Try One of These Three Ideas to Entertain Guests Outside

Planning structured activities for a party is not necessary, especially in the spring when people are just glad to be outdoors. Still, it is nice to have some kind of entertainment. Just keep the activities flexible and let guest join in if they want. The following three ideas – making bouquets, playing horseshoes and watching a classic movie – each take advantage of spring weather and, with the exception of the movie, can occur anytime during the party.

Make a Flower Bouquet

A beautiful bouquet of flowers brightens anyone’s day. Make them extra special by letting guests make their own – master florists required. Here are some tips for creative, budget-friendly flower bouquets that also double as party favors.

• Buy bunches of inexpensive grocery store bouquets. Separate them and let guests choose which flowers to use.
• Gather unexpected objects such as plastic bottles, jelly jars and milk jugs to use as vases.
• Set up a table with a pretty cloth and hang tear sheets from favorite magazines for inspiration.

Play a Game of Horseshoes

This classic outdoor game provides fun for every guest from preschoolers to grandparents. Played by throwing horseshoes, or U-shaped bars, at stakes in the ground, the game can be as casual or complicated as you like.

• Consider setting up several game areas using both professional quality sets and kid-friendly rubber sets.
• Encourage people to play competitive games and some just for fun. For serious playing, print out game rules from the National Horseshoe Pitcher’s Association of America.

Show a Favorite Classic Film

There is something so nostalgic about watching a movie outside. Even for those who do not remember drive-in movies, it is a fun experience. The nature of outdoor movie watching practically requires it to be a classic favorite and, of course, the showing should take place after the sun sets. If you choose this activity, be sure to let people know when you invite them to the party. Here is how to get the movie showing.

• Use a king-size sheet as a screen. Hang it from the side a building or from rope strung across trees.
• Arrange lawn chairs and blankets around the screen for prime viewing.
• Connect a rented projector to a DVD player and hit play.

Need help deciding on a movie to watch? The classics titles are always a good choice.

• Citizen Kane
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• Casablanca
• The Wizard of Oz
• Breakfast at Tiffany’s
• Grease

A spring celebration deserves fun games and activities that take advantage of getting outside. For ways to complement these outdoor activities, check out these tips for spring party planning, decorating and menus.