Ahh graduation season, where every Saturday you drive from house to house, eating cake here and fried chicken there, handing out cards you bought in bulk with cash for “textbooks” inside. All the parties that proud senior moms spend so much time trying to make special, start to blend together in the party-goers mind. It’s hard to stand out when you and 367 of your classmates are all throwing the same shindig in a three weekend window. So what does make a grad party stand out? A great outdoor space!

1. Entertaining Space

A great patio for grad parties has plenty of space and seating. Guests should be able to hang out in a mass or in small clusters. A balance between open spaces and smaller, intimate areas is a must. Fire pits and outdoor lighting can keep the party going even after the sun goes down.

2. Summery Snacks

Variety is key for open house parties. Since guests are in and out you never know if they are expecting a meal or just coming from one. It’s also important to remember people will be up and moving around from different spaces in the yard. Make sure all your munchies are portable and provide trashcans to avoid paper cups and plates flying around the lawn. Think outside the norm of hotdogs and hamburgers or play up the basics with a build your own chili dog bar. Beverages are also important with the party being outside; glassware is never a good idea for grad parities and plan on guests drinking more outside on a sunny day then they would for an indoor gathering.

3. Outdoor Dining

Set up the food in an area that is out of the way of foot traffic. Give guests enough space so they aren’t crowded. If needed, set up additional tables on the lawn. Moveable furniture give party goers a sense of control when deciding where to sit. Chairs that are easily added or taken away from a table are ideal. Remember your guests are outside and it may be hard to enjoy a meal with the sun in their eyes or high winds blowing their napkin across the lawn every ten minutes. Think about the protection from the wind and sun your space provides and set up tables accordingly.

4. Photo Opts

Pictures and graduation go hand and hand; and the cameras keep clicking long after the ceremony. Having a fun outdoor space for pictures with your grad and their guests is a great addition to the party. Something colorful, but not too distracting is ideal. Consider where the sun will be around party time when selecting a photo opt spot, full shade or full sun makes for the best pictures.

5. Lawn Games

Having a few fun lawn games set up around the yard can keep guests entertained while still being able to catch up with friends. Croquet, bocce ball, disc golf and frisbee can be fun with as little as two guests, while badminton, volleyball and kickball can keep everyone involved.

Though there will be millions of grad parties this season you can make your outdoor shindig special if you remember the 5 essentials. If you have underclassmen that will be walking across the stage in a funny hat in the next few years and you don’t feel like your outdoor space is ready to celebrate, contact us to get the party started off right!