CONSERVATORY’S GUIDE TO THE BEST BACKYARD BASH!

With spring’s temperamental cold fronts (hopefully) behind us, everyone is looking for more opportunities to spend some much-needed time outside. So, why not welcome in the sunshine with good music, good food, and good company at the season’s best backyard barbeque yet? Bring friends and family together, take advantage of your outdoor spaces, and embrace the warmth of May with Conservatory’s top tips for throwing a superb spring shindig!

You might be wondering why we’re even considering a topic like lighting for a daytime backyard party. After all, spring’s spectacular sunshine is surely enough to offer the perfect party lighting conditions, right? Yes, it’s true, but you’re not going to throw an ordinary, mundane, or commonplace daytime get-together. Instead, you’re going to throw a beautiful party at twilight! Eventide’s cotton-candy skies and gentle spring breeze already create the perfect atmosphere, but as the hours pass into night, you’ll need just a little bit of ambient lighting to really complete the experience. Opt for effective yet inexpensive options like string lights or fairy lights to truly set an enchanting tone. Better still, lights like these are extremely versatile and can be draped, wrapped, or mounted on almost any surface from banisters to canopies, trees, and more.

When we talk about décor, we’re talking about the overall setting of your outdoor space. Be it landscaping, natural features, furniture, or centrepieces, everything should work together to create an overall sense of harmony. For example, an easy way to add excitement and energy to any outdoor area is to add colour in ways that complement existing features. If you’re looking for something truly photogenic, try creating a dedicated photo area like this DIY photo booth! An excellent and inexpensive décor addition that will surely make any backyard fiesta a memorable one. The important thing to keep in mind here is that you don’t need to spend much money to create an engaging outdoor area. Instead, look for simple tweaks that complement and enhance the established elements of your space.

The first (and arguably most important) table element to consider when planning your springtime backyard party is the centrepiece. We like to incorporate as many natural elements as we can, just to really embrace and celebrate the wonderful potential of spring. A simple and easy method for making really beautiful centrepieces is to try using flowers in creative new ways. Transform traditional floral centrpeices into conversation pieces with things like this charming DIY watering can planter. When it comes to napkins, and tablecloths stick with themes of naturality and materials that are easy to clean or are easily disposed of. Consider options like these floral pink paper napkins, or this classic Spode blue Portofino tablecloth.

And now, the pièce de resistance. After all, no springtime backyard party would be complete without some delicious grub, especially when it’s fresh from the barbeque. Though you can never go wrong with the traditional burgers and hotdogs, why not spice things up a bit with a themed menu? This spring we’re really enjoying Tex-Mex style cuisine, but more specifically, this fantastic barbecue Carne Asada recipe. Its easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and is perfect for the grill. Add a few of your favourite appetizers and finish with your best dessert for a complete menu your guests are sure to love!