As the weather warms up across the country, it’s time to start planning your next backyard party! While this process may have felt daunting in the past, the outdoor living experts at Outer are here to help you make sure everything goes off without a hitch.
From checking all the details off our pre-party checklist to choosing from one of our favorite backyard party themes, this guide has got you covered!
Backyard Party Checklist
Before we dive into our favorite backyard party ideas, take a look over our backyard pre-party checklist to ensure you’ve got everything ready to go before the big event.
Guestlist
It goes without saying that you’re going to need a guestlist for your get-together, but we’d still be remiss to skip over it in this backyard event guide. Your guests make the party, after all!
In the age of instant messaging and social media, you could easily switch out a formal invitation for a digital one.
Either way, be sure to give your guests plenty of notice ahead of time, particularly if you’re asking them to bring something to contribute, like a home-cooked dish.
Activities
It’s exciting to invite your friends and family over, but you’re going to want something for them to do while they’re enjoying your gorgeous backyard.
Consider whether there will be children at your party, as this will inform what kind of activities you’ll be planning. Include things like giant editions of classic games (think Jenga and Four in a Row), Cornhole, Ring Toss, and Capture the Flag.
Entertainment
Just like your activities, entertainment is a crucial part of planning a fun backyard party.
Whether it’s the carefully curated music selection you’ll be playing or the movie you’ll be watching, your guests are going to be looking for a little something to keep the mood alive.
Food And Drinks
Possibly the best part of any celebration — outdoor or indoor! — is the food and drinks.
As the host, you’ll want to make sure you’re catering to any dietary restrictions or requirements, so it’s best to gather this information ahead of time to avoid any mishaps on the day of the event.
Check out these recipes from the Outer Blog for ideas on what you can serve your guests.
Seating
Have you ever been to a backyard party where there simply wasn’t enough comfortable seating for all the guests? It’s the worst!
Plan ahead to make sure you have more seating than you might need to avoid your guests uncomfortably shuffling from leg to leg all night or setting up camp on the grass because they can’t find a place to relax.
Our Dining Collection is the ideal way to give everyone the best seat for any occasion. Whether you’re inviting people over for dinner or just gathering around the table, there’s a spot for you and all your guests.
Comfort is a guarantee, and style is crafted into detail of this set. Grade A teak and sleek aluminum come together to make the most durable, comfortable, and sustainable outdoor dining room. And our patented OuterShell rolls over the tabletop to quickly and easily protect it from the elements.
One feature that helps Outer stand out among the rest is that its modular design fits your space. Our Teak Outdoor L Sectional - 4 Seat sofa, for example, can be configured in multiple ways to fit your space (as can all of our sofas!).
Since versatility is a must-have, we’ve designed our dining sets to accommodate all of your guests. With removable leaves that extend to fit up to eight to 12 people and chairs that easily fold, you’ll be prepared for anything!
Decor
From string lights to colorful table decorations, your party decor is where you get to let your creativity shine.
Try planning this out once you’ve decided on the who, what, and when of your party so you know exactly what you need to purchase, if anything. We recommend checking out party supply stores, thrift stores, and supermarkets.
Theme
And last but not least, your outdoor event needs a theme. From the classics to the timely trends, here are our favorite easy backyard party ideas!
10 Easy Backyard Party Ideas
Modern Picnic
This backyard party idea is easy to implement — you barely even need furniture! Use some recycled wooden crates as a table, and pair it with a comfortable rug for your guests to sit on.
Sticking with the recycled theme, our 1188 Eco-Friendly Rugs come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to suit your backyard picnic needs and are made from recycled plastic.
Not only are our rugs great for the planet, but they’re also incredibly easy to clean, making any post-picnic messes a breeze to wipe up.
DIY Drink Station
DIY cocktails? Yes, please! This backyard party idea can easily be paired with any of the others listed here, which is probably why we love it so much.
We recommend having a few different options for your guests when it comes to creating your own drink station.
From large serve-yourself pitchers of margaritas, sangria, or lemonade to cocktail shakers and bottles of bubbly, the possibilities are endless.
Be sure to have the necessary garnishes on hand to make your drink station extra special. Don’t skimp on the olives, limes, berries, or pickled onions!
S’Mores Campfire
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — we love an outdoor fire pit! They’re so easy to use and come in handy for a variety of backyard party ideas, including a s’mores campfire.
This theme is perfect whether you have kids involved or not, and it couldn’t be easier to set up. Light up your fire pit (or create your own DIY fire — safely, of course!), grab your marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, and you’re ready to go.
Want to take your s’mores game to the next level? With a Fire Pit Table, warmth is paired with a multifunctional, modern fire pit and grill that’s ready for every season. Spherical ceramic stones guard flames against the wind so the heat stays central, right where you need it.
