Whether you're in the mood for a casual cook out, a graduation party, a lake cabin shindig, a family reunion—or any other type of summer party for that matter—we asked some fabulous, local party pros for tips on how to make your warm weather get-together one to remember.
Planning
“The perfect event starts with knowing your budget, your guest list, and having an idea of what kind of party you want to have,” says Laura Mullen, president and lead event designer of Laura Mullen Event Designs. “Once you know that, you can begin to work on the details.”
Mullen, who plans over 20 events per year, encourages people to personalize their parties, instead of opting for more generically themed gatherings. “The trend is to get away from all of the matchy-matchy elements, and have the parties be a direct reflection of the host. It’s about what they love and what’s important to them.”
Once the look and feel is determined, consider logistics, says Mullen. What is the timeline? What serving pieces and dishware do you own and what should you rent? If you’re having an outdoor party, consider the size of the yard and the number of guests you will be accommodating. Also consider how the guests will interact, and where the food will be situated.
Mullen recommends providing seating for half of the guests, and says that if you’re having a larger gathering, consider where guests should park.
And, since part of a well-executed plan is to have an equally efficient backup plan, don’t forget an alternate site if our ever-changing Minnesota weather threatens to put a damper on your festivities.
“It’s very important to have a good rain plan,” Mullen says. “Do you have a tent on backup or space inside? Also, on the other hand, what if it’s very hot and sunny? I always provide sunscreen, and if bugs are a problem, bug spray is just as important.”
Invitations
With invitations, as with many things in life, creativity is key; there's a whole world of options beyond those fill in the blank invitations from the local discount store.
“Invitations set the tone for the event,” says Rita Swanson, owner of Premier Planning Services, who has been creating one-of-a-kind corporate events, weddings, and smaller parties since 1999. “Once you know your theme, you should incorporate that into the invitation.”
For a party Swanson organized for a client who was retiring and looking forward to traveling, the invitation resembled an airline ticket, complete with wording that invited guests to help him “set out on his next journey.”
“I also had a client who was really into hockey,” says Swanson, “so we created an invitation that looked like a hockey ticket.”
Invite tips: Use gingham-patterned paper from a local craft store and adhere party details for a cookout. Use the decorative sides of beautiful floral greeting cards with the incidentals written on the backside for a tea party. Having a family reunion? Try scanning a photo of one of the matriarchs/patriarchs of the family onto card stock or vellum and add the details.
Supplies
Just as important as determining theme and logistics is procuring the supplies and the décor items that will make the event run smoothly—and be beautiful.
Sheree Bochenek, creative director at Après Party and Tent Rental, reveals that her organization has thousands of items—from tables and linens (one of the largest selections in the state) to draping fabrics and lighting to pillows and furniture—and encourages folks to come in to their well-appointed showroom to be inspired.
“It's all about bringing visual interest to the eye,” says Bochenek. “Many times because of budget constraints, it's the first to go, but it shouldn’t be. Also, don’t forget lighting, it sets the mood for the event, and changes the feel of the space.”
Bochenek notes an uptick in people foregoing standard lawn furniture as seating for an outdoor party, and opting for much more comfortable and attractive lounge furniture. Renting not in your budget? Go ahead; bring out your own dining table, settee or armchair.
“Don't be afraid to bring the inside out,” Bochenek says. “It's all about creating an experience.”
And definitely do think out of the box.
“Please, please, think of something other than paper plates,” Bochenek says. “There are so many other great alternatives like bamboo or compostable plates, which are sturdier and look great. Also, melamine is a good sturdy plastic that, if you’re not going to rent dishware, is a cost effective alternative to paper.”
Another tip? Make sure guests always leave with something.
“I don’t care if it's herbs from your garden or something you made,” Bochenek says, “just make it personal and tie it back to the theme or purpose of the party.”
Food
With outdoor party food, it appears small and bite-sized is definitely better.
“Finger food is definitely the way to go with more casual parties,” says Laura Mullen. “I like to keep things super simple, such as easy dips, meats, cheeses, small sandwiches. Anything that can be made in advance is a good idea. Also, I love using popcorn and adding interesting spice blends for snacks on tables.”
Mullen recommends setting up “stations” where smaller groupings of food allow for conversation and staves off that dreaded buffet line slowdown.
Not to be forgotten, beverages are a big part of any shindig. Besides using interesting containers that fit into the overall party theme, Mullen likes to offer signature drinks. Looking for ways to cool down your guests? Try a popsicle bar (with alcohol or without) or sundae bar.
Entertainment
It's no secret that keeping guests entertained is tantamount to a successful party; and nowhere is that more important than with children’s outdoor parties.
Maggie Conway and Michael Hlavac of Clever Celebrations definitely have experience in that department. For a little boy who was obsessed with army men, Conway created a camouflage-themed party, complete with an outdoor army obstacle course.
“We had piles of leaves they had to go through, and over things and under things,” Conway says. “It was really fun for them.”
She’s also created a Project Runway-themed party where the tween girls walked a red carpet and created fun ensembles with Goodwill finds, a zoo party where a giraffe-loving girl and her friends had their photo taken with a mock giraffe, and a spa party where little girls pampered with services like pretend manicures, pedicures and facials.
If you're looking at keeping older guests entertained, here are a few ideas to try: an outdoor movie, dancing, lawn games, photo booths, live music or recorded music, scavenger hunts, bonfire, hire a magician, storyteller or dance instructor.
