I’ve partnered with Allstate for this post about throwing a backyard summer party.
The summer is coming to a close, but have you checked everything off on your summer bucket list? Did you get to throw that awesome backyard party like you've always wanted to? We've got a great list of ideas (plus a lot of tips that get forgotten) so that your backyard summer party will be the one everyone talks about all year!
1.) Good food!
You don't have to cater, and you don't have to spend a fortune, but if you say "party", your guests will expect food and you've got to plan ahead. Also consider vegetarian and low-fat options so that everyone can join in. You can start with classics like hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and drinks, but try to add something fun or original to the menu, or better yet, food that your guests can roast over a fire.
2.) Round up a fire pit.
There's nothing that gathers people into a friendly circle of conversation quite like a fire pit, especially if s'mores are on the menu! It’s best to set portable fire pits atop natural surfaces such as concrete, stone, gravel, brick, slate or a fire-resistant composite because putting them on wood deck can be dangerous if embers fly. A permanent fire pit is typically built on a base of gravel somewhere in the backyard. If you'd like to build one, note that in some parts of the U.S., especially areas that are prone to wildfires, you'll need to disclose your fire pit on your insurance policy. You shouldn't dismiss the potential safety hazards of having a fire pit, especially because you could be financially responsible for part or all of the damage. Some areas don’t require a permit if the fire pit fits within set size requirements and others require a site inspection from local officials. Many communities require a minimum of a 10ft distance from your house and your neighbor’s yards. Check to make sure it is away from fences, structures, overhanging branches, etc. Some communities even place bans on open fires, so check with your local officials to be sure.
Some safety tips from ReadyWV to keep in mind:
- Check wind direction before you light a fire
- Don’t use flammable fluids (gas, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires
- Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fit clothing
- Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar, because they can “pop” and throw sparks
- Know how to safely dispose of ashes
3.) Buy or rent a projector for an outdoor movie.
Set up a white sheet or just use a solid side of your house for the backdrop. Have extension cords on hand and hook up some speakers! If you don't have a movie planned, at least make a good playlist of songs to keep the energy up all night. If you anticipate high volumes, ask your neighbors if they're ok with the noise on the night of your party.
4.) Decorate with candles, lanterns, and glow sticks!
Gather citronella candles to ward off the bugs and make sure all of the flames are out of reach of children and out of high traffic areas. People will congregate near the lights, so space them out and make your entire yard available.
5.) Set up a trampoline.
From my grade school years to high school, our trampoline was always a huge hit in our backyard summer parties. Trampolines can offer hours of entertainment and bring the "fun" factor to the party! First things first, however, talk to your insurance agent about trampoline-specific policies, and also any state-specific exceptions that may impact your insurance. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that trampoline related injuries have nearly tripled in a recent 10-year period, so insurance consequences definitely need to be considered.
Trampoline insurance is often handled one of three ways:
- No exclusions: an insurance company doesn’t place any restrictions on trampoline ownership or usage in accordance with your homeowner’s insurance policy
- Coverage with Safety Precautions: an insurance company may include coverage if you have pads to cover the trampoline springs, a net enclosure for the sides, and/or a fenced-in yard with a gate and working lock
- A trampoline exclusion: some homeowner’s insurance policies may not cover trampolines at all, which means that if anyone, including the neighborhood kids, gets injured on the trampoline, the insurance company is not liable for those trampoline related claims. It may also mean that adding a trampoline results in non-renewal of your current policy.
6.) Set up a fun photo booth.
Hang a giant picture frame from a high tree and gather props like sunglasses, hats of all kinds, wigs, boas, mustaches-on-sticks, etc. and maybe leave a Polaroid camera nearby. Come up with a catchy hashtag for people to use as their share their party photos, like #JonesBackyardBash or #SummerSmoresAtSams.
7.) Open up the pool!
There's no party like a pool party! If there will be children at the party, keep the numbers small and get permission from parents. Make sure there are always at least two adults present while children are in the water.
