For many, summer is the perfect time for a family barbeque, especially with the many national holidays. But before you start inviting friends and family over, you’ll want to make sure your home is ready. By knowing how to throw a backyard bash for a national holiday, you can wow guests and buy the perfect decorations. So, start thinking about a menu and grab your cleaning supplies!
Think of a Menu
Once you’ve invited your guests, start thinking of a menu. Knowing how many people are coming could affect what foods and drinks you decide to serve. Some dishes are easier to make for large groups than others, and you want to enjoy yourself at the party—don’t pick something overly complicated. If you’re looking for an easy menu with delicious food, I recommend getting started with:
- Burgers and hotdogs
- Fruit salad
- Potato salad
Remember to think about guests with dietary restrictions—y’all may need to add a few vegetarian options for the main course. And don’t forget about dessert! Serve some yummy fruit. If it’s the Fourth of July, try red, white, and blue cupcakes; they’re delicious and easy to grab!
Set Up Some Entertainment
When it comes to knowing how to throw a backyard bash for a national holiday, entertainment is arguably as important as food. Make sure guests have a great time by setting up:
- Games for all ages
- A music playlist
- Seating arrangements
As far as seating goes, you don’t have to assign spots—just have an area for guests to sit and chit-chat.
Don’t Forget Decorations
While decorations for national holidays aren’t quite the same as those for other holidays, you can get creative. Start by buying some red, white, and blue decorations to hang on the deck, then put small flags in the garden and a centerpiece on the table.
Pull out your American flag and let it fly proudly! But make sure you understand American flag etiquette. For instance, y’all don’t want to fly a flag that’s frayed or torn.
Tidy Up the House
Start cleaning the house the day before the party—this will lessen stress. On the day of your backyard bash, you’ll be occupied with cooking and applying finishing touches. While putting your decorations out early is tempting, wait until you’ve cleaned up. This makes things easier since y’all may need to move items around.
Prepare the Household
The final step is to get everyone in the house ready—both human and non-human. Children and babies may need to take a nap during the celebrations. They also need a source of entertainment, so make sure the party is adult and kid-friendly.
If y’all have pets, they also need a space of their own. Remember, you may adore your dog, but some people fear canines. Likewise, animals can easily feel overwhelmed by all the people. Once you’ve set up a place for your pet to escape, there’s one last thing to keep in mind: have a great time!
