Planning an outdoor party over the summer can be both exciting and overwhelming. With the right tips and resources, it can be a fun and memorable experience for both you and your guests! Whether it's a casual backyard barbecue, a big birthday bash, or a stylish garden party, preparation is key to ensuring everything goes smoothly. Here's a helpful guide with great local resources to help you make your summer celebration a breeze.

TIPS FOR PLANNING AN OUTDOOR PARTY

Choose the Right Location
- Hosting in your backyard or a local park? Make sure it's accessible and has all of the amenities you need. If it's a public space, make sure you reserve your pavilion or space ahead of time. If it's your backyard, make sure you plan for where the sun/shade will be at the time of your event.
Set a Theme or Mood
- Pick a décor theme so that the entire party is cohesive. Following a theme can help guide décor, food and dress code. A few examples: BBQ, Garden Party, Luau.
Plan Your Menu Wisely
- When hosting outdoors, it's important to choose outdoor-friendly food like grilled items, finger foods and pre-portioned desserts. Keep perishables and drinks cool in coolers or ice trays.
Provide Entertainment
- Prepare a playlist that can be played on portable speakers, provide lawn games like cornhole and frisbee. Don't forget about the kids! Grab some bubbles or sidewalk chalk.

LOCAL RESOURCES TO HELP WITH PARTY PLANNING

EVENT RENTALS

Grand Affair Party Rentals

2025 Happening List Winner | Event Rentals

1512 David Terrace, Morrisville, PA
(215) 428-9232

Grand Affair Party Rentals is your one-stop-shop for party rental services. They are a family owned business, located in Yardley. They can handle a small party with a few tables and chairs, all the way up to large weddings and corporate events. They specialize in tent rentals, table rentals, and chair rentals, but they also rent all the common “add-ons” such as lighting, dance floors linens and bars.

HAPPENING LIST FINALISTS

Your Moments, LLC

Lower Bucks County
Instagram Page

Your Moments, LLC offers balloon arches and event prop rentals. They serve Lower Bucks County and the surrounding areas.

Rustic Rentals Bucks County

bucksrusticrentals@gmail.com
267-304-0126

Make your event stand out with Rustic Rentals. They offer chairs, easels, and more party rentals.

CATERING

Piccolo Trattoria Catering

2025 Happening List Winner | Caterer

32 W. Road, Newtown, PA
(215) 860-4247

Piccolo Trattoria services entail party rentals, event planning and on-site catering. They have a professional catering team that will help you craft the perfect menu. Whether you are planning a large affair or a smaller, intimate party, they can help!

HAPPENING LIST FINALISTS

Simply Delicious by Tina Café & Catering

2244 York Rd., Jamison, PA
(267) 483-8235

Simply Delicious by Tina provides full service offsite catering and delivery for all types of events, including weddings, birthdays, bar/bat mitzvahs, showers, funerals and corporate luncheons and events.

JustFood

4920 York Rd., Doylestown, PA
(215) 794-3663

JustFood offers catering that can meet any of your needs – from their large selection of menu options and drink packages to catering your special event. With their bar service option, they will help set up tables with wine glasses and a variety of alcohol for when guests arrive.