Outdoor Parties | Celebration Advisor - Wedding and Party Network Blog

May 18, 2016 by Laken Watts

Three Outdoor Parties

Springtime has hit and celebrating outside is way more fun than staying indoors! Check out these three fun parties we have lined up for you today.

Promotion Celebration
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of celebrating a big promotion with a friend. The weather is beautiful in Utah, so naturally for the celebration we set a beautiful table out on the garden patio and enjoyed the weather. We used simple place mats and napkins for linens and had a fancy dinner under the lights! We had a blast enjoying good food, good company and victories in life. Here are the details:

On the Menu—Honey Glazed Spiced Table, Garlic Roasted Asparagus, Strawberry Spinach Salad and big chunks of Artisan bread. Strawberry Jello Cake for dessert. Cucumber Lime Spritzer, and French Mules for Signature drink.
Decor—Rattan red place mats, red, yellow and white striped napkins, white plates, silver flat ware, clear glasses. Yellow tulips from the garden in a glass vase. SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE!

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June 15, 2015 by Kelly Curtis

Party Tip of the Week – Hosting a Bonfire

Have you ever thought about hosting a bonfire? These are truly ideal for those cooler nights. Even if the days are warm, the nights can still get a little cool depending on where you're located. They're laid back, yet fun. So, this week's party tip focuses on hosting one with ease.

Party Decorations – Keep it minimal. You don't need much since it will be outdoors. Include personalized cups, napkins and maybe a banner.
Food – Keep it simple with a s'mores bar, hot chocolate bar, popcorn bar and hot dogs. You can really get creative with all the bars and toppings that you can include.
Entertainment – The fire itself. You can also include outdoor games, just be sure to provide enough lighting to see.

It's truly very simple when planning a backyard bonfire. Just pay special attention to the details, like the personalization. Do you plan on hosting a bonfire? Don't forget to send us your pictures at social@weddingandpartynetwork.com so we can share them on the blog.

April 20, 2015 by Kelly Curtis

Party Tip of the Week – Outdoor Party

Hosting an outdoor party can be a daunting task. There are so many elements you have to deal with. This week's Party Tip focuses on 5 tips that will help you be a fabulous host of outdoor parties.

party tip of the week - outdoor party

March 27, 2015 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Outdoor Events

Warmer weather is upon us and it's time to start planning those outdoor events. Whether it's for a birthday party or engagement party, outdoors maybe the perfect setting. Need inspiration? This week's Inspirational Friday focuses on all the great details you can do outdoors.

There are many ways you can present a party outdoors. Your options are really endless when it comes to how you want to set up your party. This goes for your food, flowers and decor. Just make sure you consider everything that could happen like rain and the bugs. Other than that, having an event outdoors is truly ideal.

March 12, 2015 by Tracy Brengard

Tips for Hosting a Barn Party

A picturesque field surrounded by a fence filled with horses, complete with trees, bales of hay and an old barn can be the perfect backdrop for a party. A spring wedding, a barn barbeque, or a fall hayride are all options to consider if you have access to a barnyard and like the challenge of planning an outdoor event.

Get a Feel for the Land

Once you have selected the site for the party, the first order of business is to walk the property. Depending on what type of event you are hosting, you need to bear in mind the layout of the land. An outdoor party can be as simple or as detailed as you choose. Decisions will need to be made involving food, flowers, decorations, and music, all while considering your budget.

What's on the Menu?

It is always good to plan your menu in coordination with the party theme. A barbeque or fish fry with all of the fixings is a perfect compliment to a gathering at a barn. S’mores around a campfire or firepit can be entertaining and fun.

The type of party, along with the guests you will be hosting must be considered. A caterer may also be used to assist with food and can be a great asset, especially for larger groups or more formal events. If food is to be served, tables, chairs, dinnerware and drinks must be a part of the planning. Serving beverages from a wheelbarrow filled with ice or napkins tied with gingham ribbon are some of the perfect touches that fit so well with the barn theme.

Decorations & Flowers

Flowers and decorations are essential when planning any party. The theme of the party along with the time of year can help jump start ideas. Using hay, pumpkins and mums is perfect for fall. A western theme might require bandanas, burlap and mason jars with candles inside for a simple yet suitable way to set the scene. Lighting is a must for any party. String lighting may be purchased to hang in and around the barn to create a festive mood. Consulting your local florist is essential, as they can provide guidance regarding flowers or plants that are in season for your particular event. A good florist can take your party to the next level by recommending the right arrangements or making design suggestions.

Don't Forget…

There are other critical things to consider when planning an outdoor barn party, including checking your access to power sources. Electrical outlets need to be tested for lighting and for playing music. Whether you hire a live band or DJ or choose to use your own personal playlist, the right music can set the perfect mood. Finally, because the party is outdoors, it is wise to have a second date or a rain plan in the event of inclement weather. Advance planning makes for less stress on party day.

