Residents of Ryan’s Crossing are readying for a summer filled with fantastic moments including those created in their spacious backyards. The custom-built luxury homes in this Pittsboro neighborhood offer endless options for entertainment, including outdoor spaces that are perfect for parties. Whether hosting a kick-off to summer, 4th of July festivities, or one last shindig before school starts, residents of Ryan’s Crossing have ample, beautiful space to celebrate.
Not sure where to begin? Start planning your backyard party today by selecting your theme! Common themes are holiday-related, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day celebrations. Perhaps you’d like to bring your favorite spot home by hosting a beach party, a tropical luau, or a backyard carnival. Are you leaning toward something out of the box? Celebrate Christmas in July with a summer gift exchange or host a non-traditional egg hunt by hiding water balloons throughout the yard.
- Once you’ve settled on a theme, select a date and get those invitations out! Summer calendars do fill up quickly, so plan on more regrets than is typical. The sooner the invites can be sent, the better, and with a variety of electronic invite options, creating a cute invite is both convenient and quick. Details to include? Date, time, location, theme, dress (or costume) code, and guidelines on what guests should (or shouldn’t) bring. By including every detail on the invite, you will decrease calls from confused guests in the days leading up to your party.
- Start mapping out your party needs by selecting decor. Many craft stores are stocked with tablecloths, place settings, and centerpieces with a summer focus. Props are also a fun addition–perhaps a large welcome sign, beach umbrellas, a sandbox, or a backdrop for photos will add the perfect touch. Strings lights, lanterns, and tiki torches are terrific for creating a cozy evening setting that can be used multiple times.
- Food, drinks, and desserts are typically the star of every party! In the busy summer season, this means ordering early (for catering) or shopping for non-perishables well in advance. Menus should reflect your theme! Luau? Showcase seafood, tropical fruits, and daiquiris. Carnival? Hot dogs, popcorn, and a punch bowl. And, in central North Carolina, you can never go wrong with a barbecue-based menu that includes pulled pork, corn on the cob, and a salad bar.
- A few days before your backyard party, choose station locations throughout your backyard that allow guests to spread out. The outdoor entertainment space that surrounds each of Ryan’s Crossing’s custom homes is plentiful! This means that guests can mingle freely yet always be steps away from something delicious.
- Create multiple drink stops to keep guests hydrated–one on the porch and a few more within shaded areas of the backyard.
- Set up food stations by temperature needs. Those items that need to remain cool should be located closer to the house while non-perishables can be placed by a fire pit or games area.
- Include place settings at each station and set garbage cans away from serving tables.
- Beach music is a terrific addition to a summer shindig! Whether creating a playlist or hiring a DJ/local band, music can quickly kick your party up a notch.
- If your invite lists included people from different walks of your life, you may need an icebreaker! Cornhole, frisbees, or badminton are all great ways to encourage guests to mingle. Conversation Cards are also a great way for guests to find new friends as topics are provided to spark chatter.
- How plentiful is your seating? Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring their own chairs. This is quite common when hosting outdoor events and can even lengthen the party as tired legs don’t send people scurrying home.
Great food, a fun theme, and a welcoming environment are all key to hosting a terrific backyard party. As the Ryan’s Crossing neighborhood grows, residents look forward to warm weather as a time to meet new friends. Hosting an outdoor party is the perfect way to showcase Ryan’s Crossing’s community spirit.
If you’re looking for a new place to call home, Ryan’s Crossing has the answer. Luxury, custom-built homes sit on gorgeous, wooded lots that beckon residents to enjoy natural beauty while making memories all summer long.
Reach out to the team at Ryan’s Crossing today and, before long, you can start planning your own fabulous backyard party!