Calgary, summer is finally heating up in Calgary and we sure hope it’s here to stay! With the temperatures in the high 20s, it’s time to stock up on hot dogs, fruity popsicles and cases of beer for those hot days and late nights around the fire. July is shaping up to be the ideal backyard party month so here’s how to do it right.
Music = Must
Nothing can bring a party down like a bad playlist. Find some music that keeps people attentive and moving, with a few tracks worth reminiscing and singing along to throughout the night. Not a huge music geek? That’s what the Internet is for. Sites like Spotify, Apple Music and 8tracks all host music online and create playlists with themes just for this occasion. Happy summer beats, chill hits or hot country tracks – whatever vibe you’re chasing, there is a playlist just waiting to entertain.
Seat Save Not Necessary
Whereas you hope no one wants to sit down when they get to your party, if the festivities stretch four, five or six hours into the night, people are going to need a rest. Break out all the patio furniture, lawn chairs and picnic benches you have for the occasion. If you’re still short some seats, dining room chairs, office chairs and bar stools also work for additional outdoor seating. Or spread picnic blankets and grandma’s handmade quilts on the lawn for perhaps something a little less formal and a little more comfortable.
BBQ
Who doesn’t love meat cooked outdoors?! Grab all the hot dogs, hamburgers, smokies, wings and sausages you can find and throw them on the grill for a hot and ready meal for the whole gang – the easiest way to cook for a large group. Have some vegetarians in the group? No worries! Barbequed corn on the cob, pizza and asparagus are great good alternatives.
*Before the big night, take a look at your barbeque. Nine times out of ten it’s going to have caked-on whatever from the last time you fired up the grill. Place the cooking grate and one cup of ammonia in a large plastic bag and seal it up tight. The fumes alone will leave the grate looking MUCH better than before, so give it a quick scrub and get cooking!
Games Your Grandma Could Play
Parties often include people from the host’s different circles of life. Mixing co-workers, friends, neighbours and family can be tricky at first so there’s no harm in having a few games prepared to take the pressure off. Backyard games are a great way to break the ice since most of them require very little skill. Break out the old croquet set, bocce balls and bean bag toss for rousing games between soon-to-be good friends. These games are all inclusive and give a good laugh to those playing AND watching.
Party Lighting
Yes, we do want to make sure your party is a great time but we were actually talking about the lighting. These long summer nights make for beautiful natural light until around 10 pm. If you anticipate people will stay later, you may want to consider getting some garden lanterns or hanging white Christmas lxights around your deck. People tend to gravitate towards sitting areas later in the night, so you could decorate this area with cute lights, little knick-knacks and perhaps even an outdoor heater to give that cozy space an extra added touch.
Add all of these elements together and we guarantee your party truly will be a success. Food and entertainment are all you really need to entertain the masses, so as long as you’re stocked up, get ready for the party of a lifetime.
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