That time of year when the temperatures soar, our thoughts turn to garden parties, and endless hours of fun with family and friends. If you are looking forward to a season of entertaining, organisation will certainly help you avoid any stress, and with that in mind, here are some tips to ensure your parties are always a hit.
- Planning – Ask any live event manager, and they will tell you that planning is the key to a successful outcome, and by sitting down with some paper and a pen – or tablet, if you prefer – you can write down a list of essential items and things to do. The best way to source supplies is with an online search, and whether you are looking for an ice maker in Perth, or want to hire a sound system in Melbourne, a Google search will always point you in the right direction.
- Preparation – Once you know what you need, make sure you purchase everything well in advance – with the exception of fresh food, of course. Once you know the number of guests, make sure you have adequate glasses, cutlery and crockery, and think about seating. You might have a large terrace, in which case, the tables and chairs can be spread out, or if you have a large garden with a few little areas, place some tables and chairs accordingly. Ice is something you can never have enough of, and if you don’t have an ice making machine, that should be the next appliance on your “to buy” list. If you are having food delivered on the day, make sure they know what time to arrive, and always make a few MP3 playlists, each with a medley of popular songs.
- Lighting – Despite the warm temperatures, the light will invariably fade, and after the sunset, you will need some task lighting – the cooking and drinks area – and adequate general lighting. If there are people wandering around the garden, for example, some ground level LCD lighting will help avoid any accidents.
- Entertainment – Obviously, you know your guests, so make sure the entertainment is suitable, and you can always arrange for a few silly games as an icebreaker, to get everyone in the party mood.
- The Neighbours – Often overlooked, the neighbours should all be informed – and invited – to ensure there are no conflicts, and ensure there are adequate parking spaces, and plan on a few people possible staying the night! Music volume should be suitable for your environment, and with a few Bluetooth speakers in the garden, everyone will be able to hear the music.
Planning a garden party is all about organisation and planning, and with the Internet as your platform, ordering supplies has never been easier. Whatever you need, a Google search will locate a local supplier, and once you have everything covered, you can relax and enjoy the experience, as your guests will.