Keeping an organized list of things that must be accomplished is the key to success. A barn bash is a great way to entertain guests or celebrate with friends. This type of party is fun, festive and unique…a gathering that won’t soon be forgotten!

March 31, 2014 by Hannah Jackson

Tips for Hosting an Outdoor Spring Dinner Party

Celebrate the warmer weather by throwing a party outdoors! You've been couped up this winter, so treat yourself and those close to you with some fresh air and good food. Here is how to throw a dinner party outside in this refreshing new season.

Setting the Scene

If you're in the mood for something a little fancy, break out your cutest napkins and some mason jars and host a dinner party outside. Find a favorite spot in your backyard–under a certain tree or even just somewhere where the dog doesn't visit when you let him out. If you don't have a picnic table, no worries! Haul your kitchen table outside! Obviously, that may not be possible for everyone, so you can also just have dinner picnic-style with a big blanket. It all depends on how fancy you want to get.

If you use a table, go simple with centerpieces since the scenery outside will offer as a pretty big backdrop. Grab some candlesticks and candles in your favorite color and line the middle of the table with them. You don't even have to light them. Have a couple of friends or family members be the servers and let everyone sit around the table and be served their food. This way you don't have to worry about a line at a food table taking up quality conversation time. Everyone can relax around the table and be waited on!

The Menu

For the menu, start with a simple and refreshing salad. Fresh romaine and spinach topped with fresh sliced strawberries, carrots, cucumbers, and a poppy seed vinaigrette will have your guests so thankful that spring has finally arrived.
Grilled chicken breasts are easy, and there are so many ways you can make them your own. You can also cook them outside, which will get you in the mood for your outdoor gathering later. If you have time, you can marinade them beforehand to give them an even more intense flavor. Lemon offers a tangy flavor that compliments the spring season really well.

Keep the grilled theme going for your sides with corn on the cob, asparagus, fresh green beans, or all three if you want! Season them simply, wrap in foil, and slowly cook them alongside your chicken. It's easy, healthy, and delicious!

Don't stress over your drinks. Just offer a pitcher of ice-cold water (with lime slices if you want), and either a pitcher of sweet tea or a fruity drink like berry lemonade. There's no need to go crazy with the beverages, unless of course you have a specialty drink that you know will be a big hit!

Spring-Themed Dessert

Go with a themed dessert to finish off your evening. A cute idea is to buy however many small, clay flowerpots you need–these are usually extremely budget friendly, and base your dessert around that. Whatever you decide to make, serve it in these (washed and dried!) little flower pots for a very springtime effect.

An easy recipe I've seen online is to get store-bought pound cake or make your own, cut each piece with a circle-shaped cookie cutter, place one circular piece in the bottom of each pot, and layer with a few different flavors of ice cream. Stop between each layer and throw in a few gummy worms. Put them in the freezer after this step and let them get really firm. Then, top them off with some crushed or blended Oreo cookies to resemble dirt. If you want, you can go an extra step and stick a fake flower in the middle of each dessert. They'll almost be too cute to eat. Only almost, though!

You're outside, the wind is blowing slightly, and it's spring. Enjoy!

April 11, 2013 by Kelly Curtis

A Sweet & Elegant Backyard BBQ

It's starting to warm out, so now is the time to get outdoors. What better way to kick off the gorgeous weather than by hosting a backyard BBQ? Why not change up your BBQ though? Put a sweet and elegant twist on it. How? Wedding and Party Network has a few tips on creating an elegant BBQ in your very own backyard.

Create the Setting – To create this setting, it's simple. Use vintage jars, vases and a mix of simplistic flowers. Don't forget to add a bit of lace or twine to each arrangement, such as, wrap it around the vase. There should be flowers galore. Spring is all about bringing out the color, and of course the flowers. So, talk with your florist about what's in season and what would work best. Don't forget to mix a pretty pattern for the table cloths and napkins. Keep it simple with a bit of class.

For the Food – The other important aspect of this party is the food of course. What do you serve? First, plan out your meat. What will be easiest for you and what do you think everyone will enjoy the most?

Chicken is always a crowd pleaser, as well as hamburgers. However, if you want, smoked brisket or ribs also sound delicious. Once you've decided on your meats, move on to the side dishes. Whip up a batch of devil eggs with a twist, such as adding prosciutto, serve marinated green beans or peas and pancetta. Just take a look at what's in season and fresh. Once you do that, you can easily find tasty side dishes that are sure to compliment your meats.

