By: Nils Mossblad
I know summer usually gets all of the credit when it comes to backyard parties, but personally, I think fall might be even better.
Especially here in Delco.
The humidity finally disappears, the leaves start changing, you can actually sit around a fire pit without sweating, and there is just something about a cool fall night that makes you want to hang outside with friends.
The only problem is that a fall backyard party requires a little more planning than a summer barbecue.
After spending a lot of years working events, there are a few things I would absolutely think about before inviting everyone over.
1. Remember How Early It Gets Dark
This is probably the biggest one.
In the middle of summer, you don't think much about lighting because it stays light forever.
By October, that changes quickly.
But I actually think that can make a fall party better.
Once the sun goes down, string lights, lanterns, candles, and uplighting on trees can completely transform your backyard.
And you don't have to go crazy.
Sometimes a couple strings of café lights and a few well-placed lights around the yard are enough to make your backyard feel completely different.
Just don't forget the practical lighting too.
Make sure people can actually see the path back to the house, any steps, and wherever they are walking.
2. Give People Somewhere Warm to Go
You don't necessarily need to heat your entire backyard.
You just need a couple places where people can warm up.
A fire pit is obviously perfect for this. Patio heaters are great too.
I also love the idea of putting out a basket of inexpensive blankets once the temperature starts dropping.
It's a small detail, but it's the kind of thing people remember.
And if everyone is comfortable, they'll stay outside much longer.
3. Don't Put Everything Right Next to Each Other
One of the easiest ways to make your backyard feel more interesting is to spread things out.
Put the drinks in one place.
Put the food somewhere else.
Have the fire pit in another area.
Maybe you have some seating on a patio and another little gathering area across the yard.
At professional events, we do this all the time because it gets people moving through a space.
The same idea works at your house.
If every single thing is sitting on one table, everyone is going to stand around that one table.
4. Think About Your Music Setup
Obviously, I can't write an article about throwing a party without talking about music.
But one mistake I see all the time at backyard parties is someone putting one Bluetooth speaker in the corner and turning it up as loud as possible so everyone can hear it.
The people standing next to the speaker are getting blasted while the people on the other side of the yard still can't hear anything.
If you have the ability to use two or more smaller speakers spread throughout the space, that's usually much better.
You get more even sound without needing the music to be ridiculously loud.
And remember, especially at the beginning of the night, people should be able to talk.
5. Lean Into the Fact That It's Fall
This is your chance to do all of the things that would feel ridiculous in July.
Hot cider.
Chili.
Hot chocolate.
S'mores.
Apple desserts.
Bourbon cocktails.
A fire pit.
Blankets.
You don't need to turn your backyard into a pumpkin patch, but a few seasonal touches make the whole party feel more intentional.
6. Create Something People Naturally Gather Around
At almost every event, there is something that becomes the center of attention.
At a backyard party, that might be the fire pit.
Maybe it's an outdoor TV with a Phillies or Eagles game on.
Maybe you set up a projector and screen.
Maybe someone brings out a guitar.
It doesn't really matter what it is.
People are more comfortable when there are things happening around them.
You don't have to constantly entertain your guests. Just create a few natural gathering places and let the party happen.
7. Have a Rain—and Cold—Plan
If you live in Delco, you already know how this goes.
You look at the weather a few days beforehand and it's supposed to be 68 and sunny.
Then suddenly it's 51 degrees and there's a 40% chance of rain.
Have a backup plan.
Can everybody fit inside if they need to?
Do you have a covered area?
Do you need a tent?
Where are your speakers, food, and anything else that can't get wet going to go?
Hopefully you never need the backup plan.
But I would much rather have one and not use it than start figuring it out while it's raining.
8. Walk Into Your Own Party Like You're a Guest
This is something I think about all the time at events.
What does somebody experience from the moment they arrive?
So before your party, literally walk outside and come into your backyard the same way your guests will.
Do they know where to go?
Is the walkway dark?
Does someone have to wander through your house looking for the backyard?
Where do they get their first drink?
Can they hear the music when they arrive?
Those little things create the first impression of the party.
You Really Don't Need to Go Crazy
I work in an industry where we can transform a room with lighting, staging, entertainment, draping, dance floors, and all kinds of production.
And I love that stuff.
But you absolutely don't need all of that to have a great party at your house.
Some good music, warm lighting, a fire pit, great food and drinks, and a group of people you actually want to spend time with will get you pretty far.
And honestly, we only get a few perfect fall weekends every year in Delco.
So invite some people over, light the fire pit, put on a great playlist, and take advantage of them while they're here.
About The Author: Nils Mossblad
President and Co-Owner of On It Productions
Nils Mossblad is the President and Co-Owner of On It Productions, a Philadelphia-area entertainment and event production company specializing in weddings, corporate events, and unique live entertainment experiences. A professional saxophonist and entertainer himself, Nils has spent years helping bring unforgettable events to life throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. With a passion for creativity, music, and bringing people together, he enjoys sharing his experience and insights to help others create memorable celebrations.
To learn more about Nils or book him for your next event, click here.