Top 10 Best Backyard Party Ideas – Outdoor Entertaining Tips

Santa Barbara’s weather is almost guaranteed! So let’s focus on backyard party ideas and outdoor entertainment tips to get your guests excited about your party. These top 10 party tips will help you create a successful event every time.

1.) A Grand Entrance: Use outdoor signage to greet your guests in style. Add balloons to give your guests a grand entrance they won’t forget. Go over the top and roll out the red carpet!

2.) Music Please: Play soft music to set the mood, then once the party gets going increase the beat to something you can dance too. Our outdoor speaker package is easy to use and requires almost no technical knowledge – use just a playlist from your phone or other device.

3.) Mood Lighting: If you are planning a late night gathering mood lighting keeps the party alive. Try string lights, uplights or even tiki torches! If you want the mood without all the fuss, try renting an open fire pit. Flames from a fire inspire our tribal beginnings and are a great way to connect over smores!

4.) Your Signature Drink: Your guests have arrived, the mood is set, now what? Let’s give them some drink options. Think of fun signatures drink like cocktails, mocktails, lemonades or punch. Served in a delightful way, everyone loves a fun drink glass! If you are really adventurous try our Champagne Fountain.

5.) Casual Mingle: The party is going well, let’s put our drink down while we chat up our friends and family. There’s loads of options for seating and dining, however the most popular way to encourage a little mingle time is with hightop cocktail tables. And for those who need a comfy place to sit, our ottomans will do the trick! Don’t forget about shade!

6.) Food Glorious Food: The guests are having a great time! If you don’t have a planned dinner, then let’s talk appetizers. A successful and exciting appetizer idea is bite sized real foods; pizzas, mini burgers, sushi, french fry cups, deviled eggs, etc. Cooking got you down, hire a caterer or food truck, so many choices! A DIY no fuss idea is the appetizer buffet where guests can try a yummy extra long charcuterie board.

7.) Fun, Fun, Fun: Every event needs a main attraction, even your backyard party. Lawn games like corn hole and giant jenga are popular. Both kids and adults like carnival games and table games. Or go for something extra with a photo booth, outdoor movie theater or karaoke! Want to blow your guests mind? Hire a band, dancers, actors, magician and other performers the unexpected keeps your guests entertained! Timed right, an hour or so of an extra special performance is worth the splurge!

8.) Sweet Treats: When your event is winding down offer a sweet treat or treats for your guests. Pick something that matches the mood (ie birthday or wedding cake). So many options to choose from, try snow cones, cotton candy, chocolate fountain or cupcakes. Take it over the top and hire an ice cream vendor or other specialty caterer!

9.) Dance the Night Away: If your event is long enough for tips 1-6 then 7 will set it over the top. Rent a dance floor and some fun lights so your guests can dance. Dancing lets off steam, burns calories, creates memories and even sparks romance!

10.) Keep ’em Comfortable: Guests leave when their comfort levels drop. This can happen if the event is not lively or there is no comfort due to bugs, colder weather, rain, wind, or it’s too hot. Plan for this with umbrellas, tents, heaters, fans or AC units. **Don’t forget to call pest control before your event, especially if you are in an area with mosquitos or flies.

Top 10 Best Backyard Party Ideas – Outdoor Entertaining Tips is provided by Just 4 Fun Party Rentals. The tips above are proven backyard party ideas from real events held in Santa Barbara, CA.