Party idea submitted by koriecantor Sep 17th, 2015

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   • 7 Tips to Organize the Most Hassle-Free Outdoor Party Ever

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     Outdoor parties are a big hit no matter what time of the year you are in. During the fall and winter seasons, you can jazz things up with a bonfire and during the summer season you can have a barbecue party fit for Pinterest success.
     Outdoor parties require a fair bit of planning and organization to turn out into huge successes.

     Prepping ahead is key to ensure that an outdoor party progresses smoothly without the hostess going missing for the most part. If there are kids present at your party ensure that they have a good time as well.

     Sending out invites well in advance and planning the menu beforehand sure does take the stress out from last-minute planning. But there still is a lot more that you can do to make your party a fun-filled affair.

     Here are a few tips for you to host a memorable outdoor party for family and friends.

       Be Great with Prep Work
      
     Throwing a party involves spending a whole lot of time in the kitchen. No matter how long you were cooking the previous night you obviously will be left with some more to get done before the first guest walks in.

     Ensure you set the table the day before to avoid last minute rush to organize everything right.

     You can give table cloth a miss and give room for delectable food to adorn the table top.
      
     Also do not fret over elaborate welcome food. You can serve spiced nuts, olives, and delectable munchies to the first guests who turn up.

     Finger foods and bite-sized appetizers are great for parties. Guests can grab them on the go, load a few onto their plates and forego the hassle of using cutlery.

     Croissants, miniature desserts and cheese boards are gaining popularity because they are simple to set up and are appreciated by all. Radish chive fromage frais, olive specialties and blue cheese vodka balls are not only novel, but are also extremely delicious and easy to make as well.

     So get the basic essentials ready and you can consider more than half your work done.

       Have a Time Schedule in Mind

     It is all so easy to get caught in last minute rush that you lose all sense of time and end up welcoming guests in your wardrobe.

     If you are clever with your preparations you can prevent this from happening.

     Ensure that you stick to a time table on the day of the party. Finish the cleaning up job as early as possible. Ideally for a late evening party you should start cooking by 1 at noon.   

     The 80/20 rule at work applies in party organization as well. Concentrate on the most important 20% of work to get the remaining 80% done as easily as possible. And the time schedule and your preparation process should be charted well in advance.

       Keep the First Things First

       Draw up your shopping list as soon as you have finalized your guest list.

     Ensure that you shop for adequate vegetarian options as well, so that you will not have to resort to last minute cooking to cater to the vegan guests in your party.

     You should shop for the non-perishable and durable stuff in the shopping list as early as possible. You can keep them in a cardboard carton on the counter so that they do not get lost in the pantry. Buy perishable grocery items only the day before the party. Also, never put any item on the menu that will require you to spend time in the kitchen or indoors, while your guests are out.

     Do not forget to buy disposable plastic containers in which you will be able to pack up leftovers for guests to take home after the party. Meat you can freeze, chips you can save, but food like salads and your guests’ favorites can very well be packed off.

       Send out Invites That Are Inviting

       If you are planning a special party, like a farewell party to a friend or 1st birthday party of your child, then it is always better to snail-mail party invites rather than send out digital ones.

     Not only can you afford to get creative with the invitations, but you can also set the mood for the party with colorful and vibrant invites.

       Build Your Party Around a Theme

     This is one of the easiest ways to plan a party easily and efficiently.

     If you have a theme in mind it will be easy to plan the menu and décor. If you want an island holiday-themed party, a tropical fruit centerpiece, Hawaiian decorations, and delicious food like sweet and sour chicken wings, grilled shrimp skewers and soy-wasabi spread can set the mood.

     There is no need to spend a bomb on decorations though. Easy-to-make drink umbrellas, bamboo candles, and simple leaf decorations can transform the venue into a tropical paradise. You can also place a fake grass table runner as a centerpiece to get more of tropical décor to your party.

       Keep Children Entertained

     Do not forget the little people who will also be looking ahead to having a great time at your party.

     You can set up a children’s table where the little ones can have their own fun.  Tiny delectable desserts and a cup cake centerpiece will make it appealing to kids. You can also place coloring pencils, crayons, and coloring books to keep kids engrossed and occupied.  

     An outdoor movie screen, a holiday karaoke or a play grill stationed outside on which they can ‘grill’ their own food are all options that you can consider.

       Keep Insects at Bay

     When the yard gets lit up and all the delicious food comes on the table, the creepies and crawlies also will come swarming by.

     If you want to prevent bugs, mosquitos, and other insects from spoiling your fun, you need to plan early. Remove stagnant water from flower pots, soggy lawn areas and rain gutters because they are breeding grounds for mosquitos.

     Spray down the lawn with a bug repellant to keep it insect-free, but ensure you do so a few days before the party.

     You can also rely on homemade repellants made using everyday items like coffee grounds, lavender and lemongrass, and borax-soaked cotton balls.

       Conclusion

     An outdoor party is great fun to attend and allows guests to mingle, relax and let their hair down. So the next time you plan one at your home, keep in mind the above tips to make it a big success.

   • Party Type: Spring party
   • Tags: spring tips party ever most theme childrens outdoor organize hasslefree
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