Hi lovelies,

Hostess anxiety symptoms are obvious: fear that no one will show up, worry that those who do will stand around and blink at one another in silence, utter certainty that your guests will go home hungry. When you're the hostess, your perfectionism spikes but meeting your own high expectations is not impossible. 

The best kind of chill party has cool outdoor décor and fun outdoor activities, but it also has plenty of food, abundant drink, and a slew of functional furnishings, including plenty of seating and dependable outdoor lighting. To ensure your guests can’t stop talking about your sensational event even weeks after the festivities, here are a few ways to throw the best chill party!

Food
Don't go overboard on the appetizers. Just a couple of simple nibbles, like spicy and sweet nut mix and a dish of Mediterranean olives. Fresh fruit and vegetables are tastiest—and cheapest—at the peak of their seasons. Try picking up a bunch at the farmer’s market, then having a make-your-own pizza bar or best-decorated-salad competition. To save yourself time and anxiety on party day, pick recipes that can be made a day or two ahead. Some dishes (lasagna, cheesecake, cocktail meatballs) actually taste even better when you make them a day or two before serving. 

Drinks
What is a party without a beverage? Take your party to the next level by shaking up cocktails with fresh juices, unexpected splashes of color, and seasonal flavors—pumpkin spice, anyone? Whip up a big batch cocktail beforehand so a refreshing cocktail is available all day long. With no hassle and no mess, it is the ultimate solution for an easy, stress-free party beverage. 

Music
Find and book the perfect ska bands for your event. Some things to consider when hiring a ska band are to make sure you listen to audio and watch video clips. This will ensure that you truly do book the best for your next party. Next, you want to get references. Talk to people in the area about the band and get feedback. Finally, get a contract. Many professional bands require a deposit to secure them at your next event. Make sure to read through the contract carefully before contracting the band for your party.

Games
Party games are a great way to bring people together, break the ice or just provide old friends with new tricks. Try these outdoor game ideas for your next party: Lawn twister (Use circular stencils and spray paint to turn your lawn into a game board). Giant beer pong (Traditional beer pong, only with trash cans (or buckets) replacing the cups and volley balls (or cheap rubber balls from the dollar store) replacing the ping pong balls. Giant Jenga (Use 2x4 pieces to make a super-sized version of the famous stacking game).