While your guests are waiting on the food to be prepared, appetizers are great for them to nibble on. Chicken and potato salad in an artichoke cup, in season fruit, phyllo wrapped asparagus, raspberry canapes with basil & balsamic or goat cheese tarts. Again, find what's in season and go from there. However, if you have no clue what to cook or aren't that creative in the kitchen, you can always visit with your local caterer.

Also, don't forget about dessert. Again, include fresh fruit within your desserts to give it a refreshing taste a bit of lightness. A strawberry cake with fresh strawberries or mini lemon tartlets sound delicious as well.

It's all about finding the right decorations and food to pull off a sweet and elegant backyard bbq. Now, pick a weekend and start planning!

May 18, 2012 by Kelly Curtis

Inspirational Friday – Outdoor Accents

Here at Wedding and Party Network we want to give you inspiration for your wedding and party details. The details are what sets your wedding and party apart from anyone else. The colors, theme, detailing and style all creates your wedding day style and conveys your party theme. So, today's Inspirational Friday will focus on outdoor accents to make your outdoor party or even a wedding a big hit.

There are so many accents that you can add to any outdoor party or wedding to convey your theme. Event flowers are a wonderful way to create your wedding or party theme. You can do so much with them. Flowers can be made into extravagent arrangements or centerpieces to simple and elegant ones. They also convey the colors of your event and look lovely outside displayed on tables, by chairs, hanging from tents or arches and as pew markers. You can also use textiles in various colors and patterns, beautiful lighting, dinnerware, glassware, balloons and even the furniture you use outdoors can help create the style you are wanting for your occasion.

May 6, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

May Newsletter "Get Outdoors"

Volume 2 Issue 5

Unique Outdoor Parties

The warmer weather is upon us and that means we will all be spending a lot more time outdoors. The beautiful sun beaming down, fragrant, fresh flowers blooming and sipping an ice cold lemonade are all the makings of a wonderful afternoon outdoors. Well, what better way than to celebrate outdoors than with a party!? Wedding And Party Network is here to give you 4 unique party themes that you can host outdoors.

Ice Cream Social – With the heat shining down on us, all we'd like to do is cool off. Well, you can with an ice cream social! Kids will love this and so will adults. It is truly is a party for everyone. Set out different ice creams, toppings, ice cream bars, sandwiches and popsicles so guest can create their own sundae or choose one of their favorite flavors.

Carnival Party – Spring and summer are the times to start visiting those amusement parks. However, if you're not close to one you can bring the fun to your own backyard. Games, balloons and bright colors are all the elements of a great party, and a carnival themed party features all of that. Play old fashioned games and serve up carnival food. Funnel cakes, hot dogs, corn dogs and lemonade are all the makings of delicious carnival food. Don't forget the prizes!

Swap Party – There are so many things you can do outdoors, but some things you dread. For example, a yard sale. Some people think it's a lot of work and not always worth it. Therefore, you should host a swap meet party! Invite friends over and swap treasures that everyone has out in their house, yet don't want anymore. Place a long table out in your yard and let your friends place all of their old treasures on it. Then get to swapping! Once everyone is done, go inside for a light and scrumptious meal.

Cool Off –It may not be too hot just yet, but this party would be perfect for when it does get hot. Host a sprinkler party at your house and cool off. Set out numerous sprinkles, water slides and pools out for your guests. Create a changing area, a towel area and a place for your food, and that's all you have to do. Also, don't forget to serve up refreshing drinks and party food. Anything that will help your guests cool off.

These 4 outdoor party themes are perfect for summer. You'll enjoy great times with friends and the gorgeous weather. These two elements make for a time you'll always remember. So, go ahead and get outdoors; throw a party that you'll remember always!

If you are planning outdoor parties for spring & summer, let Wedding and Party Network help!

We're Social:

Host A Tea Party

Beautiful weather is upon us and it's time to get outside. Throw a refreshing party that your guests will love. This party idea features beautiful, refreshing colors that would be perfect for a little girl's party or a get together for you and your girlfriends.
Read more about Hosting A Tea Party

Chef, Host, And Party Planner: You Can Do It All With These Party Tips

You've decided to host the party at your house and bravely prepare the food yourself. Although I prefer to use a caterer, I have occasionally prepared the food myself for one of my informal shin-digs. These are some helpful tips that will keep things running smoothly around the table while still allowing you to enjoy the party.
Read more about Chef, Host & Party Planning

May – The Month Of Flowers, Photos & Zombies?!

