How to have an outdoor party in summer

Whether there’s a special occasion on the horizon or you just want to enjoy the fresh air, being able to host get-togethers outside is one of the best things about the summer months. With the evenings staying light and warm enough for everyone to enjoy themselves, why not take the opportunity to spend some quality time outdoors while the weather lasts?

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the key considerations of hosting a party outdoors in warm weather, from planning the event to staying cool on the day. Keep reading to learn more.

How to host a party outdoors in summer

Depending on the occasion, you might be happy to just invite your loved ones over and cook up some food from the freezer to enjoy the sunny weather. But for bigger events, those with special significance or with larger guest lists, it pays to do a little preparation beforehand. Here are our top tips.

Preparing your outdoor space

As beautiful and floral as your garden may already be, a few finishing touches can help to make it perfect ready for your get-together. First, think of the practicalities. Make sure the area is tidied up of hosepipes, watering cans and garden tools so that all walkways are clear and safe.

Next, seating. Chances are, at some stage your guests will want to sit down and chat with one another – no one likes to be on their feet all evening long. While you don’t necessarily need to have enough chairs for every single person to be sat down at once, having a good range of seating options available helps everyone to feel comfortable, especially in hot weather.

Lastly, consider the ambience. Decorative touches can add a special something to your outdoor space, particularly if they have a dual purpose. If your gathering is likely to go on into the evening, you’ll need some illumination as the sun gets lower in the sky. Consider solar powered lamps, string lights, candles or patio heaters to help ensure a gorgeous, cosy atmosphere later on.

Arranging the entertainment

At any party, a good deal of the entertainment comes from chatting with your loved ones and catching up on one another’s lives – but it can be helpful to have other options available as well to help keep the conversation flowing.

You don’t have to go to extremes to do the job, though. Something as simple as some music playing in the background can give your guests something to dance to – and if you choose something from your younger years, it can be a conversation starter as you and your guests reminisce about the memories you made at the time.

Another fun option is to provide a game or two - something simple like hoopla or even just a target board and some beanbags to throw. This is especially important if there will be children attending, as this can keep them occupied while the adults catch up with one another – but don’t be surprised if you see your older loved ones giving it a go as well!

Planning the menu

No party is complete without a bit of food, but an outdoor party can pose a conundrum. Not all food does well out in the heat of the day, and it can be tricky to keep insects at bay, too.

One solution is to keep the food just inside, in your kitchen or dining room, perhaps, and to allow your guests free passage in and out when they get peckish. This can also help to encourage circulation between guests as different people dip in and out of the house.

Firing up the barbecue is always a popular choice, so consider getting numbers confirmed before the day of the party so you can make sure you have enough burgers, sausages and everything else you need. Don’t forget to check if anyone has any particular dietary requirements – and consider labelling any food set out as a buffet so your guests don’t have to guess what each dish is.

How to keep your outdoor party cool in the summer

While it’s lovely to have the sun shining, remember that warm temperatures can be uncomfortable when you’re outside for long periods of time. Make sure your guests have somewhere to seek shade – whether inside or out – so they don’t have to be out in the hot afternoon sun all day long. To help your guests beat the heat, you should also…

Embrace the evening get-together

Unless there’s a particular reason why your party needs to happen in the middle of the day, it’s often best to schedule it for the late afternoon or evening, when temperatures aren’t quite so scorching. This can also make it easier for guests with kids or jobs to attend.

Worried about elderly loved ones cooling off in the late evening? Keep a light blanket or two on hand to make sure everyone stays comfortable.

Be generous with drinks

Hydration is hugely important in hot weather, and while you probably want to offer alcoholic drinks like beers, wines or cocktails, don’t forget to keep your guests stocked with refreshing soft drinks as well.

In fact, it can be helpful to offer self-serve options for things like squash, water and lemonade, as this means anyone who’s feeling the heat can easily access refreshments without having to interrupt conversations to ask you to get them a drink.

Consider offering cold or chilled foods

While a barbecue is a summer crowd-pleaser, not all of your food has to be hot to be enjoyed. Including salads, fruit and veg and typical picnic-style foods is sure to leave everyone with something to eat. Better yet, it means less cooking to do before they arrive!

Depending on your available freezer space and the size of the guest list, it can also be a great idea to stock up on ice lollies or ice cream ahead of the party. Few things are better enjoyed than a cold ice cream on a hot day.

Dress appropriately

We all want to look our best at parties, but that shouldn’t mean compromising on comfort. Stick to light, airy clothes like summer dresses, loose tops and shorts – garments that allow plenty of ventilation and won’t leave you feeling stuffy and sweaty in the heat.

As for footwear, pop on your favourite pair of sandals to highlight the length of your legs while keeping your feet cool. Where possible, steer clear of high wedges or heels – the summer heat can sometimes make people light-headed and unsteady, and nobody wants to end a party with a trip to A&E.

Whatever your plans are this summer, we at Chums hope you have a wonderful time. With the tips and tricks above, you should be well on your way to hosting a great summer party where you can make memories with your loved ones. Party on!