Summer Pergola Party Essentials

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to take advantage of the sunny season and host an epic outdoor gathering in your backyard in true Aussie style. There’s no better way to use your outdoor space than throwing a lively summer party.

We will provide tips on creating the ultimate summer party in your backyard patio, from pergola setup to food, drinks and more around the fire pit. Transform your outdoor space into a festive backyard oasis perfect for entertaining. You’ll find ideas for decor, menus, games and more to pull off a memorable bash that delights guests.

By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to plan a fantastic outdoor gathering that celebrates summer in authentic Aussie fashion right on your backyard patio.

Setting Up Your Backyard Oasis

Setting up your outdoor space is the first step in creating your backyard oasis. Invest in a pergola from Aarons Outdoors to provide much-needed shade and shelter for your summer party. Install festive lighting around your pergola, floral arrangements, comfy seating, and stylish decor to transform the space.

Ensure good flow and accessibility around your backyard patio by adding decking, ramps or steps based on your needs. Keep bugs at bay as guests mingle and dine by strategically placing citronella candles and torches around your outdoor space.

You’ll be able to comfortably enjoy every moment of your outdoor gathering without worrying about harsh sunlight or pesky insects. With the right pergola and decor, you can create a backyard oasis perfect for summer entertaining in your outdoor space.

Firing up the Barbie

No Aussie outdoor party is complete without firing up the barbie. The barbecue is the main event, so make sure to grill up a variety of proteins like meats, sausages, burgers and kebabs. Infuse global flavours into your barbecue dishes, from Mexican-spiced chicken to Indonesian satay.

Use slow, low heat and hot, fast heat to cook an array of mouthwatering foods perfectly. Don’t forget to throw some shrimp, halloumi and veggies on the barbie too. Grilled fruit like pineapple, peaches and bananas make a delicious and refreshing dessert.

With the barbecue sizzling, refreshing drinks flowing and lawn games going, you’ll have all the fun under the sun at your outdoor party. The centrepiece barbecue, infused with delicious flavours worldwide, ensures your summer bash will be a hit with all your guests.

Fab Finger Foods

In addition to the stellar barbecue, you need fabulous finger foods to satisfy your guests throughout the outdoor party. Offer a variety of easy-to-prepare, bite-sized appetizers like mini quiches, meat pies, sausage rolls and cheese and Vegemite scrolls. Provide sweet options such as fruit skewers along with savoury selections.

Make ahead what you can so that day-of prep is minimal. Keep the finger foods replenished and the party ideas flowing, and your guests will have good reason to stay out in your outdoor area from start to finish. Consider crowd-pleasers like wings, chips and dip, slider sandwiches and bruschetta for variety.

Kids especially love the mini servings, so include kid-friendly picks like scrolls. With delicious finger foods available all day, you’ll keep friends and family content as you enjoy the graduation party or casual gathering in your backyard oasis.

Get the Drinks In!

What’s an Aussie party without thirst-quenching drinks? Offer ice-cold beers like popular brands XXXX and VB, along with Corona and cider for variety. Provide lighter wines, including crisp Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Grigios, that are refreshing on hot days. Set up a DIY cocktail bar with recipes for mojitos, Aperol spritzes and sangria for a fun twist.

Have a batch of ready-made cocktails like margaritas and fruit punches to impress guests. Also, offer mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages for designated drivers and underage guests. Party ideas like a spiked lemonade or iced tea station are festive. Keep plenty of ice, chilled glasses and pitchers on hand so drinks stay frosty.

Encourage responsible drinking by providing shuttle information and designating sober drivers. With a wide selection of delicious beverages, guests will remain refreshed and entertained all party long.

Pre- and Post-Party To-Dos

The key to an epic outdoor party is preparation before and after the big day. Send invites with all the details so guests know what to expect. Plan fun activities and entertainment like lawn games, a playlist or a photo booth. Set up lighting like string lights to create a warm glow and position cooling fans or misters.

Shop for all food, drinks and supplies in advance using lists. Only prepare what’s needed to minimize leftovers. Have ample garbage cans out for easy cleanup afterwards. Assign someone as the party’s ‘clean lead’ during and after for help.

Follow up by sending handwritten thank-you notes to show guests their time was appreciated. With smart planning using ideas from Better Homes and Gardens, you’ll focus on all the fun instead of the prep. Your friends and family will have a good reason to reunite for the next outdoor living event or summer party in your backyard oasis.

Make This Your Best Aussie Summer Yet

The sunny days of summer are calling your name. Now is the time to take advantage and plan an incredible backyard bash to remember. With tips on decor, food, drinks and more, you have all the information needed to throw a party in true Aussie fashion. Transform your outdoor space into a festive oasis with a stylish pergola from Aarons Outdoors.

Visit our website or call us today to get started on upgrading your backyard and setting the scene for an epic outdoor gathering under the summer sun. Follow the ideas in this article, and you’ll be on your way to hosting your best Aussie summer yet.