Six Tips for Splendid Spring Gatherings
With the arrival of Spring, Spring Fever and the desire to get outside and play soon follow. Thankfully, the season is also filled with opportunities to gather together with friends and loved ones—including graduation parties, team banquets, family reunions, rehearsal dinners, weddings, garden parties, company picnics, gender reveal parties, baby showers, Memorial Day celebrations, Kentucky Derby watch party, and so much more! If you’re dying to break out the Spring décor and plan a seasonal get-together, the “hosts with the most” at Woody’s Bar-B-Q have compiled a list of six tips that just might help you bring that bash you’re envisioning into full bloom…
- Use a Natural Backdrop – But Have an Indoor Backup
With Winter’s chill, many of us have spent the last few months mostly indoors. If you have the yard space, why not take that Spring party outdoors? It comes complete with natural party décor, including green grass, flowers in bloom, birds in the trees, and blue skies above. In the event that the skies above AREN’T blue, you may want to have an indoor backup plan that you can tap into. If you DON’T have the yard space, consider renting a pavilion at a local park or – depending on the occasion – a local venue known for its outdoor charm. As for the rest of your décor, create Spring-themed centerpieces with beautiful Spring flowers (Mason jars make charming vases that won’t break the bank) and employ a color scheme that’s identifiably Spring-like – from soft pastels to bright white and neutrals. If you have the party in your backyard, but people will pop inside to use the restroom, carry that Spring theme indoors and ramp it up in the powder room. If your gathering takes place at night, add a touch of whimsy with elegantly hung strings of light and white candles set about. - Lean Into Traditional Outdoor Party Games for Entertainment
With an outdoor party, creating opportunities for people to have fun is easy. While setting out a cornhole or horseshoe set is always a hit, you might want to designate a portion of the party for a full-on family-friendly competition – complete with prizes for the winners. Dig deep and glean inspiration from your inner child for which games to include – like potato sack or cup and egg races, limbo contests, flashlight tag after dark, three-legged races, and more. For adult gatherings, yard pong is always a fun addition. - Create a Spring-Inspired Playlist
Nothing sets a mood quite like music. To get everyone in the Spring spirit, create a playlist that includes songs like Happy by Pharell Williams, Beautiful Day by U2, Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles, Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves, Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow, Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo ole, and I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash. While the music can play in the background to allow for banter between guests, it can take a starring role during party games – especially the limbo! - Debut a Seasonally Inspired Cocktail or Punch
Between punch bowls and decorative beverage decanters, your party’s signature drink can perform double duty as a centerpiece and crowd-pleasing beverage. You can’t go wrong with a traditional party punch that includes ice cream, fruit juice, and lemon-lime soda for a family-friendly gathering. Add fresh fruit to add to its visual appeal. You can employ that same concept for an adult party, but either spike the punch with a white rum or vodka or make the beverage a refreshing white or red sangria. The internet presents a treasure trove of great ideas if you’re looking for a signature cocktail that will have people talking.
- Tap Woody’s Bar-B-Q to Supply the Menu
You’ve worked hard to plan this Spring soiree. You should spend time with your guests, not prepping party food and transferring it from the kitchen to the backyard. BBQ proves an excellent fit for virtually any outdoor gathering. Woody’s Bar-B-Q offers everything from our slow-smoked meats by the pound, ribs by the rack, and sides by the quart or gallon to full-service catering. We can help you design your menu, deliver the food to your site, set up a buffet – complete with heating units to keep the food warm until you’re ready to serve, and man the buffet if that’s the level of service you require for a flawless fete. View our Catering Menu or visit our Locations Page to view the to-go menu for the Woody’s Bar-B-Q near you. - Give Spring-Themed Party Favors That Extend the Fun
Just because the party must come to an end, that doesn’t mean the Spring-themed fun can’t continue. Give your guests a parting gift that will remind them of your time together. If you host a garden party, you may want to give them a mini bouquet, a succulent, or a package of seeds with a new pair of gardening gloves. Spring stickers, flying disks, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and water guns are always a hit with the young ones following a kids’ party. Spring-scented candles or soaps, personalized cups with a recipe card for your party’s signature cocktail and an airplane bottle of the featured liquor, or a hangover recovery kit make great party favors for the grownups.
From all of us here at Woody’s Bar-B-Q, we wish you a very Happy Spring and many fun-filled gatherings with people who make you smile!
KB 3/26/24
