If there is one universal truth it is this: nothing beats a good old backyard bash. Nothing. That’s a fact (like an actual fact; not one of those facts El President Trump loves to spew on Twitter). There is just something extra special about being in your little slice of the great outdoors, enjoying the winning combination of good food, great drink and perfect company; the weather holding up as laughter warms the air even more than the setting sun.

But no matter how good your food is or how amazing your cocktails are, they can only go so far in marking this occasion as amazing. That’s because creating the ultimate backyard oasis requires you to create the ultimate backyard oasis.

If you don’t know what we mean by that, then read on for our top tips on what you need to play hostess with the mostess at your next garden bash.

Win In All Weathers

It doesn’t matter whether you in live in a small locale that enjoys fantastic weather all year round or somewhere that is susceptible to more rain than the poor Vampires in Twilight; being able to pull off a garden bash in all weathers is important. We’re talking shelter and shade. It could be that you get an open structure built at the bottom of your garden, something with a solid roof and drop down walls, or it could be that you decide to do something extra unique and get a yurt. Either way, these will allow you to party on no matter what and remain chic the entire time.

Next Level Chef

If you really want to be the hostess with the mostess then being able to spin plates is a talent you need to master. That means being able to cook and entertain simultaneously, and the easiest and coolest way to achieve this is by looking at some outdoor kitchens and picking the one that will suit you best. We’re talking about bringing all the comfort, ease and luxury of the indoors out. It could be something as simple as adding a barbecue, a table, and some seats, or it could be as intricate as installing a completely furnished kitchen finished with modern appliances and seating. Whatever is going to snazz up your backyard most and make your meals stand out that much more, that’s what you should look at investing in.

Must-Have Heat And Light

It doesn’t matter that your big little bash has landed on the hottest day of the year, the evenings always tend to drop off a few degrees, which is noticeable even when you’re six cocktails down. That is why you need ramp up the luxury you offer to create a splash of extra comfort and get some heaters dotted around your eating area. The other thing you can do to add to the ambience of a warm evening is get your lighting on point. That is an absolute essential when it comes to summer parties. Lanterns, tea lights, string lights and just about anything else that will lead the charge in creating an Arabian Night’s vibe.

What could be better (and warmer) than eating a nice Moroccan Tagine you’ve cooked outside, fine wine slipping down a treat, and the fire pit keeping you toasty as little lights flicker about around your outdoor space.

Summer is here and what better time is there to throw a little party for all of your friends and loved ones? You don’t need an occasion: the good weather and the need for a proper catch up are more than enough of a reason to get everyone together. So, for the perfect get-together, it’s time to start prepping for the ultimate garden party. Here’s everything you need for the best event of the summer.

[Photo courtesy of Gergő/pexels.com]

Prepare Your Garden Space

First things first, you need to make sure that your garden is neat and tidy. Most of us neglect the space during the winter months, as we don’t get much use out of it. So it’s time to start making up for lost time! Get your gardening gloves on and start mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and tackling those long bits of grass in the corners with a strimmer. It shouldn’t take too long but face this task sooner rather than later. You want to go at your own pace, rather than rushing about hours before the guests are due to arrive.

[Photo courtesy of Christopher Craig/flickr.com]

BBQ

Your guests will be hungry throughout the day, so make sure you’re ready to cater to their needs. A BBQ is the best option, as it means that you won’t be stuck inside, chained to the oven while everyone else is out back enjoying themselves. Barbequing is an immersive experience. You can share cooking responsibilities and be right in the middle of the action while turning hot dogs and flipping burgers. Remember to ensure that there’s something suitable for everyone to eat with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options for those with special dietary requirements. Make sure that there are plenty of drinks available too! The hot weather will get everyone thirsty. Squash or fresh juice is great for the kids. For adults? Make a huge bowl of punch with plenty of ice. This will keep everyone cool and refreshed.

Seating

It’s easy to forget that people will need somewhere to sit. Nobody wants to stand up all day and evening and most people will want to avoid sitting directly on the grass or decking. Invest in some high-quality outdoor furniture that can be used time and time again. This can be stored away in a shed when not in use. Throw some blankets out on the ground for little ones to sit or lie down on. Some will appreciate a little nap in the shade.

Entertainment

You’re going to need some entertainment. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring out a band or magician, but some music and games will usually suffice. Invest in some good speakers that will project the sound around your garden. All you will need to do then is set up a little playlist on your iPod and plug it in, ready to go. Kids will appreciate games like twister and some adults might even join in too later in the evening! Paddling pools often go down well too, as an option to cool down in the heat of the midday sun.

Do you love hosting garden parties for your friends and family during the summer months? Would you like to ensure they go off without a hitch this year? Then you need to consider some of the tips and advice on this page. You can have a fantastic time without breaking the bank if you just take some simple steps. Nothing in this article will take a long time to complete, and so you could have everything ready in less than a week. Once that’s done, you just have to set a date and send your invites. With a bit of luck, this year’s garden parties will go better than any you’ve held before.

Build a brick BBQ so you can cook outside

Before you do anything else, it’s sensible to make a BBQ so you can cook lots of food outside. The last thing you want to do is stay in the kitchen when your friends have come around to a social gathering. Thankfully, the process should only take a couple of hours, and you only need some basic materials. Thirty or forty house bricks should be enough for you to complete the structure. Of course, you can add grills and other things like that to ensure it functions in the best way possible. You’ll find guides online and videos on YouTube if you get stuck.

[Photo courtesy of Dick Knight/flickr.com]

Create an outdoor shelter

You never know when the heavens will open and all your guests will get wet. For that reason, it’s sensible to build some shelter outside. If you don’t have much money to spend, you could purchase a portable gazebo or something similar. Those products are available for reasonable prices from your local home stores. Of course, those who want to go a step further have other options on the table. Patio roof awnings are an excellent choice because they’re semi-permanent. However, you don’t need to seek planning permission or anything like that. So, take a look online at some of the most relevant suppliers.

Install an outdoor audio system

You’re going to want to entertain all your guests with some music. While you could traipse wires from your stereo outside, there are better solutions available. Waterproof outdoor speakers have come down in price considerably during the last few years. So, maybe you should get some and screw them to your exterior walls. You can then link your stereo and play music outside without having to work too hard. In some instances, you can get systems that use a remote control. That’s perfect because you can swap and change the music while you’re outside cooking the food.

Now you know how to get your garden ready for its next party, we hope you will make improvements this year. The best thing about building a BBQ is that you won’t have to keep buying those disposable products. The outdoor shelter will keep everyone dry, and the speakers will entertain. Sure, there are more things you could do. However, I just wanted to show you the fundamentals and point you in the right direction.