And if roasting marshmallows isn’t your thing, simply place a reversible cast-iron griddle to comfortably cook up your favorite dishes. The Fire Pit Table is the perfect solution for every appetite.
Plus, the removable cover conveniently doubles as a tabletop so you can transform your fire pit into a coffee table when it’s not in use.
Worried about getting those sticky fingers on your outdoor furniture? Opt for stain-resistant outdoor seating, like our Teak Outdoor Sofa with Armless Chairs, so you can spend less time worrying about cleaning and more time enjoying your s’mores.
Dessert Bar
Need an excuse to enjoy some of life’s finest treats? You don’t have to wait for the next wedding to make it happen.
Imagine a table filled with all of your favorites — from cookies to slices of cake — and plenty of fixings, right in your own backyard. Show off your baking skills or have everyone bring their own favorite decadent dessert.
Be sure to opt for smaller portions so the food is easy to eat in just a few bites. That way, you can try a bit of everything without having too much. Finish everything off with a scoop of ice cream on top (don’t forget the sprinkles!), and you’re all set to go.
Pizza Party
You don’t need a fancy pizza oven to host the perfect backyard pizza party. Improvise with this theme by using your regular indoor oven, or get creative and make a pizza over an outdoor fire or fire pit.
Plan out your ingredient list in advance and be sure to have your guests bring along ingredients, too — the more the merrier!
Then load up your pizza base (homemade is best, plus it’s more fun) and start cooking. Creating a DIY topping station is a fun and easy way to make sure each guest makes their own favorite pizza.
Otherwise, you could always cook up several pizzas and share them around — whatever suits your group size.
Old-Fashioned Cookout
When it comes to easy backyard party ideas, we can’t forget about a good, old-fashioned cookout.
Classic, low-cost, and a sure-fire crowd-pleaser, this theme lets your guests enjoy socializing over a juicy burger or delicious hotdog.
Once all your guests are full, it’s time to make your way over to your comfortable seating area to relax with some drinks (or maybe some extra dessert...we won’t judge).
Our Wicker Outdoor U Sectional makes the perfect addition to any backyard cookout.
The neutral tones go with everything, the cushions are made from the same material found in luxury mattresses (yes, really!), and our fabric is stain-resistant, so messy guests are no worries.
Outdoor Movie Night
Whether you’ve already got a TV hooked up in your patio area or you’re going old-school and hanging a sheet up in the backyard, you can’t go wrong with an outdoor movie night.
We don’t all have a movie projector lying around, so try renting or borrowing one to make this backyard party idea more cost-effective (unless of course, you plan on making them a regular thing — then it might be time to buy your own!).
And why stop at just one movie? Try hosting your own cozy movie marathon and play back-to-back flicks under the stars.
Classic Game Night
When was the last time you hosted a game night? They’re so much fun, super easy to set up, and one of the most cost-effective backyard party themes you can find.
If you don’t have many board games already, ask each of your guests to bring their favorite and see what fun games you end up with. Card games count too, so get those playing cards ready.
This backyard party idea is perfect for little ones and adults, small groups, larger groups, and everything in-between.
You can even keep score and sweeten the win with a little prize at the end of the night if you’re feeling lucky!
Morning Brunch
Move over, morning coffee, because Mimosas are moving in for a while.
Planning a weekend brunch in your backyard is a fantastic way to take advantage of the beautiful weather. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a sunny morning with your favorite people over Bloody Marys and pancakes.
What’s the secret to a seamless backyard brunch? Creating a hassle-free menu that you can easily prepare the night before. Quiches, fruits, veggies, and maybe a French toast casserole or two are all great options for minimizing any day-of work so there’s no stress the morning of.
All that’s left for you to do is sit back, relax, and raise a toast to great friends and family.
Potluck Dinner
This is another idea that’s incredibly easy to set up — with a little help from your friends, that is.
In case you haven’t taken part in a potluck dinner before, this fun theme means each of your guests brings a meal of their choice to share with the group. What dishes you’ll end up with is luck of the draw, and it makes for an evening filled with variety.
Once again, be sure to have information on dietary restrictions ahead of time to avoid any issues and to make sure everyone has the best time possible.
Additional Backyard Party Tips
Before you get going on your backyard soiree, here are a few final tips to make sure you’re all set to be the host with the most.
Keep It Simple
Sometimes, it can be easy to overlook the details of your event. And who can blame you? Hosting can be stressful enough as it is without worrying about the smaller things.
One of the best ways to accommodate every invited and unexpected guest (it happens!) is to keep it simple and make sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy — whether it’s the food, the theme, or the music.
