With warmer weather fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next outdoor party. We’re here to take all the stress out of it with some key party planning tips! The best part of this guide is that you can stay on track with your health goals while still having fun with family and friends this season. Backyard party food can have a stigma of being heavy or unhealthy but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it light and wholesome by incorporating plenty of greenhouse grown veggies on the menu at your next soiree.

The date is set for your first outdoor party of the season, all your family and friends are invited, but what will you serve your guests? Chances are you will have plenty of hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill with the weather warming up so why not switch it up with some fresh ideas that are just as easy to make, or add some of these suggestions to your already set traditions. We’ve all been known to overindulge when gathering with friends and family so here are some fun ways to incorporate more greenhouse grown vegetables into your next event to keep things healthy for everyone! Plus, we’ve put together some extra easy ideas like music suggestions and some housekeeping tips for you so that you will be able to enjoy your day when entertaining and make sure nothing’s forgotten about. 

GRAZING BOARDS –

Start the day off with some grazing boards for when guests start to arrive. Charcuterie boards are a huge crowd pleaser and make it easier for your guests to snack as they please during a get together. Try having a mix of them placed around your space to make it convenient for people to mingle and catch up with each other while still grabbing a bite.  Our line of Snacking Tomatoes, Uno Bites Nano Cucumbers, and Aurora Bites Mini Sweet Peppers are always crowd pleasers! Make sure your boards are filled with fresh fruits like our Solara™ Mini Melons and veggies so there are plenty of different options for your company to please everyone’s palates. Be sure to include a variety of textures, food groups, and even add dips to your platter! Need some inspiration? Try one of these grazing board recipes below.

EASY TO PREP DISHES –

Take the heat off whomever is in charge of the grill by having some dishes ready for your guests to kick off the party. You can have these meals ready ahead of time, so that you and your griller have more time to enjoy the day! Curb your guest’s hunger before the main meal with some apps or pick a few different dishes to serve as the main event!  Make sure the recipes you chose are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy so that all that’s left to do is serve when your guests arrive. Looking for dishes that will WOW your guests? Check out these recipes below. 

DON’T FORGET THE DESSERT –

We don’t know about you, but after a meal – no matter how full we are – we always have room to end with something sweet. There’s really nothing better than a refreshing treat on a warm day surrounded by friends and family. Dessert doesn’t have to be unhealthy, it can be guilt-free when they’re filled with greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables. Our Mini Cucumbers often make their way into some of our favorite dessert recipes. Our Solara™ Mini Melons are the perfect ingredient for a fresh dessert and make an aesthetically pleasing bowl to serve it in! Try these Island Ice Cream Bowls the perfect crowd pleaser for adults and kids! Make any of these following desserts ahead of time for your guests and pull them out of the fridge or freezer when it is time to serve. From fruit skewers, Poco pops, cheesecake bars, or melon bowls, here’s a list of ideas to please everyone’s sugar cravings.

SKIP THE SODA –

Skip the soda and add some refreshing nutrients to the drinks that you are serving, especially on a hot day! You want your guests to stay hydrated so try adding cut cucumbers and lemons to pitchers of water for everyone to enjoy. Long English cucumbers are perfect for this drink and It’s a cute, colourful way to sneak in extra vitamins! You can prepare this ahead of time, the longer it sits the longer the flavors will infuse into your water. A great tip is to freeze your cucumbers and add them in as ice to keep the water cold! Just pull it out of the fridge when it is time to serve and make  sure to refill during the day! 

If you want to take your drink menu to the next level, check out this Cucumber Mojito Mocktail recipe for a fresh, non-alcoholic option.

BEST LAID PLANS – 

Now that you have plenty of ideas for on what to serve your guests, here are some other helpful tips for planning your party.

  1. Have a backup plan for weather. After all the planning you’ve done you don’t want it all thrown away due to some rain. If outdoor isn’t an option make sure you have a plan B or a rain date! 
  2. Have enough propane or charcoal for the grill. If you are making dishes on the grill you don’t want to run out. Make sure you have enough supplies to last you all day. 
  3. Have some yard games to entertain your guests. Make sure your guests have time to be active at your party by having some lawn game options. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone!
  4. Don’t forget the music! It may be the last thing on your mind but it’s important! It sets the whole mood for the party. Throw on a Spotify playlist and let it roll!
  5. Don’t forget plates and utensils. There are plenty of sustainable options now for compostable plates & eco-friendly cutlery. You worked too hard to have to worry about washing dishes afterwards! 

DON’T FORGET TO ENJOY YOURSELF!

Kick off the season right and incorporate some of these fresh ideas at your next outdoor party. Remember to prep ahead so that you get to enjoy the time with your guests. Skip the heavy dishes and incorporate lots of greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables into your menu. It’ll make sure you’re fuelled and energized throughout the day and your guests will feel hydrated, refreshed, and full of yummy food and vitamins. There truly is nothing better than spending time with those that matter most! So now that you’re ready to host your next outdoor party, there is just one more thing… have fun! After all the planning and prep, you deserve time to enjoy it too!