If you do have a pool but you'd rather not open it to guests, install a tall fence around the pool, a childproof gate, and a cover. If you don’t have any safety measures in place, be sure to keep the party well enough away from the pool. Some experts suggest putting chimes or alarms on all of the house doors exiting to your pool, so if a child wanders away from the party, you’re immediately notified.
8.) Stock up on drinks.
After the food is cleared away, a good supply of cold drinks will keep your guests hydrated and happy to stick around. Borrow coolers and make sure you have plenty of ice. Juice boxes for the kids is always a good idea and bottles of water are a must.
9.) Have a few activities available.
Leave out games like bocce, horseshoes, a bubble station, water balloons, or even just a basketball, but don't organize the events or insist that everyone play. Let your guests decide what they want to do and when so that everyone can feel relaxed and comfortable. Give them time to mingle, time to eat, and time to enjoy the ambiance!
10.) Talk to everyone!
Make a point to talk to each and every guest for more than just a couple minutes. If you're too busy running the event or organizing over the course of the night, you weren't very prepared and your guests could feel ignored or unimportant. Connect with everyone and thank them for coming! Have a blast at your backyard summer party and do it all over again next weekend!
This post was written as part of the Allstate Influencer Program and sponsored by Allstate. All opinions are mine. As the nation’s largest publicly held insurance company, Allstate is dedicated not only to protecting what matters most–but to guiding people to live the Good Life, every day. Image credit: copyright Monkey Business/Dollar Photo Club.
Amber Ludwig says
Great tips!! Love the projector idea and fire pit 🙂 Talking to everyone is so important!! Its something I always forget because Im just so busy!! Now I want to have a party 🙂
Katrina Baker says
I love the trampoline! Fun as kids, fun as adults!
Eileen marie says
I love the photo booth idea! And I had no idea you had to disclose a fire pit to your insurance.
Sandra Caballero says
I love summer night parties
Lori Williams says
Great information! I have always wanted a firepit. I had no idea that I may have to notify so many people and claim it on my home owners insurance. Thank you for sharing!
Toni says
I loved your ideas! We just used some last Sunday for my daughter 30th birthday. I think the biggest hit was roasting marshmallows over the fire pit like they did when they were kids.
Sarah Bee says
I love the outdoor movie idea! And good food is always a must!
Alysha Parent says
This is a great list. We just set up a projector for an outdoor movie about 2 weeks ago and it went over so well. Definitely recommend that one.
Lauren says
I love the outdoor projector idea. My neighbors and I are still in search of a decently priced one so we can have outdoor movie nights for our kids.
I wasn't aware of the 10 foot rule for fire pits, either. This is good to know as we are considering making our own in the backyard.
Danielle says
Smores & glow sticks?!??!?! What more do you need to keep both kids & adults happy! Love these ideas! So simple!!!!
Darlene Cruz says
Awesome ideas for a wonderful gathering
Deborah D says
these are great tips
Meenakshi Nichani says
These are such awesome ideas !
Pam H. says
The pool and firepit make backyard parties fun at my house. I enjoy decorating with lanterns and candles. A trampoline would be fun.
GINA BLADES says
Have a few activities available is the best advice. Depending on your guest list, you need different activities to interest everyone. Kids, adults, people that want shade, etc.
Ashley Chassereau Parks says
These are great tips!! I love the projector idea!! We did that once for our engagement party, during which we played a football game! It was a hit! I bet the kids would enjoy that too!
Casey B says
Can't wait for fall so we can have fun parties around the fire!
Linda Mannst says
This sounds like a great time. I love the trampoline idea. I have been thinking about getting the grandkids one for the back yard. Thank you so much for sharing
M Allie webb says
Ty for all the great tips I tend to forget about most I'm to busy running around I'll keep these in mind
Sarah L says
I shop at Dollar Tree for party supplies.
