- Be creative with colorful foods, activities and decorations.Vegetables on a grill image by Smalik from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Coming up with fun outdoor party themes can be problematic. However, you can think outside of the box, ban the typical backyard barbecue and find unique ways to enjoy a few hours with family and friends. Keep menus simple so you don't spend the whole party in the kitchen. Plan the party in your own yard or take your party on the road to your favorite outdoor venues. - Set up vintage lawn games such as badminton, croquet and horseshoes.badminton image by Pontus Edenberg from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Put the electronics on hold for a few hours and treat your guests to an afternoon of old-fashioned fun. Provide the setup and equipment for lawn games such as croquet, badminton and horseshoes. Encourage some competition between guests young and old. Serve food that hearkens back to less complicated days. Search the recipe files of family and friends for classic picnic fare. Serve potato salad, coleslaw and homemade applesauce. Treat your guests to Southern fried chicken and a platter of meats and cheeses for a build-your-own-sandwich option. Bring on the relish trays to offer a selection of locally canned pickles and relishes. For desert make a warm seasonal fruit cobbler and serve it with freshly churned ice cream. Complete the meal with cold pitchers of iced tea and lemonade garnished with slices of lemon and mint leaves. - Invite your guests to an upscale outdoor brunch.Banana Crepes 4 image by Brett Mulcahy from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Take brunch outside. Secure a pavilion at a park, pitch a dining canopy at the beach or simply place two beautifully dressed tables outside under the shade of a tree. Set your table using your best china, crystal and silverware. Showcase vases of seasonal flowers in the center of each table. Serve your guests pre-brunch cocktails or "mocktails" in your backyard garden. Feature an egg casserole or a variety of quiches along with fresh side dishes such as fruit salad, grilled Canadian bacon and your favorite brunch potato dish. For dessert surprise your guests with cheese-filled crepes topped with peaches, bananas and sliced strawberries. - Plan a winter wonderland party no matter the time of year.snow image by Brett Bouwer from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
Plan a winter-themed party. Choose an early evening during the chilly months of the year and decorate landscaping and trees in your yard using white rope or string lights. Lay a carpet of faux snow or go all out and rent a snow machine that makes decorative snow for your guests to enjoy. Provide seating areas with outdoor heaters so guests can get warm while they enjoy party fare and chat. Serve warm wassail or rum-spiked apple cider. Treat your guests to cold weather fare. A large pot of homemade soup, home-baked bread and a seasonal green salad served with sliced apples and walnuts can complete your main course. Serve freshly baked oversized oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies for dessert along with a pot of cinnamon-infused coffee or hot chocolate.
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