Pizza; we can’t get enough of the stuff. If you’re hosting an outdoor gathering and struggling for food ideas, you can’t go wrong with pizza. Whether you’ve got meat-eaters, veggies, or vegans attending, you can make delicious pizzas to suit everyone’s taste buds and preferences.
Before proceedings get underway, here are some useful tips on how to plan and host the perfect backyard pizza party.
Plan Your Menu
While it’s easy to organize a pizza party, you need to think about what toppings to include in your menu to keep everyone happy. Of course, you’ll want to overload on cheese, but not everyone is a fan of the standard margarita. Make sure you have lots of choices of toppings, such as pepperoni, onions, chicken, and mushrooms. Other favourites include bacon, sausage, ham and pineapple, and mixed peppers.
You must take dietary requirements into account too, as some people may have a gluten intolerance. If you prefer restaurant-style pizza without stressing yourself making one, then you may just consider ordering from your favourite pizzeria or pizza restaurant.
Prepare in Advance
When guests arrive at your backyard pizza party, you’ll want to ensure everything is ready and raring to go. This means prepping the night before. From cutting up your toppings to getting your dough in order, it pays off to be organized. Make sure you store toppings in separate containers and keep them in the refrigerator overnight. When you have all bases covered, you can spend time socializing with guests, rather than running riot in the kitchen!
Buy a Pizza Oven
Purchasing the right pizza oven can make all the difference when it comes to a successful backyard pizza party. Ooni are specialists in outdoor pizza ovens. They sell a variety of outdoor pizza ovens that can cook any style of pizza, such as New York Pizza. You can read their guide on how to make New York-style Pizza which is sure to be a hit with guests. One great benefit of an outdoor pizza oven is it has so much insulation and mass in its thick walls, meaning your pizzas will stay hot for a long time.
Stock Up on Beverages
Once you’ve got your pizzas covered, you need to pay attention to beverages. After all, there’s nothing quite like a nice drink when you’re tucking into a delicious slice. Make sure you stock up on plenty of beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks. You can buy them in bulk too which can save you money. Ensure you have mixers too, and make sure to cut some lemon and lime slices that can accompany drinks.
Set the Mood with Music
Whatever kind of backyard pizza party you’re hosting, any festivity needs music! Thanks to technology, you don’t have to hire a specialist DJ to get everyone up dancing. Instead, use Spotify to your advantage and create a playlist. You can have it running in the background which will mean you can focus on the important things, like having fun!
Factor in Games
As well as music, make sure to factor in lots of games too. If you’ve got kids coming, one other thing they’ll love aside from pizza is a fun backyard game, like a giant Jenga set or cornhole. Try and incorporate games that adults can play too. If you’ve got plenty of outdoor space, you can designate an area for playing games.
Spray for Insects
When tucking into a pizza slice, no one wants to find a bug lurking on it. If you’re hosting an outdoor bash with food, insects are bound to make an appearance. However, to stop them from ruining the occasion, there are sprays and citronella candles which can keep mosquitoes at bay. You may also consider having a mosquito misting system. You can use fans too that will gently blow across tables, allowing guests to enjoy their pizza without pests bothering them.
Make Proper Seating Arrangements
It’s wise to create a guest list for your backyard pizza party. That way, you can be assured everyone is catered for and has somewhere to sit. You should have a few additional chairs on standby in the event of extra guests turning up. To really get in the pizza spirit, you can purchase pizza-themed tablecloths and covers!
Don’t Forget Snacks
While your focus will be on all things pizza, don’t forget about snacks! Believe it or not, some guests just may not fancy a slice, so having snacks available will mean everyone has something to tuck into. Having salads, grilled seasonal vegetables, and an array of cured meats and cheese are must-haves for your party. There are lots of other easy outdoor appetizers you can make that will hit the spot too.
If you’re hosting a special gathering for family and friends, a backyard pizza party is a fantastic option. Everyone loves pizza, and it’s straightforward to serve. Whatever the reason behind the occasion, the tips above will help you plan and throw an outdoor party like no other.
