Spring is just around the corner, which means warm weather and beautiful days to be spent outdoors. What better way to kick off the season than with an outdoor spring bash on your deck with your friends and family? In today’s blog, we will be going over some steps for putting on a great deck party that your guests surely won’t forget!
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Before sending out invites, you will want to select a date for your deck party. You can do this by sending out a Google form with a few different dates to see which date works the best for most people, or just hope that people will be able to attend with whichever date you select. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast though, especially since this is an outdoor deck party you are planning for. You would hate to have everything set up and ready to go only for it to start downpouring, leaving everyone and everything soaking wet. Once you have found a date that looks to have fair weather, you are ready to start sending out your invites.
Send Out Fun Invites
This step is completely optional, but who doesn’t love receiving old-school invites in the mail to parties? In today’s technology-dominant world, it can be a refreshing surprise to see a little card in the mail with an invite to a function other than a usual wedding invite. Have fun creating sweet invitation cards, including the food and drinks you will be serving and hours if you prefer to add that in there.
Be Sure Your Deck Is Safe and Secure
Another thing you are going to want to do is make sure that your deck is ready to go at least a week before you have guests over. This means ensuring that the railings are up to code and the decking is even so no one trips and falls. If you notice any issues like these with your deck, you will want to contact your local deck builders at Ready Decks to have them fixed before the date of your party so you don’t have to worry about anyone getting injured.
Don’t Be Afraid to Decorate
Now that your deck is ready to go, don’t be afraid to show it off with some decorations! It could even be as simple as hanging up some string lights for when the sun starts to set, getting a small fire pit in case it gets chilly, and gardening some flowers if you are into that. Regardless if you decide to decorate or not, just be sure there is ample seating on your deck for people to take a seat if you are planning on staying out on the deck all evening.
Remember, Ordering Takeout is Just Fine!
It is never a bad idea to take some of the pressure off of yourself and order takeout. This way, you can save a ton of time and potential stress. Simply order some basic choices and pick up some basic snacks like chips and guacamole and a veggie tray, and you will be set for the rest of the evening.
Keep the Cocktails Simple
Another great way to make your deck party easy is to choose one cocktail and stick to it. People often love the refreshing taste of mojitos, and you can’t go wrong with Moscow Mules. The best part is, both of these drinks need very few ingredients. To make a mojito, all you need is white rum, soda water, fresh lime juice, mint, and a dash of sugar. As for Moscow Mules, you simply need vodka, ginger beer, lime juice, and a lime wedge. Stick to one of these easy-to-make, refreshing spring/summer beverages, maybe a case of beer for the guys, and some juice boxes for the kids and you will be good to go for the evening.
Set Everything Up
As for set up, place your food on a table outdoors shortly before your guests arrive along with napkins, plates, silverware, salt and pepper, and any sauces that might be preferred. You will also want to have some cups and a pitcher of water available. As for the cocktails, make the first round shortly before your guests arrive as well so that the party can get started immediately. Just make sure not to set your food or drinks out too early, though, as you don’t want the food going bad or to have any outdoor creatures stealing your dishes!
Provide Games
Games are always a great addition to a deck party that will have your guests laughing all evening long. There is a great selection of outdoor games available, from the hook and ring game, giant jenga, corn hole, and more. Amazon has an incredible selection of outdoor games to choose from if you are unsure what store to find these at. Not only will this entertain your guests, but it will also keep the kiddos busy if there are any in attendance.
Don’t Forget the Tunes!
Who doesn’t love a little background music while mingling? This step is always fun, as you can get creative with it and put together a playlist on Spotify. You can even change the settings on your playlist and allow your friends to add their own songs to it. So once you create it, send a text to your guests to add some of their favorite songs to the playlist so you will have music for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy Yourself
While planning a party can be stressful while trying to get everything organized, don’t be afraid to also enjoy yourself, eat some good food, play some games, and not worry if you run out of anything. Your guests will be happy just being outside on a nice warm evening enjoying the company of their friends.
By following these steps, your deck party will surely be one to remember. Deck parties are an awesome alternative to having the party inside of your home as your guests can enjoy the fresh air, get some sun, and have some fun chatting and playing yard games. Just be sure to contact your local deck builders at Ready Decks if you notice any signs of wear and tear on your deck (or would like to have a deck built) in order to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. With the use of cutting-edge tools, equipment, and construction process, our local deck builders often complete projects in a single day. We look forward to assisting you with any and all of your decking needs!