Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
With spring right around the corner, there can be nothing dreamier than a backyard get-together with friends. There is just something about the longer days, extra sunshine, blooming flowers, and singing birds that makes you want to shift all plans to the great outdoors.
And this doesn’t need to be a budget-destroying experience. All you need is a backyard, and our beginners guide on organizing the perfect backyard lunch! So let’s begin!
1. Stay Away From Risky Food Items
What’s the most important component of a backyard lunch? You guessed it — it’s the food!
To satisfy ravenous guests, you need to ensure that the food complies somewhat with their taste and that there is enough of it to go around.
Of course, you won’t be able to cater to the taste buds of every single guest. But our suggestion is to stay away from risky ventures unless you are sure of your guests’ taste preferences. So maybe, no sushi.
If food is not your forte and you’re not sure what to prepare, consider enlisting the help of a private chef from Gathar.
2. Theme It Up
Of course, having a theme is not necessary at all. And for those of you who want lunch to be a completely casual experience, you may even ignore this idea.
However, using a theme will make the entire experience more lively and more importantly, it will provide you with parameters within which to organize your lunch. You know what they say: too much choice isn’t always a good thing!
Themes can be selected based on dates, occasions, or even randomly. Is it a birthday? Balloons and cake become necessary. Fourth of July? Load up on those fireworks. Cosplay? Time to dress like your favorite character from the show you’ve been binging!
3. Write Invitations Carefully
For any event you may be hosting, sending out invitations is necessary. After all, your guests need to know that their presence is requested!
In organizing the perfect backyard lunch, your invitation will need to be written carefully. For instance, when is the party? Lunch can mean different times to different people. The last thing you want is guests showing up before you’ve had a chance to set up.
The invitation may also require guests to dress a certain way or bring something to the venue. Pool party? Bring flip-flops and swimsuits. Dance party? Wear comfortable footwear so that you can groove all afternoon!
4. Choose Your Setting
An essential part of planning a backyard lunch is choosing the perfect setting. If it’s a fancy and an adult-only affair, consider a gourmet-style setting. Think swan-shaped napkins, centerpieces, and that expensive tableware you never let anyone touch.
On the other hand, if it’s a more casual setting, simply spread out a picnic blanket where your guests can eat, chat, and lounge in the sun.
Whatever your choice is, make sure that you plan according to the number of guests you’ve invited. You don’t want your guests to have to stand the whole time!
5. Be Mindful of the Weather
Hosting the perfect backyard lunch requires the perfect weather. And that is not always a given.
If you live in a location where it rains unpredictably, it may be a good idea to have an alternative indoor space in mind or organize a rain-covering tent for the event.
Plus, as most backyard lunches are an event of the summer, keeping guests cool is a major concern for many. In this case, fans, or if your budget permits, outdoor air conditioners are the way to go!
6. Refreshing Drinks Are Key
Whether it’s to beat the heat or wash down all that scrumptious food, drinks are critical to a successful backyard lunch. To save time and have enough for everyone, you can make them by the batch. To help you out, here are our ten favorite must-try refreshing drinks.
If this seems like too much work, simply buy them from the supermarket. This way, you can opt for go-to crowd favorites that you can rely on to be loved by everyone.
7. Use Decor Elements to Spice up the Occasion
When it comes to backyard lunch, you want it to be an occasion people remember! And nothing sticks better in the minds of people than an aesthetically pleasing setup. Fairy lights. Balloons. Hanging lanterns. Go all out!
This decor does not necessarily need to be a burden on your wallet. DIY and dollar store decorations are inexpensive and perfect for one-time use.
And if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, consider these DIY painted garden decor ideas to transform your backyard into something magical.
8. Arrange Outdoor Activities for Some Outdoor Fun
No matter how good your food is, backyard parties always need an element of entertainment. Whether it’s just adults, or there are kids involved, outdoor activities make the lunch just a little bit more exciting!
For adults, some ideas include lawn bowling, badminton, and balloon volleyball. Kids are a bit harder to amuse, so here are 30 amazing outdoor backyard ideas & activities that will keep your kids entertained.
9. Don’t Forget a Playlist
Your music playlist sets the mood for the occasion. Do you want your backyard to turn into a dance floor? Opt for upbeat and loud music.
On the other hand, if you want your guests to enjoy a carefree afternoon, check out our favorite compilation for a backyard BBQ.
You might also decide no music is the way you want to go. In that case, make conversation and quality time the focus of your get-together. After all, it’s the people that matter!