Long, warm summer days call for parties, and now that we can be outdoors again, what better time for a picnic? Picnics are a fun way to bring family and friends together in a casual, easy-going, laid-back atmosphere. Sometimes the thought of throwing a party alone can feel overwhelming or costly, but there are plenty of ways to throw a low-maintenance party that’s fun for everyone.
My husband and I love throwing parties. We are excited to provide a space for everyone to come together and enjoy each other. Now that we’ve had a couple of events, we’re ready and set up to be a science. Ahead of the holiday weekend, I thought I’d share some tips for hosting a fun, stress-free picnic that all your friends and family will love.
10 Tips for Hosting a Picnic
send invitation
You don’t need to send fancy picnic invitations. Keep it simple with group texts, emails or invitations. I love evite because it saves emails and contacts so when I create a new event it’s easy to tap all my friends and family and send it out in time. They also offer free templates to make it more formal and fun. If you want to make your own BYOB or have guests bring a dish, you can also mention it here. It would be helpful to have responses and total guest counts so you can plan accordingly.
make a list
List all the things you need to do to have a successful party! It never feels good to miss something, so make sure you have your list and check it out as you go. Here are some helpful party and picnic checklists to get you started (1, 2, 3). If your party is small, you may not need to do much, but it helps to get organized.
Prepare early and make a big grocery store ahead of time
Start preparing early in the week and do what you can a few days or a week in advance so you don’t feel overwhelmed on the day of the event. Open a big grocery store before the party. BJ’s or Costco are great for bulk buying and saving on supplies. Don’t forget cutlery plates, napkins, cutlery and cups. You can get affordable recyclable/reusable utensils that don’t require a lot of cleanup afterwards!
Don’t be afraid to delegate
My mom has always been a great rep when it comes to party prep and I’ve learned to live with it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask friends to share by BYOB or appetizers. Guests are always grateful not to be the host and are usually eager to help.
Cookout Essentials
Put out a lot of tables and chairs
If you don’t have enough tables and chairs for everyone, you can get creative with your seating. Grab some blankets and pillows, grab your camping chair or folding chair, and find some extra side tables or small tables where people can sit and enjoy.
Simple decoration with lights and flowers
Light up your party quickly with just a few simple details. outdoor string lights Gives such a beautiful vibe.we still have Automatic solar lights along our garden walkway Once it gets dark, it’s really pretty.use tablecloth Add to your desk (it’s a great thing to find second hand!). Cut flowers from your garden or a nearby store add a wonderful touch.
Provide sunscreen and insecticide
There’s nothing worse than being eaten alive by bugs or blown up by the sun at a picnic.Make it easy for your guests and bring out a few baskets bug spray and sunscreenand if the party is at night, a few blankets can also be placed nearby.
set game
Everyone loves lawn games, they provide fun activities for people while waiting for food or after a meal. We have cornholes that my dad made for our wedding. Every time we take it out, it brings back fond memories of our special day. My husband loves horseshoes and he and his dad made pits next to our house. Other fun games include boccia, giant blocks, ladder ball, Kan-Jam and Spikeball.
Keep it simple with simple food grilling and prep
Cookouts provide a great opportunity to keep things simple. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, vegetable kebabs, and ribs are all easy to prepare and ready to go on the grill once your guests arrive. Pasta salad, fruit salad, and/or potato salad are all easy to make ahead and serve on a large plate. Sliced ​​watermelon, chips and dips and vegetable platters are easy to prepare and perfect for a summer cookout.
Use a cooler or kiddie pool for easy access to drinks
Depending on your total number of guests, fill a large cooler or kiddie pool with plenty of ice to keep your water, soda, beer and other beverages cool. You can also invite guests to BYOB in your invitations, which is an easy way to make sure everyone has something they love at the party.An easy way to save on waste and make sure everyone has enough water is to Fill a large water dispenser Put the cup out. It’s also a great way to make a big cocktail or mocktail so you don’t have to mix drinks when your guests arrive.
Summer cookouts are my favorite! There is nothing better than enjoying BBQ food and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Don’t stress too much, prepare ahead and keep it simple so you can enjoy time with friends and family. Most importantly, have fun. Everyone will thank you for a fun event, next time you will be a guest and enjoy relaxing and unwinding!
Are you hosting a picnic in the near future or a holiday weekend? Let us know of any tips you have for throwing a great party!
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