Decide on a Theme
The best thing you can do is decide on a colour palette or a theme based on a film or time period and use lots of little knick-knacks or colours to present it. It doesn’t need a fully blown event designer to convey a hippy party. You could just get some tie-dye pieces thrown around and then add some other vibrant pieces. Perhaps you want it to look totally natural so you could knock up some temporary wooden seating. Use your imagination. So long as it all ties together you can get a very distinct look for your outdoor party.
Create Separate Areas
Many a party can become dull by people not moving around. You want people to mingle to keep the dynamics exciting and interesting. Nobody likes being stuck next to the boring old overly-loud guy but what can you do to prevent this? Make separate areas such as a drinks area, eating area, chill out place etc. By doing this people will be more inclined to move around and it will help keep everything sociable and active.
Chill Out Zone
Talking of somewhere to chill set up a location where people can lounge around on the grass. Maybe you could put down a traditional red handkerchief style picnic throw or just a load of cushions dotted around on the grass in a ‘C’ shape. Be inventive. This simple concept can really add to your party especially if you add some lighting. As the sun goes down this could become the new heart of the party.
Buy Some Cheap Cushions
Your existing furniture might well be up to the task but just needs a splash of colour and an extra touch of comfort. Buy some cheap thin cushions and place them on top of the furniture you already own to keep things affordable.
Spray Paint
This is so simple and yet so effective. Get some old furniture you have lying around or don’t mind painting. Then do just that – paint it! Choose a colour scheme and simply paint all the furniture to fit it. It will really liven up the look of even the most decrepit furniture and it will be a cheap and easy way of adding to the look of your outdoor party.
Use Barrels
You could have a whiskey themed party or get some cowboy wear and develop a simple theme going on quite simply by using some old alcohol barrels as tables or just props. The rustic feel that you will achieve with these with have a lasting effect on your guests because everyone loves the aesthetic of them. Try finding some at shop or failing that companies such as OutKast Furniture Hire will have them available for you to rent. So simple and yet so impressive!
Tree Log Seating
An alternative to barrels which can give a similar rustic yet impressive look is to use old stumps of logs as seating. It will clearly look natural and when combined with a few other natural touches can make for a classy yet easy to achieve look.
