Great outdoor event ideas for the summer

Summer’s still in full swing and there’s ample opportunity to make the most of it with a stylish and easy-going outdoor event (or three). If you need something to look forward to after the Festive Season, a summertime soiree is just the thing. We’ve gathered up some of our favourite ideas for the outdoor party season:

Moonlight harvest table

There’s something decidedly Mediterranean about a long table covered in sprawling platters overflowing with different flavours and textures – all enjoyed under strings of lights. The intimacy of a long sharing table immediately draws guests together and into conversation. Ideal for anniversary celebrations and milestone birthday parties.

Create the look by choosing the right tables and an eclectic mix of chairs and benches. Give it a homely feel with the addition of rugs and carpets underfoot, and set up rows of string lights overhead. Use candles of varying types and heights together with rustic, low (so as not to block conversation) flower arrangements in an assortment of vase styles. With the right outdoor music set up and a dance floor to complement it, this is a party just waiting to happen.

Rooftop razzle

If you’ve got access to a rooftop or have the opportunity to hire one, a few simple touches can turn it into the perfect outdoor party. First things first, weather-proof the event by covering a portion of the rooftop with a stretch tent or canopy – this is especially recommended to protect against the Joburg storms that typify the season. Add some live music, cocktail tables and chairs along with a custom bar area, and you’re all set for a great event in a fantastic setting with a view.

Summer garden party

It’s crowd pleaser for good reason, and you can give this old favourite a fresh twist. The first rule of summer garden partying is all about shade. No one wants to be getting sunburnt. Provide ample shade with an open-sided marquee and smaller canopies paired with big umbrellas. Make sure you keep food and other refreshments under a marquee to avoid a hot mess.

Vary the seating options by bringing the inside outdoors with mix and match lounge suites in the shade. Make sure you have a bar area (with lots of ice) set up under a marquee, and you and your guests will be in for a lovely time.

Picnic party

Forget the teddy bears, everyone deserves to have some picnicking fun in summer. Give your guests an ultra-laid back outdoor party experience by setting up the perfect picnic. Provide blankets and baskets which they can fill themselves from an array of pre-made picnic-perfect snacks served buffet style along with a bar dishing out champagne bottles in ice buckets for each group of guests.

Keep guests interacting by incorporating some extra-large lawn games into the set up. Think Jenga, Boules, croquet and giant pick up sticks. You’re never too old for a little oversized fun 😉

Want to start planning an outdoor event? The team at MPR Hiring would love to help you bring your ideas to life. We are passionate about ensuring our clients have the ultimate event experience and do all we can to help smooth over the planning and organizing processes. Get in touch with us and let’s start the conversation.