During the summer, many people want to gather with friends and family, but they’re not sure where to get together. Here in California, that can even extend into the early fall, which often is just as hot if not hotter. But you don’t need an event planner to figure it out. If you have a back yard, use that. It just takes a bit of preparation and a focus on comfort.
Minimize your time fiddling with setup so you can maximize your time with friends and family. Prepare food ahead of time and make it something self-serve. Food-wise, that could be finger foods, tacos, do-it-yourself burgers, or a salad bar. Use buckets filled with ice for drinks so guests can help themselves while you enjoy the party. Have a music playlist ready that lasts the duration of the event so you aren’t hovering over your phone. Keep the volume high enough to provide energy but low enough that people can still chat and neighbors aren’t annoyed.
Be aware of the time and weather. If it’s extremely hot and sunny, have sunscreen on hand and perhaps a few strategically placed electric fans both to keep guests cool and deter pests. Remember that even in summer, the temperatures might drop towards the evening, so have a few lightweight blankets on hand. Also keep in mind that while most people think of sunny days in the summer, summer can also bring rain in some areas, so you should have a contingency plan in place. When it starts to get dark, avoid harsh overhead lights and instead make it cozy, comforting and ambient. String lights across the fence, solar lanterns along pathways or candles on the tables will all help to create a warm, intimate glow that transitions perfectly into the evening.
Photo by ShengGeng Lin on Unsplash