Backyard Hosting Ideas to Try This Summer

Summer get-togethers are some of the highlights and best memories of the entire year. When we look back at our camera roll on New Year’s Eve, we love seeing what these summer months bring, what we did, and most importantly, who we were with. Hosting a party in your backyard can be one of those Insta-worthy snapshots from the year that you’ll be sharing for months to come. 

We’ve put together a few ideas for hosting in your yard this summer, to get you thinking and inspired for your next big get-together. These summer hosting ideas are just a start, but hopefully they spark something fun for you and your friends this year!

Bonfire and Lawn Games

The tried and true bonfire with backyard lawn games is a classic summer party idea for a reason. Everyone knows what to expect when they’re invited to a backyard bonfire at their best friend’s house. Break out the hot dogs, mallows, beverages, and cornhole, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for success.

Want to spice up your backyard bonfire bonanza? Here are some additional ideas to make your night memorable:

Live Music

Do you know anyone who plays guitar? Whether you’re looking for a lowkey, crunchy acoustic vibe, or if you can get a whole band together for some late-night jamming, live music can really elevate the feel of the night!

Fun Campfire Games

While cornhole (or bags, depending where you’re from!) is a Midwest favorite, there are plenty of other fun yard games that you can try this summer. We love Spikeball — almost a mini version of volleyball, if the net is a trampoline — as well as Kubb, a Swedish wooden throwing game where you have to get your opponent’s entire set of wood blocks down before they get yours down. Looking for something that can be played after dark by the fire light? Anything that gets the crowd involved is a great idea! Salad bowl combines Catchphrase and Charades in a rowdy team guessing game. You can also get creative and make up song titles that don’t exist — challenge your friends to create the lyrics (and music!) for the song and have your summer theme song created right in front of your eyes!

Mix Up the Food

The best part about backyard parties is the food. Want a fun twist on a s’more? Try adding chocolate chips and mini marshmallows to a waffle cone and putting it in tin foil over the fire’s coals. Popcorn and corn on the cob also make great late-night bite over the fire, for unique snacks that make the night even more special. In the mood for some trendy, delicious drinks? The Spicy Sauvy B is sure to be a hit: the two-ingredient drink of the summer combines Sauvignon Blanc and frozen jalapenos for an incredibly delicious, refreshing beverage! Coke and wine is also making its way into the trendy drink world, known as kalimotxo or calimocho. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing watermelon spritzer and make your backyard bonfires a regular event this year!

Art in the Yard

Another trend you need to hop on this summer? Unplugging! Many people are putting down their phones and opting for “analog” activities, from reading books to watching clouds, and everything in between. Take advantage of a phone-free summer and try something new by hosting an art in the yard night! 

Invite your friends over for an afternoon of poetry, storytelling, painting, singing, and anything else that may be artistic that you want to share. It doesn’t have to be good to be enjoyable! Feel refined in your own backyard and share some of the fun, artsy things you’ve been cooking up lately. You could even show off your beautiful garden and landscaping this summer! (Don’t forget to pair this with some delicious food and cocktails!)

Movie on the Lawn

Looking for a summer activity for your kids? A movie on the lawn is the perfect event! Pick out your favorite movie, grab a projector for less than $50, a white sheet, some snacks, and you’re set. This is a fun, unique way to mix up your regular Friday night movie by inviting your friends, your kids’ friends, and your neighbors over, getting some blankets and lawn chairs out, and enjoying a movie outdoors. 

Want to make the event even more memorable? Set up a tent in the yard afterwards and let the kids camp out! Hosting ideas don’t always have to be grand projects or events to be some of the most fun and memorable nights of the year.

Garden Party

Looking for a way to bring your closest friends together, enjoy some good drinks and snacks, and take advantage of the lovely weather in the comfort of your beautiful garden? Hosting a garden party offers a mini escape from day-to-day life, especially when days feel like they blend together during the summer. Garden parties are chic, trendy, aesthetic, and create a vibe that feels elegant, formal, yet comfortable and not stuffy. Consider adding some accent lighting, cozy fairy lights, or even a fire table to your space to really make the vibe match and make your guests feel comfortable and welcome.

Your garden party can include dressing up in your Sunday best, afternoon tea, charcuterie boards, wine, spritzers, and light music as well. Putting together a garden party can take as much or as little planning as you’d like. Pair it with a book and host a mini book club. Bring some trivia cards for a fun competition, or just catch up with your friends in your home! Looking for some garden bed installations or landscaping ideas for your garden party? We can help!

Make This Summer Memorable

Whether your home is hosting ready or if you need some help cleaning up your yard beforehand, the SunKissed Landscapes team is here to help give you ideas and help get our hands dirty so your guests can have the best summer yet. We can help give your yard and garden total summer makeovers, complete with garden bed installations, paver paths, retaining walls, pollinator gardens, and more. Or, we can simply touch up your space, add some edging, trimming, and weeding ahead of your big event. 

Get in touch with our team and get ready for your summer event with landscape design, touchups, and more!