18 Backyard Party Ideas for the Perfect Outdoor Gathering (2024)

20 Creative Summer Décor Ideas You Can DIY

Send No-Melt Popsicle Party Invitations

Invite guests to your gathering with melt-proof invitations. Print the below clip-art onto a sheet of vellum. Spray adhesive on a blank sheet of vellum and adhere it to the reverse side of the printed sheet. Rip two strips of pale-pink glassine (to cover the top third of each pop shape) and one strip of dark-pink glassine roughly twice as wide; arrange them as shown. Secure the strips to vellum with spray adhesive. Write in party information; cut out pops. Sandwich sticks between cut-outs and glue them together with a glue stick. Repeat for more invitations. Print clip art for the "sprinkle" envelope labels on self-adhesive paper; write in addresses and affix to glassine envelopes.

Add Functional Seating

Create a space where everyone will be comfortable. Collapsible chairs are lightweight and easy to maneuver once the party is over. Choose a collection in a hue that complements your dinnerware for some seamless outdoor party décor.

Create a Pretty Table Setting

Pull together your tablescape with pretty colors, like Martha's light green and blue enamelware shown here. Pair your drinkware and dishware with coordinating napkins to tie everything together.

Add a Nature-Inspired Centerpiece

Take a cue from your surroundings and incorporate natural elements into your tablescape. Line the table with stones down the middle, and intersperse bunches of cushion moss. Votive candles placed alongside will cast a warm glow.

Light Herb Votives

These pretty herb-embellished votives are really a cinch to put together—and they instantly up the eye appeal of any table setting while adding a hint of fragrance. Snip sprigs of woody fresh herbs (thyme is shown, but rosemary or sage works, too) and tie three or four to each glass votive with a piece of twine.

Make Your Own Tiki Torch Anchors

Add festive lighting to your party space with tiki torches. Anchor them in gravel-filled, galvanized-steel flower buckets, and have yourself a tropical night. To anchor the torches, position flower buckets on level ground for stability. Hold one torch upright in each bucket and fill the bucket with garden gravel to about three inches from the rim. The containers are then heavy enough to support the lit torches safely as they burn.

Add Light Columns

For a nighttime party, light columns add an intimate feel to your space while also serving as a great source of light.

Bring Madras to the Occasion

This summertime fabric is the perfect fit for a DIY project and a stylish addition to your outdoor parties. Line your trays and use tablecloths or napkins to create one-of-a-kind details throughout your event.

Use co*cktail Covers

Your guests will be able to sip their drinks in style with these co*cktail glass covers. Use cute baking cups with holes for straws for no-spill drinks all day long.

Create a DIY Sangria Bar

We love a make-your-own sangria bar for outdoor parties. Not only will guests get to enjoy tasty drinks, but the service style also frees you up from bartending work. Make some of your favorites—like Stone Fruit Sangria or Summer Fruit Sangria—to serve up for your festivities.

Scoop Out a Watermelon Punch Bowl

Offer up a refreshing watermelon punch for the festivities. Empty out a watermelon to serve as a DIY punch bowl filled with a delicious mix of the fruit and seltzer.

Protect the Buffet

Put a simple twist on your flowerpots for celebration décor and a food cover. Lift the pot by sticking one finger through the drain hole, or create a handle by cutting an 18-inch length of 1/4-inch cord and knotting the ends together. Thread the looped end through the drain hole in the flowerpot.

Crunch on Vegetable Cups

Keep your serving simple with cups of vegetables to serve as a healthy side for your summertime party. Fill up on the produce in cups over ice to keep them cool and refreshing.

Dress a Tomato-Beet Salad

Complete your meals with nutritious and tasty side dishes. As delicious as it is colorful, this recipe takes advantage of the season's freshest produce. Red beets and heirloom tomatoes create a rainbow side.

Mix Up a Pasta Salad

This summer salad is a delicious addition to your outdoor party, and it's a winner with vegetarians and carnivores alike. Farfalle is paired with fresh green beans, chickpeas, red onion, and salty capers for a savory dish.

Throw Some Burgers on the Grill

What is a summer backyard party without delectable grilled burgers? A few elevated ingredients like thick slices of grilled onion, Worcestershire, and toasted brioche buns bring this burger from backyard staple to bistro-quality.

Bite Into Lemon-Spice Ice Cream Sandwiches

Delight guests with sweet and tangy treats like these cakey cookie sandwiches. The citrus-flavored ice is sandwiched between two cookies for a delectable, cooling dessert.

Craft Some Cute Plant Gift Bags

Send guests home with a bit of the outdoors to remember your party by. We're partial to these DIY plant gift bags. Add whatever plants you want and watch as loved ones grow them at home.