Tips for Throwing the Ultimate Backyard Bash

People enjoying an outdoor party

July is the perfect time to throw an outdoor party. The weather is warm, the sun is (usually) shining, and everyone is in a festive mood. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a family reunion, or a just-because celebration, these tips will help you throw a great outdoor party that your guests will remember for years to come.

Choose a Theme

One way to make your outdoor party fun and memorable is to choose a theme. Your theme could be simple and straightforward, such as a backyard barbecue, or more elaborate, like Christmas in July. Choosing a theme will help you plan a more cohesive event– it will narrow down the decorations, food, and activity options. 

Keep Them Fed

We may be biased, but we believe that food is the most important part of any gathering. Tasty, easy-to-serve food that fits the theme will keep your guests thinking about your party long after it’s ended. You want foods that won’t weigh down a paper plate, that guests can travel with easily, and that won’t spoil or wilt in the heat, so handheld items and skewers are ideal. If you’re looking for menu inspiration, check out some of our favorite backyard recipes. And if planning a menu isn’t your strength, The Rolling Leaf is available for events!

Keep Them Hydrated

The July heat makes hydration especially important, so you'll want to provide plenty of drink options for your guests. If you’re serving alcohol, it’s even more important to make sure your guests have access to water, soda, or juice as well. You can craft your own signature drinks with our how-to guide, or set up a self-serve station with a variety of themed mixers and garnishes so that guests can create their own concoctions.

Keep it Fun

Keep things fun with outdoor activities! Games like bocce, lawn darts, cornhole, horseshoes, and giant Jenga can create friendly competition at any party, while themed activities can make your party even more memorable. Are you throwing a beach party? Build castles in a sandbox (and if you don’t have a sandbox, fill a container with kinetic sand), play keepy uppy with a beach ball, and let your guests dip their toes in a kiddie pool. Christmas in July? Do a white elephant gift exchange! Whatever your theme, setting up a photobooth area with props is a fun way to help your guests remember what a great time they had. 

  

And of course, music is a must! Make sure you have a good sound system and plenty of tunes. Spotify playlists are a great source of inspiration–there’s at least one for nearly any theme you can dream up.

Throwing a successful backyard bash can be surprisingly simple–once you choose a theme, the rest of the planning falls into place fairly quickly. Keep your guests fed, hydrated, and entertained, and they’ll create memories that last far beyond the end of summer.

The Leaf, located in downtown Wooster, offers a vast menu, making breakfast through dinner a delightful experience! Open Tuesday through Sunday, our culinary team creates amazing dishes that are sure to delight. Bring a friend or dine solo for a relaxing meal away from home.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest specials and new menu items. Make your reservations at OpenTable or by calling 330-804-0126. Interested in holding your next event at The Leaf? We are happy to accommodate larger parties or planned gatherings.

Jason Stine