Never Throw A Boring Party Again With These 25 Outdoor Entertaining Hacks

It’s finally spring, and summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to pull the patio furniture out of the garage, dust off the picnic table, and fire up the grill! But before you arrange a celebratory barbecue for your friends and family, check out the 25 awesome party ideas below. From cool summer games to delicious meal ideas, any of the hacks below will help you throw a party your guests won’t soon forget.

1. Make ethereal, floating candles that ward off bugs with citronella oil.

Make ethereal, floating candles that ward off bugs with citronella oil.

Nest of Posies

Read how to make these here.

2. Kids can cool off on hot days with a water balloon piñata.

Kids can cool off on hot days with a water balloon piñata.

Ziggity Zoom

You’ll need a plastic bat so kids can swing at it!

3. Make portable tacos in lunch-sized bags of Fritos or Doritos, also known as “walking tacos.”

Make portable tacos in lunch-sized bags of Fritos or Doritos, also known as "walking tacos."

Saving Dollars and Sense

My mouth is watering just looking at these.

4. Here’s the secret to keeping your party guests from getting too crazy.

Here's the secret to keeping your party guests from getting too crazy.

Gizmodo

Who knew the lines on Solo cups actually meant something?! Not me.

5. For a beach-themed party, keep snacks in buckets and use a toy shovel as a scoop.

For a beach-themed party, keep snacks in buckets and use a toy shovel as a scoop.

The Frugal Girls

6. Keep kids entertained with a giant bubble station.

Keep kids entertained with a giant bubble station.

One Charming Party

See what you’ll need here.

7. Give folding chairs a makeover to spice up your party decor.

Give folding chairs a makeover to spice up your party decor.

My Fabuless Life

Get more DIY chair inspiration here.

8. Serve balled fruit in ice cream cones.

Serve balled fruit in ice cream cones.

Baker’s Royale

Make sure to put a cupcake liner on the inside to keep the cone from getting soggy.

9. The secret to cooking a giant batch of corn on the cob is a cooler filled with boiling water.

The secret to cooking a giant batch of corn on the cob is a cooler filled with boiling water.

Bon Appétit / SCOTT DESIMON

Pour two kettles of boiling water into a cooler and let it sit for 30 minutes. Get more info here.

10. Make ice shot glasses for perfectly chilled liquor.

Make ice shot glasses for perfectly chilled liquor.

Full Thyme Student

With this method, you don’t need to buy a mold.

11. Make a shallow plywood box and set it atop cinder blocks for a bar-like DIY cooler.

Make a shallow plywood box and set it atop cinder blocks for a bar-like DIY cooler.

Michaela Rae

12. Everyone can dress their burger to their taste with a burger bar.

Everyone can dress their burger to their taste with a burger bar.

Completely Delicious

13. A sunscreen and bug spray station will keep everyone protected from summer’s pests.

A sunscreen and bug spray station will keep everyone protected from summer's pests.

Catch My Party

14. A cupcake liner attached to a straw keeps bugs out of sugary drinks.

A cupcake liner attached to a straw keeps bugs out of sugary drinks.

Mom 4 Real

This idea is pretty cute, too.

15. Cut up a few 2×4’s and make a giant Jenga set.

Cut up a few 2x4's and make a giant Jenga set.

A Beautiful Mess

This tutorial shows you how to add some fun color.

16. Hang a giant picture frame from a high tree and make a fun photo booth.

Hang a giant picture frame from a high tree and make a fun photo booth.

Style Me Pretty / Karen Wise Photography

17. Use a projector and a poster board to make a decorative banner sign.

Use a projector and a poster board to make a decorative banner sign.

Crafts Unleashed

Read the full tutorial here.

18. A massive chalkboard menu is a great way to inform your guests of the food choices.

A massive chalkboard menu is a great way to inform your guests of the food choices.

You Could Make That

A piece of plywood painted with chalkboard paint would work just fine.

19. Play a fun game of glow-in-the-dark ring toss with glow stick necklaces.

Play a fun game of glow-in-the-dark ring toss with glow stick necklaces.

Momma Did It

20. A s’mores bar is a fun dessert for fireside festivities.

A s'mores bar is a fun dessert for fireside festivities.

On A Whim

21. Cardboard berry boxes lined with parchment paper make disposable, eco-friendly salad bowls.

Cardboard berry boxes lined with parchment paper make disposable, eco-friendly salad bowls.

Thoughtfully Simple

22. Scoop the fruit out of oranges and use the peels as decorative bowls for sorbet.

Scoop the fruit out of oranges and use the peels as decorative bowls for sorbet.

Itsy Bitsy Foodies

23. Tin cans become gorgeous lanterns with a coat of paint and a few holes.

Tin cans become gorgeous lanterns with a coat of paint and a few holes.

Grow Creative

Read how to make these here.

24. You can buy or rent a projector for an outdoor movie night.

You can buy or rent a projector for an outdoor movie night.

Wholesome Mommy

Read more about this setup here.

25. Use wine bottles as vases for gorgeous flower arrangements.

Use wine bottles as vases for gorgeous flower arrangements.

Uncommon Designs

Walking tacos are possibly the greatest thing on the planet, and the outdoor picture frame photo booth is such a cute idea! I want to throw an outdoor barbecue ASAP now that I’ve seen these ideas. I’m going to have trouble dedicating my time to just one of these awesome DIY party hacks. Which one struck your fancy?

Here's How To Make Your Favorite Ice Cream Truck Treats Before The Summer's Over: Click “Next Page” below!