With that said, don’t be afraid to have a few stand-out elements, too. Maybe you have one extravagant dish or put a bit more detail in certain places while arranging the yard.
As long as you’re able to kick back and enjoy the festivities with everyone else, you’re in good shape.
Plan Ahead
As we mentioned above, planning ahead can do wonders for every aspect of your party, whether it’s a large event or a small gathering.
Let’s start with the guest list. Are you inviting anyone with kids, pets, or a significant other? An invitation to one might unknowingly turn into an invitation for all. Make sure you’re communicating the type of party you’re having and what your guests can expect.
When it comes to your food, making dishes the night before saves you so much time and effort and allows you to truly enjoy yourself when the party starts. Easily made food or snacks that are simple to prep are great options, and you don’t have to sacrifice quality by saving time.
And, of course, don’t find yourself without crucial ingredients the day of. You can’t make s’mores without the graham crackers!
Beat The Heat
Some of the best outdoor parties are great until the heat kicks in. Having a way for your guests to cool off can keep the party going even longer.
Whether it’s as simple as ice water and fans, shade, or a pool party, there are plenty of ways to make sure everyone beats the heat. Here at Outer, we make it even easier.
Our outdoor aluminum furniture is innovatively crafted so that it’s never too hot or too cold. Low thermal conductivity regulates the temperature so your frame and cushions stay cool-to-the-touch, even in the sweltering heat.
Plus, our aluminum all-weather frames ensure that your furniture is prepared to stand against the elements, no matter where you live. That means you get an elegant style without any warps, cracks, chips, or rust.
Stay Bug-Free
Staying comfortable in the heat is one thing, but staying warm once the temperature drops brings a new set of issues. What do you do when the mosquitoes come out to ruin the fun?
The good news is that there are plenty of chemical-free ways that you can ward off those annoying pests without your guests even noticing.
Looking to clear insects away with the fresh and crisp aroma of lemons? Citronella candles repel mosquitoes while adding a rich scent to your backyard. If you want to avoid any additional scents, then try an oscillating fan to throw off the bugs’ flight patterns.
And if stylish, functional, and absolutely comfortable is what you’re looking for in pest control, then we recommend the Bug Shield Blanket as an odorless and effective repellent.
The invisible Insect Shield® technology used in these blankets wards off more than just mosquitoes, too. Say goodbye to flies, fleas, ants, ticks, and so many other unwanted backyard pests.
It’s a soft, lightweight, easy-to-clean option that’s sure to bring everyone closer together while driving the insects further away.
Streamline Cleaning
After everyone enjoys their night and the fun is over, suddenly there’s a mess to clean. Now you have to decide whether you’ll clean it right then or wait to take care of everything in the morning. Either way, all you want to do is relax.
Cleaning while the party’s going doesn’t have to be as fun-killing as it sounds. Let’s take a look at how a quick and simple clean-up station can make your life so much easier the next day.
All it takes are a few essentials. For disposables, place a garbage can and recycling bin nearby so your guests can conveniently throw anything away rather than leaving it out for you to take care of later.
Next, set up a table and place a dish bin or two for your guests to put plates, glasses, and utensils in when they’re done. Next to this, have a cleaning solution made from two ounces of mild soap, such as Woolite, and a gallon of lukewarm water.
Why? When your neighbor accidentally spills wine on your Outer cushion, you’ll be prepared to wipe that stain off in seconds. Our eco-friendly performance fabric resists stains, so just wipe off the excess liquid and clean the fabric with your solution and a soft bristle brush.
It’s really that easy! Don’t believe us? Check out our spill test and find out how convenient it actually is to get rid of stains without ruining the evening.
Make Your Guests Comfortable
The final tip that can make a world of difference for your guests is to prioritize comfort. Even if the atmosphere is perfect and everyone is having a good time, the last thing you want is for your guests to be cramped or have a sore backside from subpar cushions.
With Outer, the most comfortable seat in the house is right in your backyard — and there are plenty to go around!
Here’s how we’ve created the world’s most comfortable cushion: We pair multi-layer memory foam with life-proof fabric to deliver premium comfort that’s also easy to take care of.
With our cushions, you and your guests can relax more and worry less.
Enjoy Your Next Backyard Party With Outer
So many backyard party ideas, so little time!
By following our simple checklist and choosing one of our fun, easy backyard party themes, you’ll be hosting your next soiree in no time! Make sure to plan ahead, especially when it comes to seating, so your guests can enjoy every minute at your place.
Try hosting your next backyard party with outdoor furniture so comfortable your guests won’t want to leave! From our Teak Outdoor Sofa with Armless Chairs to our Wicker Outdoor U Sectional, Outer has got all of your backyard party needs covered.