Summer is in full swing, and with it is the probability that you’ll want to have some friends over to enjoy friendship, family, and admire your backyard. Tuff Industries has pulled together a few tips on throwing a great vinyl patio party.

Check Vinyl Patio Furniture

We all have some old chairs kicking around, and odds are that you’ll want to drag them out for seating during a garden party. Before you do, check out your chairs thoroughly to ensure they are safe. Invest in some new chairs, if needed.

Add Some Light

Unless you expect your party to break up at dusk, you’ll want some lights. Solar string or lantern lights can look great around your vinyl patio, while solar stakes in your garden or along pathways can help to light the way. Check out your local dollar store – they have some quirky options.

Take Time to Tidy

The last thing you want is to have a friend trip on a broken piece of pavement, or over a child’s toy. Before your party, check your yard for any hazards, as well as checking out pathways to ensure that there aren’t any broken areas or tripping hazards. If your yard is in disrepair, you might want to plan to spend a few hours cleaning up.

Pick Some Great Food

Start by finding out if anyone attending your patio party has food allergies or intolerances, so you can ensure that you’re offering foods that they can eat. Start with a few vinyl deck party dishes that you can prepare in the morning, or the day before, or have partially prepared so you just need to warm them up and serve.

If you have a few helpful friends, feel free to recruit them to bring easy items – like chips or drinks, so you can concentrate on the main fare. Even better, if you know someone who makes a memorable dish, ask them if they’d be willing to bring it.

Unless you really enjoy preparing food or have the time, keep it simple! No one minds burgers, chips, and salsa, plus the standard fare of finger foods. The key is to enjoy time with your friends and family – not spend it all preparing fancy foods.

Be a Responsible Host

Alcohol is nearly always in play at garden parties and as the host, it’s up to you to make sure that your guests are partying responsibly. If possible recruit a few designated drivers, have a taxi company’s phone number on speed dial, and feel free to confiscate keys, if needed.

Cover Yourself

As with any gathering, you want to make sure that you and your property are covered in case of an incident. Check out your home insurance to ensure you have the necessary coverage.

Is your vinyl patio ready for a party? If you have any doubts about the safety and durability of your vinyl deck surface or the underlying structure, it might be time to consider a vinyl patio renovation prior to your next gathering.