There’s more to a hosting a backyard bash then firing up a Weber Grill. From the menu to the decorations, it does not require overwhelming effort to host an indelible backyard bash. Unlike the indoor soirée, outdoor entertaining is laid back, without the pomp and circumstance. Below is a short list of summer party themes followed by food and wine suggestions:
Backyard Bash Theme idea: C’est La Vie (That’s Life)
- Decoration ideas: Life is vivid and it’s why this party motif calls for the selection of four bright colors. Create several mini floral presentations around the same theme. For instance, if the colors are purple, orange, green and yellow, choose an arrangement of lavender, Gerber daisies, eucalyptus and black-eyed Susan or any other unique flower compilation. Light up a dark walkway with LED lighting.
- Food: Filets, turkey burgers, bratwurst, baked sweet potato fries, vinaigrette, chilled green bean salad.
- Wine: Rutherford Hill Merlot
- Party Gimmick: Why wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas to be grateful for the small things in life? Symbolic of the “C’est La Vie” theme, ask guests to come prepared to propose and share a personal toast, regarding something they are appreciative about in their life.
Backyard Bash Theme idea: The Gala Alfresco
- Decoration ideas: Earthy tones. To reenact a romantic atmosphere, take (borrow) four to five café-style tables. Mix and match each table with different tablecloth settings. Create several mini-vase botanical arrangements. For a unique presentation, string a three-inch rope of burlap around a bouquet of herbs (i.e., thyme, mint and rosemary.) Repel insects and illuminate the backyard’s parameters with the dispersion of 10-12 (3 X 2″) soy and citronella candles. (Consider safety and fire hazards).
- Wine: Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
- Food: Brisket, Lamb or pulled pork barbecue, radish and beet coleslaw, red smashed potato salad
- Party Gimmick: No cell phones, smartphones, Blackberries flip flops or gym shoes allowed. To keep everyone interacting, play nostalgic games like Twister, Red Rover, or Pictionary.
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Other summer party theme ideas include:
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Backyard Bash Theme idea: Eco-Chic Soirée
- Decoration ideas: There’s no need to cover the table. The appearance of bare wood, bedecked in soy candles, is aesthetically alluring. Serving wise, opt for finger food, sustainable serving utensils, cloth napkins and ceramic platters.
- Wine: Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti
- Food: Margherita pizza on the grill, grilled asparagus cradled in a red pepper, bonded by a garlic hummus, pistachio chicken salad smeared over a wedge of ciabatta.
- Party Gimmick: To help lower the carbon footprint (for example plastic cup production or the running the dishwasher), — request that all attendants bring their own wine glass, mug or whatever object they use to imbibe their favorite beverage.
However one decides to host a memorable summer bash, conceive a novel party theme idea–that involves everyone’s participation in the festivities. Pot-lucks, are acceptable too. Read more summer planning party tips.
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