How to Throw an Outdoor Holiday Party

Holiday Party Tips and Ideas

Your backyard is the perfect place to host an outdoor holiday party. With ample space, a family-friendly atmosphere and a gorgeous blank canvas, there are a lot of benefits to having your holiday party outdoors. To help get the creative holiday juices flowing, our experts at J&J Tent and Party Rentals put together tips and ideas for throwing an epic outdoor holiday party. 

Tip #1: Have a Sizable Fire Pit

A toasty fire is a must-have for any outside holiday party. Not only is it a great way to keep your guests warm, but you can also use the fire pit to prepare tasty treats. Take a look at two of our favorite campfire dessert recipes. 

  • Fire pit banana boats: Split a banana down the center and fill it with all sorts of melty goodness. From chocolate to peanut butter chips, this treat has so many different combinations. When your banana is sufficiently stuffed with candy goodness, wrap it in foil and set it near the fire to warm. 
  • Campfire apple crisp packets: In foil packets, add large apple slices. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the apple slices and top with a crisp/cobbler mixture of butter, brown sugar, flour oatmeal and a dash of baking powder. Place the sealed foil packet of apples on a grate over the fire. Once cooked, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. 

Tip #2: Use the Grill and Slow Cookers

Throwing a holiday party outside means thinking about the food differently. To avoid making multiple trips back and forth to the kitchen, it’s a good idea to serve food that can be prepared on the grill or in a slow cooker. 

Tip #3: Set Up a Self-Serve Bar

Keep things simple with a self-serve patio or bar that has all of the holiday favorites. Eggnog, hot chocolate, coffee, tea and don’t forget these winter approved adult cocktails: 

  • Spiked hot cider
  • Mulled wine
  • Hot toddy
  • Irish Coffee
  • Mudslide hot chocolate

Tip #4: Keep Everyone Safe

Since it gets dark so early in the winter, string up extra lights around your property. Not only will it keep your guest safe, but it will also add to the festive atmosphere. When stringing up the lights, make sure to hang extras in areas where you expect people to congregate. 

Tip #5: Keep Everyone Entertained

Have plenty of holiday-themed activities on hand for all ages. This might include 

  • Backyard games
  • A holiday scavenger hunt
  • A showing of your favorite holiday movie
  • A gift exchange
  • Holiday crafts

Tip #6: Consider Renting Party Goods

For larger outdoor parties, consider renting a tent to create usable space. If the weather is going to be exceptionally cold, placing patio heaters throughout the space could be the difference between the party lasting well into the night or everyone leaving for the comfort of their heated home. 

Tip #7: Consider J&J Tent and Party Rentals

If you are planning a holiday event in the Raleigh area and need some expert advice, give J&J Tent and Party Rentals a call. We have been immersed in the wedding and event planning scene for years and have a wealth of knowledge and recommendations. We know the North Carolina event industry well, so we can answer any questions you may have about throwing your wedding, engagement party or business event. 

With J&J Tent and Party Rentals by your side through every step in this process, we take the guesswork out of planning the best event ever. For more information about events and tent rentals, Contact Us at (919) 977-3691.

Also, take a look at a few more event planning blogs

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