Your beautiful deck or patio can be the perfect place to host an outdoor get-together with friends or family. But what elements do you need to impress your guests?
Seal Smart gives some tips to make your party a success.
Create a Welcoming Space
You want your deck or patio to be inviting so that people enjoy spending time there. Have places to sit and socialize, set the mood with lighting, and play some music. You can create a playlist ahead of time to just play in the background, or you can allow guests to pick songs to dance to as well.
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Have Drinks Readily Available
Whether you are serving water, soda, or alcohol, make the drinks easy to get to. You can set out an outdoor cooler with ice so guests can grab a drink whenever they please. If guests need to go inside to the kitchen or fridge for more drinks, make sure it is clear where they are. No one likes to feel like they are imposing upon you by asking.
Another fun option is to get large beverage dispensers with spigots to use for drinks like water, tea, or lemonade. Set out plastic cups and a Sharpie marker for guests to write their names to keep tabs on their own drinks.
Set Out Appetizers and Finger Foods
Keep snacks out for people to eat as they socialize. Plan on grilling or cooking food? Just make sure appetizers are available before the meal. Hungry guests are rarely happy guests.
Some easy finger foods can include salsa, pickles, olives, chips, various dips, crackers, raw veggies, and hummus. If you want an easy buffet-style meal, small sandwiches and sides are easy for your partygoers to grab as they get hungry.
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Have Games and Activities
If you have the space, yard games are a fun way to socialize at an outdoor party.
Some fun outdoor games include:
- Cornhole or Bean Bag Toss
- Darts or Lawn Darts
- Badminton
- Horseshoes
- Volleyball
- Outdoor Bowling
- Pickleball
- Giant Jenga
- Yard Twister
- Limbo
- Tug-of-War
- Charades
You can also set up a projector screen to play a movie or video games on. Bring out a game system and set up a tournament or friendly competition.
Consider the Kids
If there will be kids attending the party, set up a space for them. Have a kid’s table, easy kid-friendly drinks and snacks, and plenty of activities for them. They can be simple activities like bubble-blowing, chalk, and easy lawn games. If you have several children attending, consider renting a small bounce house for them to play in.
If you don’t mind getting wet or don’t mind your guests getting wet, put out some squirt guns, water balloons, or a water slide. Happy, occupied kids allow parents to have a relaxing, enjoyable evening. You get a win-win for everyone.
Protect Your Deck With Seal Smart
Our wood sealant protects your boards for the life of the deck and comes with a 25-year warranty. Preserve your deck and host outdoor parties for years to come. Contact our team or call 1-877-288-3497, and we’ll be in touch.
