If there’s one thing we know about Austinites it’s they love a good outdoor party! And during the warm spring and summer months, there are lots of things to celebrate like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Memorial Day, high school graduation and 4th of July, just to name a few. Here are some summer party tips to make any occasion more fun.
Over the years, we’ve helped our customers transform their outdoor living areas from ordinary to extraordinary. We recently published an article about Outdoor Living in Luxury, where we discussed all of the products we carry that can help you build the outdoor escape of your dreams including Corradi products like Pergotendas, retractable awnings, sail awnings, solar screens and more.
If you already have an outdoor living space that you enjoy, but you need to get it party-ready, there are a lot of little things you can do to entertain in style. Here are a few summer party tips to consider:
colorful & comfortable
No matter what kind of space you have, adding color and touches of comfort is a summer party tip that can make you the hostess with the mostess. You can hang colorful paper lanterns or use colorful table cloths and utensils. Places like Party City or Tuesday Morning carry wonderful products that are perfect for outdoor entertaining. You can also do things like add colorful cushions and fun pillows to your furniture.
self-serve stations
Another popular thing to do for your guests is set up self-serve beverage stations. This is especially helpful during the hot summer months. You can find large plastic or glass beverage dispensers, so you have chilled water or even craft cocktails on tap. For a pop of taste and color, you can slice lemons, limes or even cucumbers to the water. You may also want to have drinks readily available for the kiddos in a separate cooler.
freshen up tired spaces
In anticipation of outdoor entertaining, you can spruce up an old deck or walls with a fresh coat of paint. Depending on the size of your space, you probably need to plan ahead. Just remember you need to sand the areas before you paint them and make sure you use paint formulated for outdoor use. If you aren’t able to repaint, just clean it up really good – sweep or mop the floors, wipe off walls and furniture, get rid of cobwebs and dust.
create gathering spots
Just like at any other party, guests want to sit down and mingle. Place your furniture in a way that creates little “nooks” for your guests to gather. If food and drinks will be served, it’s nice to make sure a table is in each grouping, so people have a spot for their plates and cups. If you don’t have enough outdoor furniture, you can always bring the indoors out and use dining chairs or other small pieces of furniture. After the party, just take it back inside.
pool party basics
If you’re throwing a pool party, there are things you can do to make it run more smoothly, especially if lots of little kiddos will be splashing around. Decorate your pool space with extra towels, sunscreen, goggles and beach balls. That way everyone will be well-protected from the sun and entertained.