The excitement of Christmas and New Years’ may have died down and the days are quickly getting cooler, so why not make the most of the last few weeks of sunshine and warmth and throw a backyard party? Whether it’s an autumn picnic or a barbecue bash, here are some things you’ll need to remember to make it a success.
- Nothing says ‘summer days’ like a game of backyard cricket, so having a few bats, wickets and plenty of balls on hand is an absolute must – and guaranteed entertainment for all ages. But why stop at cricket? Grab a cheap badminton or croquet set, or a ring toss if you’ve got a smaller backyard, and prepare for a day free of ‘Mum, can I go on my iPad?’ (okay, that last part might be wishful thinking!)
- It’s all about hydration, hydration, hydration! You’ll need plenty of cool drinks and heaps of ice, plus several coolers to store it all in. This doesn’t have to mean planting unsightly eskies all over the place – there are tons and tons of cool beverage storage options in stores at the moment. How does a metal ice bucket sound, or a row of large glass drink dispensers? Get creative!
- Plan your menu in advance. Are you bringing back summer vibes with fresh prawns and snags on the barbie, or going autumnal with salads of roast veggies and nuts?
- You’ve no doubt seen them everywhere: huge blow-up birds and tropical fruits for floating or playing on in the pool. Having a couple of these in your pool won’t just look great, but provide a refuge from water that’s just that tiny bit too cold.
- And while we’re speaking of decorations, have fun making some garlands or centrepieces to turn your alfresco area from drab to fab. Take to Pinterest for tons of inspo, or just get some crepe paper, sticky tape and go for it.
- Get the tunes going! Whether you’re a fan of laid-back songs or golden-oldies, you’ll need some sort of sound system to set the mood for the party. It’s also a good idea to make a playlist in advance – that way you can just press ‘play’ and walk away!
- With so much going on, it’s easy to forget to slip, slop, slap – but having plenty of sunscreen on hand is so important to making sure your guests go home with smiles on their faces, not sunburn! It might not be the peak of summer anymore, but sun protection in sunny Queensland is important all year round.
- It’s fun in the sun, but you’ll also need to provide an area where kids and adults can chill out in the shade, too. An extendable awning could be the perfect way to sun-proof your backyard – you can wind it in and out as the sun moves and make the most of your outdoor area. Alternatively, installing rolling awnings on a deck or courtyard will keep the glare and the UV rays out so that you can enjoy the space without worrying about the sun!