I don’t know about you, but it seems like Spring only lasted about a day.  School is out, the pools are open, and that means one thing: SUMMER IS HERE.

You know I love entertaining and grilling.  But more than that, I love having my friends and family nearby, talking and laughing and making jokes memories.  There’s no better way to get everyone together than by having an outdoor party.

Here are 5 tips to throwing a great outdoor party:

1.  Have things to do

If you have a pool, this is easy, but for the rest of us, you’ll need to create an atmosphere that is inviting and fun.  The easiest thing to do is have yard games: corn hole, horseshoes, and kickball, and the classic slip-n-slide are a few of my favorites. Grandma always goes first on the slip-n-slide.  #houserules

2.  Make the food readily available

Of course, you’ll grill out (duh!), but there needs to be something available to snack on at all times.  The best food for your outdoor party are things that do not need to be refrigerated.  Chips and salsa are great and so is fresh fruit.  Cantaloupe is my favorite!

3.  Find the shade.

You have to make sure there’s a shady area.  Not only will this make your party more comfortable, but this Texas heat is brutal.  Shade gives people a place to go when they still want to be social but can’t take the heat.

Pro Tip: water guns are also a great idea to break out half-way through the party.  They will cool everyone off, and you’re sure to make everyone laugh.

4.  Remember the things your guest forgot

Sunblock, cheap sunglasses, bug spray and a spray fan are great items to have laying around for your friends who forgot a few things.  Everyone will thank you for being so considerate. 

5.  Have enough seating for everyone

This is Texas. It’s hot.  Yes, everyone is going to admire your beautifully landscaped yard for a few minutes, but really they came over to spend time with you and talk.  Having a comfortable place to sit is imperative.  Farm + Yard has seating for everyone: swings, Adirondack chairs, chaise lounges, and traditional chairs and tables.  No matter what your patio looks like or it’s size, we have something that will work perfectly for your next outdoor party.

Outdoor parties can be very easy and casual.  Just prep a few things ahead of time and then focus your energy on spending time with your friends and family.

Do I need a yard evaluation?

Sometimes it’s hard to know what will fit perfectly on your patio.  We offer a FREE yard evaluation so you can be sure you have the perfect spot for everything.

Click here to schedule a free Yard Evaluation or contact us by phone: (254) 537-1014.