Backyard barbecues require a lot of advance planning.
Throwing a backyard party is a great idea, especially if you're planning on a lot of guests...and you believe the weather will cooperate. Cleanup is faster, easier and not as pressing as it would be for an in-home party. There's less chance of breakage or theft and with some planning, there's no reason for guests to even enter the house. Budget control is also more effective with a backyard party because getting a hold of the tables, chairs and other necessary "outdoor-friendly" party items is typically less expensive than securing similar things for indoor use. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine a comfortable budget for the event. Since the planning process is not complete and you're working pretty much in the dark at this early stage, be prepared to increase the budget to a top limit that you won't go beyond.
2. Develop a guest list that you can accommodate in your backyard. Draw a rough diagram of picnic tables, chairs, barbecue grills and all the other things you'll need for the party. Walk through the backyard and mentally place the items on the list in the space available. Estimate the number of guests who'lll be able to move freely in the backyard once the items on your list are in place.
3. Choose the date and time the party will take place, making certain it's as convenient to as many people as possible. Call close family members and other significant guests by telephone to ensure their presence. Send out invitations at least three weeks in advance.
4. Appoint a group of close friends to assist in the planning, setup/breakdown, acquisition of materials and preparation for the party. Work off your diagram of chairs, tables, etc. and as a group try to borrow everything you need, labeling the underside of the borrowed materials with the lender's name on a piece of masking tape. Talk to churches, civic organizations and partygoers group members know. Rent only as a last resort. The only exception is the rental of two port-a-potties, one for men and one for women, if you don't want guests to use the bathrooms in your house.
5. Plan your menu. Food and beverages will be critical to the success of the party. There are several inexpensive ways to stay within your budget and still provide plenty of delicious food. Develop a menu with lots of inexpensive foods such as potato salads, slaw, baked beans, franks and burgers. Another option is to also ask guests to bring their favorite homemade dishes. You can even place a five-gallon jar -- the kind with the narrow neck -- to collect donations at a party where friends and family are the principal attendees. Provide soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and/or ask guests to bring their favorite liquid refreshment.
6. Plan for live entertainment at the party; a neighborhood band or one you can work into your budget will work well. Put the word out and someone you know might be aware of a group you can get at a discount. As an alternative, if noise concerns or other issues preclude you from having live entertainment, use your mp3 player plus speakers or a boom box to deliver music.
Tags: bring their, bring their favorite, guests bring, guests bring their, live entertainment