With the holiday this week, I knew we had to talk about backyard get-togethers. After all, you can live in Southwest Florida or San Antonio, and one thing remains the same… spending time with friends and family at your home can be very rewarding. This is especially true during those big holidays when you want to have everyone over.
But what if you’ve just bought a home in Southwest Florida or beyond and this is your first backyard get-together? That’s okay! The team at Records Results Real Estate has your tips for hosting a fun backyard get-together, whether you’re new to the neighborhood or a longtime neighbor.
Decide who you’d like to invite
Will you have the entire neighborhood over or just select friends and family? Drafting up a guest list can help you anticipate how much preparation you’ll need to make in advance.
Make a flyer or invitation
Depending on who you decide to invite, it’s a good idea to make some sort of flyer or invitation. For friends and family, it could be as easy as an email invite or a Facebook event. If you’re inviting the neighborhood, you may even want to print up a quick flyer with all the info.
Prepare the area for guests
One thing to keep in mind as you prepare your backyard is where you’ll put your tables and other necessities. Will you need an outdoor cart for condiments or additional items? How about where you’ll put a large cooler if you’re serving drinks that way?
Decorate a table or two
Especially during a festive holiday, I always recommend including a few decorations. It can turn a regular get-together into an even more enjoyable occasion. A simple centerpiece or two can go a long way, as can holiday themed plates and cups.
Make sure you have plenty of chairs
Chairs, chairs, chairs. While many people are perfectly comfortable standing and talking during a backyard event, I also recommend ensuring you have chairs for every person you expect to come. This way, you won’t have to scramble to try to find extras when you’re entertaining.
Choose what you’ll have on the menu
Whether you’re doing burgers and hot dogs on the grill or something different, prepare a menu. One thing that I love to do is to provide the main course, while all my friends and family bring the sides. And that way, we never run out of food!
Don’t forget the cutlery
In all the planning, it’s very easy to leave this one out. But without spoons, forks, and knives, a backyard get-together can be a bit difficult. For me, I always make sure to have an extra box or two of disposable ones just in case.
Be prepared to deal with pests
When you own a home in Southwest Florida, summer holidays come with the concern of mosquitos. My recommendation is that you grab a few citronella torches, even if you’re having your get-together during the day.
Choose some activities and games
What’s a backyard get-together without games? From throwing horseshoes to cornhole and others, including a few games can really make the event memorable.
Turn up the music
Finally, music is a must at your outdoor event. Especially during holidays, it can put people in the mood to enjoy themselves and have fun.
What backyard get-together tips would you recommend to a new homeowner? Share yours in the comments!
Terry Records
Broker/Owner
Records Results Real Estate
Residential Sales and Property Management Service