Perhaps you’ve just moved to your new apartment or rental home and want to show it off to your friends. Or maybe you have a beautiful outdoor space you can only fully enjoy in the summer. Why not take advantage of the warmer weather and longer daylight and throw an outside summer soiree. Here’s a few tips to ensure a good time is had by all.
Seating Arrangements
Don’t have enough patio furniture to accommodate your guests? Bring out your kitchen or dining room chairs to make sure there’s plenty of seating.
Also, spread cozy quilts and blankets on the ground so your guests can lounge picnic style.
Let There Be Light
The party isn’t over just because the sun goes down. Dangle strings of holiday lights on the deck, the fence, even tree branches.
Scatter hurricane lanterns of various heights or tealights in tall glasses or mason jars. Strategically place citronella candles all around to keep away pesky mosquitos.
Serve A Refreshing Drink
Set up a bar tent or area well stocked with plenty of ice. Invest in plastic cups to avoid any glass breaks on the lawn or patio.
Consider creating a specialty drink for the night. Make up a few batches of sangria with fresh summer fruit. Ensure that you have some fun mocktails for those who don’t want to imbibe. You can also make ice cubes with mint to jazz up everyone’s beverage.
Fun & Music
Enlist a friend with a digital camera to set up a photo area with fun props like big sunglasses, funky hats, and feather boas. Encourage guests to gather for group shots, more interesting than the usual selfies.
Invest in a piñata so your guests can enjoy some fun and prizes. Fill it up with funky glasses, necklaces, or candy from the dollar store.
Creating a summer fun playlist, but don’t play the music too loud. You don’t want to disturb any neighbors and have to break up the party early.
Festive Food
Plan a menu full of light summer fare that you can make up ahead of time. That way you aren’t stuck in the hot kitchen while your guests are outside. It’s your party; you’re allowed to mix and mingle.
Some easy make ahead ideas include simple pasta salads with seasonal vegetables. Fresh seafood like shrimp paired with tomatoes is a favorite as well as finger foods like little mozzarella balls and grape tomato skewers or prosciutto wrapped melon.
A cool and savory dip made from artichoke and spinach paired with fresh vegetables from the farmers market will disappear quickly.
For a light dessert, scoop out a half of a large watermelon and use as a serving bowl for a refreshing fruit salad with blueberries, strawberries, and pineapple.
Spread The Word
Here’s a tip, make sure you tell and invite any neighbors around you that you are having a gathering to avoid any issues later. You don’t want any hurt feelings or have someone be angry about the noise.
If you have any questions regarding your rental property, don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help.
