10 Quick and Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard Party-Perfect

By Jennifer Matthews

On the cheap…

1. Choose a color palette and stick with it. Limit yourself to two or three colors (try blues and greens with orange accents, or red and white, for example), and choose all of your accessories and plants accordingly – your yard will look more cohesive, and you’ll get more impact for less money. TIP: White (and some yellow) flowers “pop” at night while most others fade into the darkness…
2. Light it up. If your summer party will extend into twilight hours, this is probably the single most fun thing you can do to create a party atmosphere. There are practically unlimited options this season when it comes to patio string lights, and candles are a perennial favorite. (Be on the safe side and light candles in lanterns, votive holders or glass jars. Use citronella tealights for a bug-fighting boost.)
3. Add some flowers. Even if there’s not a single bloom in your backyard now, you can add floral punch by tonight’s party. Here’s how: Buy some flowering annuals (like impatiens or geraniums) in four-inch or larger round pots. Then simply slide the plastic pot inside a slightly larger, prettier pot. The only rules: All of your plants should be in one or two colors at most (back to that color theme again), and all of your pots should be the same color. Try terra-cotta pots with red and white geraniums, or cobalt blue pots with orange impatiens, for example.
4. 4. Provide seating. Not every guest needs a seat, but be sure that there are enough chairs to seat approximately 2/3 of your guests at any one time. Cluster chairs (borrowed from the kitchen or the neighbors, if necessary) in conversation groups throughout the yard.
5. 5. Scatter some colorful throw pillows. Using your color palette as a guide, add a few throw pillows to chairs, steps, and benches to create a cozy atmosphere. (Remember to bring them indoors or store them outside in a covered bench if they’re not rain-resistant.)
   
   

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6. Create a water feature. There’s nothing quite like the sound of water trickling to create a soothing, inviting oasis, day or night. Depending on your space and budget, this could be as elaborate as a babbling brook that runs through your backyard, or a plug-in fountain hanging on your fence or wall.
7. Install outdoor speakers. Music is one of the defining elements of a party, and if you entertain outside regularly, having an outdoor sound system is a luxury you (and your guests) will be glad you invested in.
8. Let there be fire. Outdoor fire pits are readily available in a range of shapes and sizes to suit most yards, and they’re a great way to extend your backyard season into the cooler months.
9. Buy pretty dishware. You can use your regular dishes (and risk having broken glass under your bare feet), or paper plates (not very special or environmentally friendly), or you can invest in a set of plastic or melamine plates, fun cocktail glasses and colorful utensils. Stash them all in a basket, along with placemats, napkins, and salt and pepper shakers, and you’re set. (In winter, simply tuck the basket away in the back of a closet until next year.)
10. Set up a full outdoor living space. Think loveseats and comfy armchairs (now available in weather-resistant materials) – even an outdoor bar. Turn your backyard into a true extension of your living space, and you’ll be surprised at how much time you and your family spend outside.

We have a wide range of party themes including these seasonal ideas...more »