Originally appeared in print, April 2022.
As we have learned over the past three years, outdoor social events are the new nightclub when it comes to social gatherings. There is no better way to enjoy the summer than a garden BBQ with all of your friends, some good food and music and a healthy amount of rosé.
When it comes to organising a summer get-together, there are two routes you can go down – the inexpensive route, and the more boujee, expensive route. However, I think that there are many ways to save costs and still create a perfect setting for your party.
A Perfect Garden Space
First of all, you do need some sort of an outside garden space. I personally think that this space doesn’t need to be too big and it can also be a shared garden space that many people have access to. In order for your neighbours not to hate you for the rest of your time living there, I recommend that you make sure your neighbours are aware of the gathering. There is nothing worse than your neighbours hating you (trust me , I’m speaking from experience). Once you know that your neighbours won’t be calling the Gardaí on you, we can get started with all the prep.
Bring the Goodies!
As you will be hosting the gathering, it is best to make it a BYOB. You can always provide the mixers and non-alcoholic beverages, but considering that you are spending money on food, I think it’s fair for your friends to bring their own drink.
When it comes to food, we all know that there are plenty of dietary restrictions, allergies, vegans, etc. Make sure you know beforehand the dietary needs for all of your guests. In other words, do not have an ice-cream themed party when you know that one or two of your friends are lactose-intolerant. Believe me, your friends will be grateful that you accommodated their needs, even if it means slightly more effort on your part.
Personally, I think guac and tortilla chips always satisfy everyone. Another great option is your generic snacks of pretzels, crisps etc. but also making it slightly more elevated with little mozzarella morsels and olives. Some other great options include: hummus, breadsticks and pesto.
Unleash your inner designer
To create the perfect atmosphere, you will need some form of a table. In my budget friendly ways, last summer, I just used the dining table that I had and brought it outside with the chairs. It gives it that indoor/outdoor living vibe which I hear is quite popular after having binge-watched all three seasons of Selling Sunset. You really do not need any fancy outdoor furniture but if you have them, then obviously use them. Another way to add a vibe to your space is to put plants around. This is especially useful if your outdoor space is mostly concrete or gravel. I loved having some of my larger houseplants outside as it just created a great vibe for the party. Also, this is your time to boast about your ability to keep plants alive.
If you have any fairy lights, neon lights, etc. You can always place them on any walls and bannisters. Thankfully, the sun is setting later these days, so you don’t need a full flood light situation. However, if you feel that you need something in the later hours of the evening so all of you are not looking at each other in the dark, the best thing to do is ask if people have any outdoor lamps. You can also buy a set of solar powered garden lights for relatively cheap or go onto a zero waste Facebook page and see if people are giving any away. It’s great to make your garden party sustainable if possible.
With all of these steps put together, you have the perfect plan for an amazing outdoor gathering. Now that you have the whole party planned and ready to go, you can relax and enjoy your evening with friends and family, on a warm summer evening, until it rains.
