The best kind of outdoor party has cute decor andoutdoor games, sure.
It doesn’t have to be.
Come and get it!"
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Another biggie: Give a heads-up on attire.
Also, take the guesswork out of how many burgers to buy and how much potato salad to make.
Guests can easily create their perfect biteand you’ll minimize the stress of serving people with dietary restrictions.
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Make a Cool Dessert
Dessert for a summer outdoor party is best served cold.
Hosting over 25 guests?
Our favorite: a make-aheadstone fruit sangria.
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Have Enough Seats
So you have 25 guests and only five patio chairs?
Assess your indoor furniture.
The easiest option is to press dining chairs into service, along with any drum stools or poufs.
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Grab big pillows in outdoor friendly fabrics to make using the picnic blankets more comfy.
Renting can be another surprisingly cheap way to go.
Folding chairs start as low as $2 each.
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(You may also be able to rent coolers, speakers, tableware, and a bigger grill.)
Hang String Lights or Lanterns
Don’t leave guests in the dark.
Duhig recommends globe string lights and elegant round bulbs that give off a warm glow.
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“This is what you always see strung overhead at outdoor dinner parties on TV,” he says.
Then arc them over the cords and hammer them flush into the ground.
Costume jewelry, bandanas, and sunglasses are great options because people can wear them in photos.
Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Carla Gonzalez Hart
Other fun prizes: lottery tickets andespecially for a pool partymini water pistols.
Get Rid of Standing Water
Bugs are the ultimate summer party crasher.
The biggest tip for keeping mosquitos away?
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Empty any standing water lurking in your yard.
Or consider buying a rechargeable mosquito-repellent gear.
Offer Back-Up Bug Wipes or Sprays
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Still worried?
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confirm to have bug spray or insect repellent wipes on hand for guests who want some extra protection.
“Look for products that contain the repellent picaridin instead of DEET,” says Harrington.
“DEET can degrade synthetic fabrics, damaging clothing.”
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Keep it upbeat, and mix in some newer tunes here and there.
“I like Bon Iver, Beach House, White Stripes, and Elliott Smith,” says Antonia.
And when it comes to playlist length, plan for five hours.
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Don’t Crank the Speakers
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Sure, your playlist will be great.
But no one will want to stand near your speakers if they’re blaring.
The best setup is four or more speakers, spread out and set at a lower volume.
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Go cordless and opt for Bluetooth speakers, which are great for outdoor spaces.
you might also buy a few inexpensive disposable cameras and let kids serve as official event photographers.
Keep Guests Cool in Hot Weather
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Wondering how to survive the sweltering heat?
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Ice-cold compresses are a great hack.
Keep a few tubes ofsunscreenhandy, too, for people to reapply as the day goes on.
Fire Up the Fire Pit
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Gathering around a fire pit is an outdoor party essential.
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(And don’t forget the marshmallows and s’mores!)
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