It’s finally time to bring people together again, and when the weather cooperates, there’s no better place to hang out than the great outdoors. If you’re new to entertaining in your own home, or you’re just a little rusty at it, throwing an outdoor get-together can be a lot of fun. There are some things to be aware of, though, before you try to cram everyone into your backyard. Here are a few tips for entertaining guests outdoors that should help during the planning phase.
Cook Outdoors or Prepare in Advance
Almost every major get-together involves food of some kind. If you’re the host, you might want to make food for your guests while they’re outside. A good tip for entertaining guests outdoors is to not stick yourself in the kitchen the whole time. Instead, outdoor cooking on a grill will let you mingle with your guests while you work. If you can’t grill out, preparing food in advance is the best way to allow yourself to relax.
Ensure There Is Enough Space
If you plan on having a larger get-together, you want to make sure that you have enough space for everyone to enjoy themselves. There needs to be enough seating for people to rest when they want to, but don’t overlook the standing room either. You may need to rearrange outdoor furniture or even get a floor pool covering to get the most space out of your yard.
Prepare for Weather and Pests
Being outside does come with its own set of challenges. Changing weather conditions are always a concern you should prepare for. Knowing where your guests can take cover from rain and the like is important, but don’t forget about dealing with the heat as well. You’ll also want to try and minimize the bugs that people deal with by having some bug spray on hand.
Set Up Yard Games
Being outside does afford you the opportunity to have a bit more fun than being inside. The extra space provided by your yard gives you ample room to set up a few fun activities. You have a few options for games including bags, croquet, badminton, and horseshoes. Having something like a game that people can focus on while socializing can help to dispel any awkwardness or discomfort that people from different friend groups might have.
