Summer weather is already here and finding an excuse to throw a backyard party isn’t hard. Brats and burgers on a grill, ice cold drinks, and friends and family make the effort of throwing a summer party worth the time and energy. Here’s a few tips and tricks to consider while you think up your perfect patio party ideas.

1. Choose a theme

A fun element to bring to any outdoor summer party is a theme for your decorations. Maybe you want to have a tiki theme? Or throw a Very Harry Potter Bash? Having a party theme can bring some variety and fun to your outdoor get together and keep things interesting, especially if you host parties on a regular basis.

Even if you don’t want to have an official theme, having some party decorations can provide a nice ambience to the event, especially in the evening times. Consider putting up outdoor string lights around the patio or in the trees, some backyard torches to light the walkway, or led water lighting if you have a fountain or pond.

2. Clean it up

Once you decide to throw a party, it’s time to get your home and patio into top shape. 

• Focus on high-traffic areas of the house such as the kitchen, hallway, and bathroom.
• Pick up clutter such as toys, trash, and odds and ends.
• For the deck and patio, pick up toys, hoses, and tools.
• If you have a pool, clean up the water to remove dead bugs, grass and leaves.

If you want to make your house shine, have a cleaning service company soft wash your house and deck and pressure wash your patio and sidewalk. Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that removes mold, mildew, and algae from surfaces without the risk of damage from high pressure. Power washing your patio and sidewalk will remove dirt and mold from the surface and make it look bright and clean for your guests.

The prep work is usually what makes or breaks a good summer party, but it isn’t just for curb appeal. Mold becomes slick when wet, so if you’re throwing a pool party, having the concrete cleaned is a good safety precaution.

3. Get the food

Let’s be honest, food is a huge part of throwing a party. You don’t want to have too much or too little, and you want to accommodate your guests’ tastes. The first key to getting the food organized is a proper head count. 

If you’re throwing a small party just for close friends and family, start a list of the likely attendees to get an idea of how much food you’ll need. If you’re having a more informal party, social media is a great way to get a quick RSVP from potential guests. Set up your event on Facebook and send invites with a request for RSVP before the date of the party. This gives you time to prepare the food. 

When it comes to the type of food to have, try to offer a variety of options that are easy to grab and carry around. If you’re doing anything bigger than a dinner party, you’ll want to forgo things like casseroles, roasts, and other formal dinner options as most informal backyard parties involve standing and mingling. Try to present a spread of finger foods such as little sausages, cocktail sandwiches, chips, and veggies and dip. Provide paper plates and plastic utensils for easy clean up, and have large receptacles nearby for guests to deposit their trash. 

Throwing a summer party can be exciting, fun, and rewarding. It can also be a nightmare with poor prep. The key is to plan the event carefully so that you can let loose and have a great time with friends and family.