Hosting an Outdoor Party? 5 Savvy Tips Professional Party Planners Swear By
We don’t care what the calendar says: It’s hot and sunny, which means it’s basically summer. And, sure, beach vacations and camping trips might be great ways to enjoy the beautiful weather, but very few things best represent an easy, breezy summer day quite like an outdoor party. You know, those relaxed-yet-joyful days where you’re sipping lemonade poolside one minute, and the next? You’re wearing a light wrap, sipping rosé, and roasting marshmallows in the darkness of night.
A day spent with great food and great weather… what can go wrong? Well, a lot, actually. From burdensome bugs to sweltering heat, there’s more to hosting an epic summer soirée than meets the eye. “The most memorable outdoor gatherings strike a balance between beauty and comfort,” explains Solmaz Burke, founder and creative director of Burke Events in Napa Valley. “When both are considered equally, the result is an experience that feels natural, relaxed, and truly enjoyable for guests.”
To help, we tapped a few party planners to spill their insider tips to ensure your next event al fresco goes off without a hitch.
Elizabeth Warrick
The beauty of having a summertime hang outside is… well, being outside. So why not let your surroundings take the reins? “I always begin by observing the setting,” says Burke. “Light, landscape, and overall mood, and let that inform the design direction. The goal is to enhance what’s already there rather than compete with it.” In Napa Valley, Burke leans into “soft, tonal pastels and natural textures” to enhance the wine country’s natural beauty.
If it’s going to be a scorcher, outfit your backyard with your guests’ comfort in mind. And, yes, that requires you to throw shade. Lots of it. “We design with shade and airflow in mind,” Burke explains. “Whether that’s through umbrellas, tenting, or strategic lounge areas.”
A covered space with a cool breeze might be an easy way to beat the heat, but Burke invites you to go the extra mile with thoughtful touches. Lighter menus, refreshing beverages, and parasols are all fair play, but for the ultimate flex, wet some clean towels and stick them in a fridge for an instant ahh.
Nobody wants a party crasher, but mosquitoes and flies are the worst offenders. You could plop a bunch of bug spray on a table to keep bites and itches at bay, but Cynthia West of Glow Events encourages you to opt for an elevated alternative.
“Subtle additions like concealing citronella candles in elevated vessels and integrating them into tablescapes or lounge areas offer a purposeful way to repel insects while seamlessly becoming part of the decor,” says West, who is the director of events for the San Francisco-based firm.
Another option: Pouring lavender essential oil into small bottles, which is considerably chicer than store-bought repellent.
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