17 Genius DIY Backyard Party Ideas

on June 25, 2015

Chanterelle Photography

Backyard Business

Who would have known there are so many ways to save time and money on party planning? Party "hacks" are no joke when it comes the shortest route to quality food, stunning decorations, and laid back fun for all. This summer, throw an unforgettable backyard bash with less hassle than ever. The following tips will have your friends and neighbors wondering Why didn't I think of that?

Barefoot Wine

Watermelon Punch

Ditch the dishes and make your own watermelon punch bowl. Add extra fruit and wine for a sangria-style cocktail like this one or keep it non-alcoholic with a fun fruity punch for all ages. You can even freeze the watermelon rind for a perfectly chilled finish!

Tori at Thoughtfully Simple

Pre-Scooped Ice Cream

Save time at the buffet line-and the melty mess-and scoop ice cream ahead of time. It will freeze in perfect scoops, making serving a hassle-free, less-mess affair. You can even pre-portion scoops into little paper cups like the ones featured here.

2Shopper.com

Wheelbarrow Cooler

Running out of room in the cooler? Want to try something even cooler? Grab an old wheelbarrow (or canoe!) and fill it up with ice and salt for a nifty make-shift drink stand. It'll keep your drinks cold and refreshing while putting them on display in stunning fashion. Find inspiration for this trendy DIY here.

2Shopper.com

Mason Jar Utensil Holders

Grab-and-go utensil holders make the trip from the food line to the table a breeze. Once guests have settled into a spot, they can fill the mason jars with a beverage of choice. These won't get knocked over easily and save big time on paper waste. This clever tip can be found here.

A Subtle Revelry

Keep Flies Out

Tired of flies ruining your backyard bash? No need to spoil all your hard work. Just try this chemical-free DIY to ward off flies from food and drinks. The fresh aroma of lemon and clove is less harsh than citronella candles and costs half the price! Learn how here.

A Subtle Revelry

Popsicle Holders

Keep the kids' hands sticky-free with this adorable DIY. Use cupcake liners (the foil ones, not paper) to prevent popsicles from dripping all over peoples' hands and clothes. Find this hack here.

Anjelika Temple

Frozen Water Balloons

Rather than spending money on ice for your ice chest, fill up balloons with water and freeze them to keep drinks cold. Not only are they reusable for coolers, but once they melt, they can do double duty during the water balloon fight! Learn more here.

Jonny Valiant

Gourmet Hot Dog Bar

Hot dogs are an American classic, and what a better way to impress your guests than with a gourmet hot dog bar? Set out relish, onions, peppers, chili, cheese, spicy mustard-you name it-and everyone can make their dog. Throw in some veggie dogs and a few bowls of chips for good measure, and you're good to go! See an example here.

Christy Denney

Easy-To-Eat Watermelon

Watermelon is a giant crowd pleaser, but it can get messy, even for adults. These two-bite watermelon sticks are easy to eat and make for plenty of extra room on the plate. You can even freeze them for a chilly treat on a sweltering summer afternoon. Find out how on this blog.

 

Maxime Iattoni

Giant Ice Block

Skip the ice, once again, and make a huge block of ice for your punch bowl. This party hack keeps your drinks from getting watered down because the ice takes longer to melt! Here are some tips.

Mel from The Larson Lingo

Stay Fresh Food Holders

Putting food out for a BBQ runs the risk of spoiled food and flies, but this hack keeps food fresh while displaying your favorite dishes beautifully. Fill up these glass bowls with pasta salad, potato salad, fresh veggie sticks, and all of your homemade classics. Here's where we found this trick.

Instructables.com

Instant Chip Bowl

Rather than wasting another bowl on a bag of chips, you can create a bowl without even emptying the bag. Save time, dishes, and table space with this trick. It'll change the game for chips and dip. Here's how.

thegreenhead.com

Condiment Dispensers

Next time you set up a burger or hot dog station, set out mason jar soap dispensers filled with condiments to make food preparation fast and easy. Everyone will be impressed with your crafty presentation and will want to get their own. Find them here or make your own!

JulieVR

S'Mores on a Stick

Don't have time or space to set up a campfire or station for s'mores? Look no further. These s'more hor devours (s'more devours?) are a nifty way to serve up a classic American summer treat. Dip marshmallows in chocolate and graham crackers or get creative with other toppings! Here is the recipe.

Chanterelle Photography

Candle in a Can

These repurposed cans function as rustic tea candle holders that glow as the evening grows dark. Punch holes in them for a twinkling effect or paint them different colors to adorn each table. Add sand or rocks in the bottom and try lining them up a walkway. Here is our inspiration.

walcothall.com

DIY Giant Jenga

Backyard games can be expensive, but this only requires some two-by-fours and a little elbow grease. Sand down the blocks, paint them just for fun, and enjoy an exciting life-size game of Jenga! We found this cool trick here.

Passion for Savings

Microwave Corn on the Cob

Don't have time to shuck and boil corn on the cob? Microwave the whole cob and the leaves and silk will slide right off! Add some salt and butter and you won't be able to tell the difference. Here is how it works.