Whether you have a postage stamp-sized backyard or a sprawling expanse of land, summer parties can be a fun way to gather everyone together – and it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Here, we gather tips on how to throw the ultimate summer party from brunch to BBQ for all ages.
Rain or Shine
As I wrote this in the late afternoon on a Thursday, the skies went from sunny and bright to dark and threatening in a matter of minutes. The National Weather Service simultaneously put out a severe thunderstorm warning. And then the skies opened.
Ah, summer in Northern Virginia.
You should always have a contingency plan in mind for summer storms and be ready to move food and activities from the backyard to the living room on short notice. Even if it’s not raining, our region’s heat and humidity can affect your plans.
Marilyn Patterson, founder of Alexandria-based Joyous Events, cautioned against host-ing more people than can really fit indoors in case the worst should happen, weather-wise. “You should plan for and consider what you can do,” she said.
A summer thunderstorm may only last a few moments, but it will leave behind a wet lawn. If your home has a deck, patio, driveway or carport, you can still move the party back outside quickly after the rain passes. “Hardscapes will overcome that,” Patterson said. A 10 x 10-foot pop-up tent can also give people a shelter to run under if light sprinkles or a sun-shower passes through.
Communicating to your guests that the party will go on rain or shine with your back-up plan in place will help eliminate some stress and confusion on the day of your party if the weather forecast looks iffy.
“Sometimes it’s really hot, so what I like to do morning brunches when it’s still cool. It’s easier to prep food for, people usually don’t stay forever and you can use outside,” said Sara Raak, who lives in the Mount Vernon area and has an interior design business.
“I’ve also turned my garage into a dining area when it’s been super-hot outside. We bring in some fans and put throwaway table cloths up around the perimeter. People can come in and out, but you’re covered and away from the heat a little bit,” Raak said.
Food, Drinks and the Kitchen
Somehow, even when the party is outside, people always wind up in the kitchen.
You can keep your kitchen from getting too crowded by setting up “centers” for people to gather around. Food is a great lure, so set up small areas of snacks and drinks where you want people to linger. Whether it’s charcuterie in the living room or a s’mores center around the backyard firepit, setting up food-focused areas will give your guests a place to go and a reason to be there.
Keeping drinks in a cooler outside on the patio or somewhere inside (on a towel to protect your floors) will keep guests out of your fridge.
Setting up a buffet-style set up can be easier than having a seated dinner, too, because it allows for more flexibility around the whole event.
“We set up a buffet inside, and people can go in or out,” Raak said. “People can be on the patio and have a beer, hang out with whoever’s grilling and also come in and cool off.”
If you were planning a BBQ and rain is in the forecast, consider switching the menu to finger sandwiches or casseroles, both of which will still go great with fruit salad, chips and summer side dishes.
Or, BBQ and move your music under that 10 x 10 pop-up tent, being sure to keep water and a fire extinguisher on hand for safety, Patterson said. “A good sturdy 10-by-10 pop-up tent can overcome a multitude of things.”
Those Darn Mosquitoes... and Flies
If you luck out with the weather and get to party outside, mosquitoes, flies, ants, no-see-ums and other bugs can still make summer parties downright unpleasant. A good host is always prepared, so plan for bugs to arrive as uninvited guests.
“Citronella the scent is what keeps bugs away, and you can put citronella-scented items in cute and decorative containers that are aligned with the theme of your party,” Patterson said. “You don’t have to sacrifice the look and feel just to prevent the annoyance of the bugs.”
Pick up a variety of bug repellents and sprays, including options that are pet- and kid-friendly, natural or just don’t smell awful.
If some of your food will be outside, consider picking up a few mesh food cover tents.
But there’s no beating a yard treatment, Patterson said. “The best thing I’ve done and suggest doing is to get a mosquito treatment company to come and treat before the event,” Patterson said. “It will work on a spot basis for people who don’t want to necessarily make a long-term investment.”
