is stocked with plenty of toilet paper, hand soap and fresh hand towels.
To keep the mozzies and flies at bay, have insect repellent on hand and place citronella candles around for extra protection.
Placing small bins (or plastic bags) in discreet locations will prompt guests to get rid of rubbish as they go, hopefully minimising the post-party carnage the next day.
It's the little things that make a big difference!
Have a back-up plan
We all know the weather can turn at the drop of a hat, so if you’re predominantly planning an outdoors party, it’s always a good idea to have a contingency plan.
Market umbrellas, sun shades and tarps will have you covered in both the burning sun and rain, and it’s also a good idea to rearrange your living room furniture and make space so that everything can be moved inside if need be. By having a backup plan in place, you can ensure that your summer party goes smoothly even if the weather doesn't cooperate.
Let the fun begin!
Remember, with some careful planning and attention to detail, you can host a fun and memorable summer party! Have a blast, and don’t forget to take lots of photos!
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