When you are getting ready to entertain in your backyard retreat…think fresh. And I don’t mean just the food. Think of some fresh ideas, games and activities that aren’t used a lot and the experience will stand out a lot more in your guest’s minds.
Here are some examples:
OLD SCHOOL- Pile all the food on one table, all at once.
FRESH IDEA- If gathering will have food throughout, rotate the dishes and bring new ones out every 15 to 30 minutes. Consider placing finger foods and appetizers on smaller side tables.
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OLD SCHOOL- Implement one activity at a time and cheerlead or cajole to get all to participate.
FRESH IDEA- Provide various "stations" with varied activity. For instance, for a kid’s party, have a themed movie going, a Lego™ station at the picnic table and party games around the corner. Don’t worry—you can still gather all together for the important parts like opening presents.
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OLD SCHOOL- Bring out all the outdoor game equipment when and if people are ready for it.
FRESH IDEA- Set up an area of your yard for the volleyball net, etc and place all the needed equipment nearby. People may not ask, you know.
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OLD SCHOOL- Wait until dark to start a fire.
FRESH IDEA- Start it early and provide seating around it. It will naturally draw in a crowd to sit and talk. Again, make sure "equipment" such as marshmallows and sticks for roasting them, chairs, etc are nearby. Note: people get thirsty when eating marshmallows (high sugar content) so be prepared with a cooler of bottled water nearby.
Have some other fresh ideas? Please comment and let us know.
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