The house is clean, the food is prepared, the invites are sent… You did everything. Or did you? Everybody is going to be outside, and that rickety chair is still on the patio. You also forgot there’s an uneven step by the back door. And what if someone breaks their nose because of it?! And those walkway lights? You think you saw them work last summer.
It can get really crazy, really fast.
An outdoor gathering sounds easy, but in reality, you can’t just set up a few chairs and fire up the grill. Imagine people wobbling on their chairs, bugs going crazy around them, somebody tripping over a hose, etc. If you don’t check certain things before your guests arrive, you’ll spend more time on damage control once they do than you will on enjoying their company.
The good news is that these things are easy to check if you know what they are, so let’s get into it.
The 6-Point Pre-Party Checklist
Before your guests start arriving, here’s what you’ll want to check.
Seating That Works for Everyone
You don’t want to be in a situation where people are standing around with plates in their hands because they have nowhere to sit. Check the number of people that are coming and make sure they all have a chair, ideally without anyone getting the short end of the stick (aka the one cracked chair that only gets out in emergencies).
If you want backups, stackable or folding chairs work great, and benches with cushions can also come in very handy. If your space gets a lot of sun, you should have at least one shaded area where everyone can get away from the heat.
Oh, and remind them to wear their sun protection factor (SPF) cream!
Clean, Functional Lighting
Lighting makes your space look pretty, but more importantly, it helps people see where they’re going and what they’re eating. String lights, lanterns, and solar lights will give your space a warm glow, especially if you put them around seating and dining areas.
The grill, steps, and any walkways need to have functional lighting, or you’ll deal with bloody noses when people start tripping all over the place. Test everything the night before so you have time to replace bulbs and charge any battery-powered lights.
Stable Walkways
Your yard probably looks fine if you just glance at it, but uneven paths or debris on the steps can become major hazards, especially if people have had one too many drinks. Walk through every path and step – literally. If any pavers wobble or you notice a dip in the walkway, fix what you can and mark off the rest.
If there’s sinking or sloping in the concrete paths, look up the term ‘concrete lifting near me’ online in order to find a local pro who can help you restore your walkway so that it’s safe for your event.
Food Prep Area That Keeps Things Moving
Even if you’re not trying to be a chef, you still need a designated zone to prepare food. Set up a table close to the grill or the kitchen entrance and fill it up with everything you need, like tongs, paper towels, seasonings, and anything else you’ll use. Keep a trash bag or bin close by so you don’t create a mess.
Coolers or insulated containers will help the drinks stay cool and perishable items fresh, which is especially important if your event is happening in the summer. If your guests are bringing food, don’t forget to have a spare table for serving it.
Pest Prevention
Bugs aren’t invited to dinner! Start by removing standing water around your yard. And that goes for all standing water because even a little puddle in a flowerpot can attract bugs. Mow the lawn and trim all overgrown areas a day or two before the guests come because insects absolutely adore tall grass.
On the day of, light citronella candles and set up a few discreet bug-repellent devices. Cover food and drinks that are outside, and keep the trash tightly sealed and away from where people are hanging out.
Safe Entry Points
The first place your guests see is also the first place someone might trip. Check all stairs, handrails, and landings to make sure they’re stable. Sweep porches and decks to clear away leaves, dirt, and anything else that’s slippery.
If it looks like it might rain or if people will be carrying drinks, it’s a good idea to put a non-slip mat at the entry.
Also, double-check that garden hoses, tools, and toys are put away so no one ends up face down because of them.
Conclusion
It’s much more important to prevent your guests from twisting their ankles and having their dinner served with a side of bugs than it is to have perfectly fluffed pillows. There’s no need to stress yourself out over making everything fancy – it just needs to be safe and functional.
After all, the company is really all that matters.