Secrets to an Enchanting Outdoor Party

Secrets to an Enchanting Outdoor Party

(ARA) - Whether you’re the host of a friendly barbecue, a wedding, a baby shower, a graduation or any other gathering this summer, the warm weather is certain to turn your party inside-out. In order to set your guests at ease, it’s your job to create an inviting and harmonious atmosphere. These secrets to a successful outdoor party will help you leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Your first priority is to prepare your outdoor living space beginning with tables and seating. No matter where you live, the weather is bound to take a toll on your outdoor furniture and surfaces. Take a close look at your furniture, most of us will go without noticing the wear and tear that occurs from year to year. Enchanting your guests starts with clean, comfortable seating and there is nothing more unappealing than setting your drink or food on a table that is weatherworn and chipping. This may be the most important ingredient to your party -- it’s worth your time.

Whether you have metal or wood furniture, it’s simple to perk up the finish. A simple do-it-yourself high volume, low pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer can be used by anyone to refinish surfaces for a relatively small investment. The Wagner Fine Spray is a new HVLP designed for the homeowner. It can be used both indoors and out and is perfect for staining fine bodied materials like the material used on decks, outdoor furniture or play sets.

Next, if your guests are going to be on the deck, make sure to give it a fresh coat of stain. Treating your decks surface is second only in priority to treating your deck furniture. It will enhance the wood’s quality but more importantly it will reduce the risk of splinters. Staining your deck doesn’t have to be an all day project. Using a paint sprayer like the HVLP from Wagner will make the job fast and easy so there’s no reason to put it off.

Remember that a few simple flowers can add color and life to your otherwise ordinary setting. For the best results, plant your flowers at least two weeks before your party to give them time to bloom and fill out. When you choose your flowers, establish a color theme but don’t be afraid to use all kinds of flowers. (Tip: a touch of white will make everything else look better.) Set varied sizes of pots together to add structure and organization to your array.

There’s no better way to set a crowd at ease than with music. Choose something that’s non-intrusive and keep it playing continuously. Think about the nature of your party and choose accordingly -- instrumentals are always good and this kind of mood music can be found for just about any setting.

Start your guests off with something refreshing. Try this simple but creative cocktail to get them talking and calm their appetites until everyone arrives: In a medium-sized pitcher combine 2 cups of mixed berries; 2 cups chilled apricot nectar; 2 cups chilled mineral water; and 2 cups chilled white grape juice for a refreshing fruit drink. As day fades into evening, the bugs are bound to join you. Citronella candles are good for warding off those irritating creatures. Set them around your outdoor seating area either on the ground or on tables. Citronella candles will allow your guests to enjoy the fresh night air on a charming summer evening. Not only that, but they create an ambiance after the sun goes down that is serene and relaxing.

Finally, in all your preparation, don’t forget to look beyond the table -- your guests certainly will. A weather worn fence or play set can be an eyesore. If you have an HVLP sprayer, these things can be touched up relatively easily and in very little time. While you’re at it, you might want to take a look at the condition of your flower pots too.

Courtesy of ARA Content
For more information on the Wagner Fine Spray and other painting tools, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com or stop by your local home center or hardware store.