Taking the party outside is such an invigorating experience; there are no walls to confine you or your guests. The air is fresh and it’s simply a nice change to be outside after the winter months. And what’s so nice about this region and this time of year is you can pull off great parties day or night. You could host a traditional picnic or barbeque during the day or a chic dinner party at night. The weather is perfect for whatever you choose.
Day
Ah, the fond memories of family picnics when I was growing up will always be some of my most favorite childhood memories. There were always things for all us kids to do, whether it was having water balloon fights or simply running around aimlessly. Even now that I’m older, picnics and barbeques are still some of my favorite warm weather events, although now instead of running around like a crazy person, I pass time chit-chatting with friends and sipping a piña colada or some ice-cold lemonade while sitting under a big umbrella (I’ve also come to realize skin damage is no joke). Of course, I still get in a couple shots during the occasional water balloon fight. I can’t help myself.
Outdoor parties are dreamy for kids and parents alike; there are no worries about things being spilled on the carpet or things being broken in the house, and any way to alleviate additional stress when planning a party is always a plus. The following are some basic tips that will hopefully help in the planning process of your next picnic or barbeque. Order over on the drinks. With the sun blazing and activities going, your guests will need to stay hydrated. Have an assortment of drinks for your guests to choose from. Also, putting the beverages in separate ice buckets will keep your guests from having to scramble through the ice to find what they’re looking for.
Shade is a must. The sun can wear you down, especially if you are over-exposed to it, so make sure you have plenty of shade for your guests to retreat to. This will help ensure your guests stay energized, comfortable and happy. Large patio umbrellas or open-air tents are a great way to provide additional shade to your outdoor space.
Don’t leave out the food for too long. Leaving food out for an extended amount of time (especially in the heat) can pose some serious health issues, and giving your guests a bad case of food poisoning is not what you want your party to be associated with. According to information found at www.foodstandards.gov almost all foods should not be left out for longer than 2 hours. Do your best to keep cold food cold, and hot food hot. Be especially careful with dishes containing eggs or mayonnaise, these items tend to form harmful bacteria the quickest.
Bring on the games. Picnics and barbeques are the perfect time for a family football game or even a round of horseshoes. If your occasion is informal and especially if kids will be in attendance it may be a good idea to have a football or Frisbee on hand. Horseshoe stakes or volleyball net are fairly easy to set up and are usually a hit with all ages.
Make it a formal event. Springtime cookouts are traditionally associated with checkered tablecloths, an abundance of hamburgers and hot dogs and a cooler full of sodas, but there is no reason why you can’t take it up a notch if you feel inclined to do so. Cover your tables with elaborate linens, use nice china, and serve some gourmet creations and you’ve got a sophisticated spin on a traditional classic.
Night
With the amazing sunsets and clear night skies we have here in the southwest it would be a shame not to use their beauty as part of our décor for our springtime dinner parties. You have to admit that a multi-hued sunset or the light of the moon would make for a perfect backdrop to any party, and the best part? It’s free. Another benefit of hosting a party in this beautiful region is that we have some absolutely fabulous evening temperatures, averaging 65-70° for this time of year.
Always have a backup plan. The weather is never a sure thing, having a backup ensures that you and your guests won’t be left out in the rain, wind, or cold. Reserve a space indoors that will accommodate all your guests comfortably, so if a freak New Mexico rain is inevitable, everyone stays dry.
Having proper lighting is key. When hosting an evening party it is essential to provide appropriate lighting for your guest. You don’t want them to be wandering around in the dark. Walkways, the dining area, and places that people might want to mingle need to have adequate lighting. When it comes to lighting your outdoor space you have a number of options, from tiki torches and candles to Chinese lanterns and Christmas lights. Consider stringing white lights over your trees or shrubs to create an enchanting atmosphere or use luminarias to illuminate your walkways. Choose whatever works best for you, your needs, and your décor.
Don’t let the bugs pester your guests. If your lighting options include candles or tiki torches, you’re one step ahead of the game because these lighting options also help to keep insects away. If you think you might need a little extra bug control, consider spraying insecticide a couple of hours before your guest arrive to ensure the scent of the product has time to diminish.
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