Top Outdoor Entertainment Tips to End Summer Right

Despite my objections, summer is gradually coming to an end. So, what can you do with your friends this summer to celebrate? I’m so glad you asked, because I totally know what you can do: 

PARTY, BABY! 

“What??” You’re asking me, scared and confused, “Party?? It’s been so long! I don’t have the right tools or food or drinks! How do I host an outdoor summer party??” Hush you beautiful angel. I will show you the way to having the ultimate outdoor summer party, and list everything you need from the appetizers to the whiskey glasses. We’re going to go over tips for entertaining guests, getting the right bartender tools for top-tier drinks, fun summer activities to keep your guests happy, and even entertaining food ideas to keep your pals well-fed. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’re going to be the overlord of outdoor entertainment! The sultan of summer activities! The...principal of...party time!

I’ve run out of alliterations, so let’s get started.

How Do You Host a Great Summer Party?

We as a society have been asking this question for decades. While there are many options, only a few of them are equal parts fun and cost-effective. Being a host ain’t easy! You gotta make sure the food and beverages are stocked, the music is bumping, AND everyone is entertained. Let’s start with the basics:

How Can You Entertain Everyone in the Group?

Make sure you have adequate spaces to socialize.

Comfort and atmosphere are truly what make or break a party. Make sure there’s enough outdoor seating for everyone in your backyard setup - this means having enough chairs, places for people to put their drinks, and spaces for chit chat. You’d be surprised how not forcing people to sit on the ground really keeps the party moving.

Make sure there is backyard entertainment.

This can be anything from music to actual outdoor games, like cornhole or beer pong. These provide the perfect outdoor entertainment elements that will keep a party going, even after some of the conversation has fizzled out.

How Do I Make Sure People Have Fun at My Party?

Make sure that the atmosphere is lively!

Watching people yawn at a party you’re hosting is a fate worse than death. Some great types of entertainment examples to keep the mood high include having people add to a group playlist, playing some icebreaker conversation games, or other summer activities that encourage people to socialize.

Drinking games.

I’ll get more into the details of having the perfect bar tool set to make sure everyone gets the drink of their dreams later, but let’s get into alcohol-related outdoor entertaining ideas first. Here are some great drinking games that  are sure to keep your party going:

• 21: A number game that requires rules, drinking, and being able to effectively count to 21 with a group of intoxicated people. Harder than it sounds.
• Kings: A card game you can play with a regular pack of cards in which every card has a designated drinking rule.
• Flip Cup: a classic alternative to beer pong in which players have to, uh, flip a cup. Really quickly. It’s fun!

How Do You Host and Entertain Outdoors?

This is super easy. Here’s all you need: (1) outdoor area or patio. That’s it! What makes an outdoor party SPECIAL, on the other hand, is a different story:

How Do You Make an Outdoor Party Special?

Decorations.

Create the perfect atmosphere with warm or colorful string lights, or if you want to keep with the summer vibe, some tiki-torches and those little umbrellas that serve no use but look great in drinks. 

Interesting food & beverages table.

Make your crafts & services table pop with fun decorations - this could be anything from flowers to crafts you make. You’d be surprised how much of a difference that makes!

What Do I Need For an Outdoor Party?

To recap, here are the basic things you’ll need for a truly excellent summer party: 

• A decently sized outdoor area or patio 
• A fan to keep people cooled off 
• A bartender set
• A drink mixer set
• Outdoor entertainment & summer activities
• Finger foods 
• Decor

Top Food & Drink Tips for Your Party

Now that we’ve gone over the essentials, let’s get into the nitty gritty of what’s REALLY gonna make your party a party - snacks and alcohol!

How Do You Set Up Food for an Outdoor Party?

Have the right foods prepared. Finger foods like chips, cocktail shrimp, garlic bread, caprese, dips, wraps, and any other entertaining food that can be eaten quickly and mess-free are optimal. 

Set your food up in an accessible way.

Organize your food table in a way that makes sense. What would people grab first? Where are the plates and napkins? Make sure everything is set up efficiently.

What Kind of Drinks Should I Get For My Party?

Alcoholic Beverages.

Assuming you’re over 21 and interested in drinking, this is essential party entertainment! Luckily, you’re on a website that makes its living selling incredible products that will take your party from a 1 to an 11! 

• This bartender set is PERFECT for a party. It has cocktail cards, a super stylish cocktail shaker, and every other tool you’ll need to craft and tailor each drink for your guests. They’ll be talking about your party for months! 
• This whiskey set is elegant, suave, and stylish. This is probably better for smaller parties, where sipping good whiskey can really be enjoyed. It comes with 2 glasses, tongs, and bullets that can act as ice. 
• Last but certainly not least, you’re going to need the right glasses to really show off. Try this whiskey glass set that can also act as cocktail glasses for the perfect amount of class and cool. 

Non-Alcoholic Beverages.

Not much of a drinker? No sweat - you can still have an amazing time! I highly recommend sodas, apple cider, sparkling water or soda, and juice. You can’t go wrong with any of those!

Final Thoughts

Follow this guide, and your party will be the talk of the town. I hope this article has helped you go from a beginning basher to a party pro. If it did, be sure to check out our other articles for more tips, tricks, and tools! 

Contributing Writer: Aurora Detor