Shelley Homel says
great tips for hosting a backyard party
Yaquelin Diaz says
These were some great tips !! I really loved them. And now I will be an even better host for my backyard party !
Joanne Gregory says
Sounds like fun! We don't usually entertain but this makes it seem pretty easy.
Jessica Carlson says
now I just need a reason for a party... awesome ideas!
sara bradstream says
We love out side
Peta-Gaye Daniel says
Wow! I didn't think of the insurance issues before reading this. Great tips! Fun ideas!
jen st pierre says
Wish we had a backyard to throw a party we have such a small area maybe 5 ft from fence to house.
Jessica Menster says
This looks like such an amazing way to enjoy summer with friends and family! I love all of the ideas!
stacy says
We have a fire pit and we love to light a fire at the end of every party. I love to end a party sitting around a fire with a nice drink talking until it is time for everyone to go home. Another tip for food - even if it is summer, don't ignore the crock pot! You can make so many different dishes ahead of time and then just keep them in foil pans or chafing dishes at party time. That way you don't have to step away from the party at all to cook anything. We like doing meatballs and having everything out for do-it-yourself meatball subs.
Toni says
I love the projector idea. Thanks for all the tips.
Amanda Schaeffer says
These are great ideas I love the trampoline idea for the kids I will give that a try thanks for sharing
Jenna says
We put in a fire pit this summer and it was an amazing decision. It allows us to has get togethers later in the evening plus smores and other foods that can be cooked over an fire.
Mia says
Good suggestions for an outdoor party. I think the trampoline would be especially fun for kids and adults.
Beverly Guajardo says
A lot of great ideas. I will have to try some of them at my next party.
janine says
Great tip ab. Adding trampouline & fire pit to ins. Policy! 🙂
Cynthia C says
Summer is the best time for entertaining and you have some great suggestions.
Julie B says
Great tips! Won't be able to do these this year, but I'll definitely keep them for next year!
kelly tripi says
I always struggle to talk to everyone at the party!!!! Love the idea of the activity table too
Amanda Schaeffer says
These are great tips thanks for sharing a photo booth is a cool idea
sandier says
These are fabulous tips, I would have never thought of an outdoor projector, but it would be great to run old movies, especially if it is a family party! The Photo booth is another great idea!!
Dorothy Dillingham says
Great tips! Thanks!
Diana Scholz says
Backyard parties are my favorite <3
natalie nichols says
These are great tips. Having activities and great food and drinks are the best part of a backyard summer party.
Cynthia R says
I like how you suggested to set up some activities but don't make everyone participate, people might not feel comfortable so better to leave it open.
yeng says
when i have my own house, i will do this
Alexis says
I love summer parties! we just started adding a photobooth to ours.... long summer nights are fun! im glad we still have a few days of summer left!!!
Mia says
I like your photo booth idea - that is always fun.
denise low says
Thank you for the tips. Looks like lots of fun.
Catherine Alger says
I have a fire pit and it's always a big hit. I love the photo booth idea. I'm going try that at our next get together.
Jeanette Gross says
Oooh! Outdoor movies! Love it! 🙂 Being organized enough to enjoy the party and talk to everyone is important, I struggle with managing that one. 🙂 Thank you for all the great tips! 🙂
jennifer peters says
These ideas are awesome!!
Shannon F. says
Love the tips! This would be a fun family get together! Family time!
Mia says
Great tips. I think good food is the number one. We often do potlucks making it so fun to try new dishes.
Jerry Marquardt says
I like all of these great details on throwing the perfect summer party. I have one this Labor Day weekend to throw, and these pointers sure will help.
Samantha D says
That looks like so much fun. I would love to have some smores. In arizona we would need water balloons and a pool for sure!
Michelle Elizondo says
Id love to be invited to a summer party.
Jerry Marquardt says
I see that these trampolines are getting popular at parties, so I am going to take your advice and have one at my upcoming party.