Tips for Making Your Yard Summer Party Ready

July 26, 2024

Photo by Eric Nopanen on Unsplash

Introduction

As we get closer and closer to the season of barbecues, bonfires, and summer parties, it’s important to make sure your yard is ready for all the fun!

Summer is the perfect time for outdoor gatherings, and having a well-prepared yard can make all the difference. Ensuring your space is party ready involves several key steps, from mowing the lawn and pruning trees to setting up lighting and providing enough shade for guests. Pest control is also crucial to keep bugs at bay and ensure everyone can enjoy their time comfortably. 

With these simple yet effective tips, you can create a welcoming and enjoyable outdoor environment for all your summer festivities. Get started on your preparations today and host the best summer parties in your neighborhood!

Cutting, Pruning, and Shaping

A Rose Bush Being Carefully Pruned for Aesthetics and Health

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your yard is party ready is, of course, cutting your grass. Making sure to mow and weed the lawn will give your yard a much neater, landscaped look. It will also be safer for guests to walk through if everything is clipped and clean.

It is also a great idea to both prune and shape your bushes and trees for a more uniform look. Once everything is cut back and shaped just how you like it, your yard will be in pretty great shape!

Clear Your Walkways

A Stone Tile Walkway Lined with Flowering Shrubs

For both a clean look and for safety reasons, make sure to sweep and rake the debris and leaves off of your walkways.

This will ensure that your walkways aren’t slippery or hazardous to your guests. In addition to that, it will highlight where you want them to walk, especially if you want to keep people off of your lawn.

Pest Control

A Striped Shield Bug on White Wicker - Image by Pixabay

One thing to consider is the pest control that you have around your grill, table, and any areas where people will be sitting and eating.

It can be nearly impossible to enjoy your cold drink and company if you have to keep fanning bugs away. They are also a really big pain if food is present. There are a few steps you can take to make sure you don’t have these issues.

Make sure to eliminate any standing water on the property, as bugs do tend to breed in it. Also, on the day of your party, you can keep bug spray out for your guests, plug in fans to keep them further away, and burn citronella candles. These are all simple, affordable ways to keep those pesky creatures at bay.

Make Sure You Have Enough Shade

A Large White Gazebo on a Topiary-Lined Walkway

If your guests are going to be in your yard during the daytime, it’s important to make sure they have enough shade to be comfortable.

Whether it is setting up tables and chairs under your backyard trees or creating a party setting under a covered deck or pavilion, having the shady area set up in advance will make the event go much more smoothly. You could also invest in a few bigger umbrellas to insert on top of tables if you don’t have trees or other roof coverings available.

Be Flexible for the Weather

A Bare Tree Branch in the Rain - Image by Brazil Topno on Pexels

In addition to having shade readily available for your guests, it is also important to plan for every type of weather. If you end up with an unexpected thunderstorm, either have strong enough outdoor coverings to make the party work outdoors, or set up inside. This way, no surprise will hinder your event.

Make Sure You Have Appropriate Landscape Lighting

String Lights Decorate an Outdoor Party Space

As we have discussed before, landscape lighting is vital—even more so for an outdoor party! These are great for safety, as they will illuminate any bodies of water or other potential dangers for people walking through the yard. They can also make your yard more aesthetically pleasing once the sun goes down.

Different lights can set different tones and can go along really well with any themes you have for your party.

Set up Grill and Bar Areas

Vegetables and Meat on a Backyard Grill

Having a separate area for your grill, picnic table, bar, etc. is great because it keeps all of the food in one place. If you have an outdoor kitchen or grilling area already, this step will be pretty easy for you.

If your grill and furniture don’t have a set place, it is pretty easy to get them set up. Preferably in a shaded area you may have set up, you can easily organize a little corner for a grill and table and even a little bar if you want it. That way, if there is any inclement weather, you will be prepared for it.

For those of you with an outdoor room, this is a great place to set up food and/or cooking stations.

Let’s Get to Party Planning

Getting your yard ready for summer parties doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these practical tips, you can transform your outdoor space into an inviting and enjoyable area for friends and family. Regular maintenance, creative lighting, and thoughtful landscaping can make a significant difference in the ambiance and comfort of your gatherings. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your yard is the perfect setting for memorable summer events. So, start planning today and look forward to hosting the best parties of the season!

Should you need trees pruned or removed prior to summer party planning, contact Arborist Now for professional, efficient service.

Originally published on May 18, 2018.