The summer has arrived! Memorial Weekend is often thought of as the official start of summer. Back-Yard Barbeques, watermelon, swimming, corn hole, sand volleyball, horseshoes, campfires, and water balloon fights are back in season and people are anxious to grill out. The following are a few tips on how to throw a successful back yard party.

How to Host a Successful Party

Step 1: Invite people to come. Set the day and time and send out invites via email, telephone calls, or snail mail.

NOTE: Make sure you have an RSVP at least 3 days prior to the party. This will allow you to purchase the proper amount of food.

Step 2: Plan the menu. If it isn’t in your budget to provide food for the whole gang, let your guest know that you will supply the meat (hotdogs, hamburgers, brats, and/or chicken) and you are requesting they bring a side, desert, fruit or drinks to share.

NOTE: Keep track of how many people are coming and what they plan on bringing. You don’t want to end up with 5 coleslaws and 10 potato salads! Make a list of suggestions and provide them to your guest if they want to know what they can bring.

Step 3: Follow-up. If you haven’t heard from some of the friends you have invited, follow-up with them using the telephone. That way you can make sure they received the invite and you will know if they are able to attend.

Step 4: Plan games and activities. If it is a grown up only party, make sure your guest are aware. If it is family party, you will need to plan activities for the children (as well as the adults). A few easy games for setting up that often “run” themselves are corn hole, horseshoes, volleyball  or Frisbee. Just supply the equipment and your guest will be happy.

Step 5: Watch the weather. Have a backup plan if it is going to rain or be extremely hot.  Provide cooling relief such as shade umbrellasor tents and cool beverages. You may also want to consider an outdoor fan to provide relief from the heat and humidity. For the children you can plan water balloon fights, water guns or a kiddy pool. Just tell the guest in advance so they can bring swimming suites or a change of clothes and shoes.

If rain is likely, you may end up in your house. Playing cards, listening to music or playing video games are options at this point. Also take into account if you are going to cancel if it rains. Let  your guest know in advance if it rains you will postpone the party until the next day, next weekend, etc.

Step 6: Seating. People often stand around talking at parties, but you should still have plenty of seating available. If you don’t own enough, you can either rent chairs and tables, or have guest bring a lawn chair. This will make it easier for clean up if your guest can bring their own.

Step 7: If the party is going to last until after the sun goes down, you will need to consider lighting. You can use a fire pit sold at Meijer or Home Depot, Christmas lights strung in the trees and along walk ways, or solar powered landscaping lights.

NOTE: You can also purchase glow-in-the dark novelties such as bracelets or necklaces to give to the children. This is not only fun for them, but it also helps the adults keep track of the children!

Step 8: Have fun! Getting together is often more important than how extravagant the party is. Try not to stress over the little things and just have a great time!

NOTE: Make sure if you have alcoholic beverages at your party there is a designated driver program set up to help those who need it. Plan your party and party to your plan!

Do you have tips on how to host a great party?  We would love to hear your party ideas, please feel free to comment.