With the spring showers over, we're ready for May flowers! Which only means the weather is truly warming up and we all get to start enjoying being outside, the pool and lake season. May is a great time for all sorts of things, especially hosting parties. If you're hosting a party for the month of May and are not sure what to do, let Wedding And Party Network help.
Read more about The Month Of May

5 Tips On Hosting An Outdoor Party

We all love getting outdoors when we have the chance, especially hosting parties outdoors. However, being outdoors can bring some unexpected turns when hosting parties outdoors. If it's the weather or bugs or you just want to spend more time enjoying your party than running around worrying about everything, we've got some tips that will help you along your way. So, Wedding And Party Network is here to give you 5 helpful tips when hosting an outdoor party.
Read more about Hosting An Outdoor Party

In Honor Of National Hamburger/BBQ Month

This time of year, we enjoy getting outside. We enjoy feeling the heat on our skin and just being outdoors in general. It's nice to get out since everyone has been cooped inside all winter. So, get outside! Plus, May is known for being National Hamburger Month and National BBQ Month. so, what better way to celebrate than to get outside.
Read more about National Hamburger & BBQ Month

And They're Off – Kentucky Derby Themed Party Ideas!

Do you hear that? Do you hear the galloping and trotting coming our way? Yes, it's Kentucky Derby time! So, it's time to break out the big hats and mint juleps and prepare yourself for a great time! The Kentucky Derby is all about the horses, betting, mint juleps and of course, the fabulous hats. This truly is an event for everyone in family. They will all love it and have an extremely good time.
Read more about Kentucky Derby Themed Party Ideas

Preserve Your Memories With Flowers Forever Inc.

You have special moments that occur in your life. The first thing that comes to mind is the memories that you have because of a special event. You want to remember them for a lifetime and cherish those special moments. Sure, you can have pictures taken or keep flowers, but why not have them preserved?
Read More about Flowers Forever Inc.

Bridal Elegance
Standing out for a special occasion is a must. You don't want to blend in with everyone else, you want to stand out from them. One of the most important dresses of your life is your wedding dress. You most definitely want to stand out in that.
Read more about Bridal Elegance

Hannah Lee Images
Everyone deserves a professional photographer who captures the happiest moments of their life. Who only offers pictures with a perfect smile on your face every time. You should be able to look back on your photos and recall those fun memories right on your living room couch.
Read more about Hannah Lee Images

For more vendors in your area, visit Wedding And Party Network for all of your wedding and party planning needs!

April 19, 2011 by Kelly Curtis

5 Tips On Hosting An Outdoor Party

Outdoor Party

Tip # 1 – Make This Party Your Own: When hosting a party, make sure you make it unique and it represents you. Throw your own little twist on your party. If you love butterflies, incorporate them into the party. Guests should walk into your party and immediately recognize that this is YOUR party. Remember, it is your party, so enjoy it!

Tip # 2 – Provide A Signature Drink: Guests will absolutely love this idea! Make your favorite drink your signature drink with a name that fits the theme of your party. Since it's outdoors, serve your favorite margarita or lemonade recipe. Guests will enjoy it and by naming it something funky, it'll stand out even more.

Tip # 3 – Be Weather Ready – Being outside brings the unexpected nature of weather. Weather truly is unexpected. Make sure to plan accordingly and be ready for anything. Be ready for the heat with fans or be prepared for cooler weather with heaters. Also, another thing you must plan for is rain. Be ready to move your party underneath tents or to move it inside. Just be ready.

Tip # 4 – Make Food Simple – You don't want to be running around your party trying to make sure all the food is fresh and tasty. Be prepared ahead of time with this. Make sandwiches before hand, like make your favorite sandwich spreads and place them in cute serving bowls. That way it's easy for people to just spread something on their bread. Especially easy for you to make it a day ahead of time, wrap it up and take it out of the refrigerator so it's ready for service. Prepare in advance or have your local caterer prepare some fresh and delicious finger foods. It gives you more time to enjoy the party.

You can even put fun spins on your outdoor party food. Host a fondue party on the grill or let guests grill up their own food. Let them create their own hamburger or grilled skewers with their own vegetables and meats. They'll absolutely love this and appreciate the fact that they get to pick out their own food.

Outdoor Entertainment

Tip # 5 – Skip The Fine China – Instead of bringing your fine china outside where it can break, re-purpose old plates. Combine your plates with bamboo ones for more of an outdoor theme. It beats using plastic plates or paper plates and will jazz your outdoor party up more.

These are 5 party tips for hosting an outdoor party that will make your party truly unique and run smoothly. By being ready and on your game, you will get to enjoy the party even more. Plus, your guests will love all the unique details and getting to spend more time with you.

This post is brought to you by Philadelphia Caterers.
Not in Philadelphia, PA No worries, use Wedding and Party Network's handy party planning directory to help you find a caterer near you!

Three Outdoor Parties

Party Tip of the Week – Hosting a Bonfire

Party Tip of the Week – Outdoor Party

Inspirational Friday – Outdoor Events