Homes & Gardens: Tips for a Great Outdoor Party

Themes

It is always so much fun to come up with a creative theme or mood for an event and incorporate different aspects of that into the party.
Make it a multi-sensory experience that your guests will remember long after it ends.
Remember – the mood starts with the invitation so try to capture the feeling right from there and always leave your guests wanting more when the night ends.

Weather

For outdoor events, always have a Plan B in mind.
Having an indoor alternative or shelter such as a tent is an option that can save the day.
If your event is being held in a public park or conservation area, many of them allow use of picnic shelters.
Shelter can be for shade too, not just rain.

Food & Drink

Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
Don’t use the same platter for cooked and raw food and always discard leftovers that have been sitting around for more than an hour or two (especially in the heat).
For a fun, casual beach party mood, fill a child’s pool with ice and use that to hold soft drinks or make use of inexpensive, colourful plastic pails.
Try to locate food and drinks under a canopy or shaded area if possible.

Safety

For outdoor parties in the daytime, keep some sunscreen and bug repellent on hand.
First aid spray, bandages, water, aspirin or an extra hat may be useful.
Remind your female guests to wear comfortable shoes outdoors or they may end up stuck in the sod with spike heels.

Lighting

There is something magical about dining under the stars and almost nothing as beautiful as the use of multiple forms of candlelight.
Use open flame carefully and keep an eye on younger children.
Hang votives from tree branches at different heights, use lanterns on tables and hanging from trees.
Place torches in the garden or incorporate tiny white mini-lights for a truly spectacular appearance. Remember to illuminate walkways and stairs for safety.

Submitted by Lynne Atkinson, Vision Event Management. For creative planning ideas, call Lynne at 905.796.7287 or contact her by email.