Your guide to hosting the perfect patio party

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Summer is in full swing and we are so excited to enjoy the outdoors, bask in the sun, take a break from routine and invite our friends over for a Patio Party! Yes, it’s that time of the year again to plan your Summer Soiree. Host the perfect patio party with these 5 easy tips.

Tip #1: Set the scene

Let’s talk about decorations. Every patio party needs a little light when the sun goes down. So, our first tip is to brighten up your space and bring in the “fun factor” with strings of patio lights. These are super easy to hang and don’t require a lot of thought, in fact the more random these lights are strung the better your patio will look. Once hung, you can keep these lights shining bright for the rest of the Summer.

Tip #2: Skip the dishes

Disposable cutlery, plates, coordinating napkins/tablecloths, serving platters and plastic glassware is a must. With many patterns, sizes and colors to choose from you can create your party theme with ease. Perhaps you opt for splashes of colour throughout to give your patio that extra punch or go for a more classic theme with neutral colours, either way we have everything you need and on budget.

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Tip #3: Have some fun!

Don’t forget the inflatable pool toys and fun yard games. If you have a pool you can bet the children and adults alike, will be in it for hours on end…IF you have some cool floaties and diving games for entertainment. No pool? No problem! How about a water gun or balloon fight?! We stock a fantastic collection of backyard games and other pool accessories that all ages will enjoy.

Tip #4: Great food and drinks to be had by all

Make it easy on yourself and feed your hungry guests traditional hamburgers and hot dogs with a self-serve building station. Or perhaps a taco bar complete with salsa, beans, tortilla chips, hot sauce and other topping favourites. Did you know we also carry water, pop, juice and other non-alcoholic beverages you will need to host your perfect patio party?

Tip #5: Don’t forget the music!

Theme = check. No dishes = check. Fun = check. Food = check. One last thing to organize…music! A well thought out music selection that everyone will enjoy can be challenging to say the least. You know your guests best and no doubt you will tailor the music list accordingly however, don’t forget the extension cords and smart phone or blue tooth adaptors you may need to stream your music outside…let the dancing begin!

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Your guide to hosting the perfect patio party

newyears

Hosting a NYE party this weekend? We’ve got you covered with great tips to help you stay organized and host the perfect party.

1. Plan ahead

Once you have an idea of how many guests will be attending, start planning out your supplies: party favours, themed tableware, entertainment and food. If you’re hosting a large number of people, disposable glassware is your new best friend. Save time on dishes with disposable champagne flutes, cutlery, plates and napkins. Improve your party favour and décor this year with classy colour palettes such as black and white paired with metallic gold or silver. Noise makers, hats and confetti are always a must. Think about your entertainment for the evening – create a music playlist and source out some fun games for guests to enjoy together. When it comes to food, make it easier on yourself by asking friends and family to each bring an appy or if you’re supplying the food, BYOB parties are perfect to help keep costs down.

Shopping checklist:

  • Party hats – mix of hats and tiaras
  • Favours – noise makers + confetti
  • Décor – balloons, hanging signs, streamers
  • Themed tableware – plates, napkins, cups, champagne flutes, cutlery
  • Champagne for midnight
  • Appetizers – potluck style?
  • Drinks – BYOB?
  • Entertainment – game supplies

2. Set the mood

Greet your guests by exchanging their coats for a welcome drink. This is the perfect way to start off the evening and show appreciation for your guests. Champagne mimosas or punch are great options for easy welcome drinks. Be sure your music is already on before guests arrive and dim the lights slightly to set the mood. You may even wish to light winter-scented candles to make things even cozier. For your music playlist, start things off with a more festive theme and build up energy as midnight approaches. People love watching the countdown at Times Square – turn your TV to your favourite countdown channel and have it on mute so people can watch in the background.

3. Offer a safe ride home option

End the perfect evening with some safe ride options for your guests if they have too much to drink. Prepare your spare room just incase of an overnight guest and have taxi numbers ready (be sure to call cabs well in advance as it can take 1-2 hours on NYE). Consider other options like Operation Red Nose or Designated Driver Service.