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
Karley’s Rentals
2025 Happening List Winner | Event Rentals
4928 Disston St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 333-7202
Karley’s Rentals offers linens, tables/chairs, backdrops and walls, props and bars, velvet and boho chairs, chair covers and sashes, charger plates, lounge rentals, marquee lights and 3D signs, pedestals, throne chairs and more. Make your party come to life with Karley’s Rentals!
HAPPENING LIST FINALISTS
Vision Furniture Event Rentals
4211 Van Kirk St, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 695-3300
Vision Furniture is a business to business event rental company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Vision’s party rental options are not limited to just dining chairs and banquet tables – they also have a growing catalog of lounge furniture, sofas, loveseats, accent chairs, vintage furniture, lamps, accent tables, coffee tables, specialty chairs, bar stools, reclaimed wood farm tables, beveled mirror tables, LED Lounge Furniture, cocktail tables, Wood Fired Pizza Ovens, Boxwood Hedge Walls, Champagne Walls, Huppahs, Floral Arches, Decorative Screens, Italian Wine Barrels, Bars, Bar Backs, Etageres, hand painted glass Charger Plates and more.
Sitting Pretty Tables & Chairs Rental
Philadelphia, PA
https://www.sittingprettyrental.com/
Sitting Pretty Event Rental is a minority certified women-owned business serving Philadelphia since 2015. From intimate gatherings to large corporate events, they provide event furniture, delivery, and pickup services in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Enjoy a stress-free experience with their prompt, flexible, and customer-oriented approach. They specialize in weddings, graduations, birthdays, corporate events and more.
CATERING
Jeffrey Miller Catering
2025 Happening List Winner | Catering
1530 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA
(610) 622-3700
Jeffrey Miller Catering is a group of hospitality professionals who specialize in delivering exceptional events through a broad range of catering and event services. From weddings to corporate and nonprofit gatherings to intimate celebrations, they will bring your vision to life with expert event planning, décor, equipment rentals, event pro concierge services and delicious food and warm, attentive service.
HAPPENING LIST FINALISTS
Brûlée Catering
1406 S Front St, Philadelphia, PA
https://www.eventsbyrhc.com/contact/
Brûlée Catering is now Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, a premier catering events partner in Philadelphia. The company offers event design, custom food stations, branding and signage, professional staff attire (uniforms), and more.
Finley Catering
The Wanamaker Building, 100 E Penn Square 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA
https://finleycatering.com/
Finley Catering offers services for the most elegant of settings, matched by impeccable personal service and attention, with over 45 years of catering expertise, they will create a truly unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Whatever the occasion, the team of sales and event managers work with you to guide you through every step of planning and executing the event, making the entire process seamless.
