Backyard shindigs are back – so embrace suburbia, spritz up a storm and fire up that pizza oven.

Good food, good drink, good friends – at its essence, a party is a timeless combination of elements brought to life by the individual touch that hosts and guests contribute to the occasion. To help you pull off your best and most fun-filled gathering yet, our Dan’s Daily Blueprints tell you everything you need to host whatever event is next on your hit list.

You know why backyard parties are great? No reservations, no confirmation of numbers, no deposit, no seating chart… you don’t even need a chair for every bum. You just need your garden and some imagination. Backyard parties also feel a touch nostalgic, reminiscent of your youth and family barbecues, and what you wore for your 16th birthday party (bless). This makes them feel a bit kitsch, but also familiar and that puts people at ease.

That’s just what you want when mixing different groups of friends. You get to play host to a whole lot of people without trashing the house. And yes, it’s also a way of embracing suburban life and showing the city folk what they’re missing. With our Blueprint, they’ll be researching real estate in the area before you can say “Kia Carnival”.

Dress code

There are some outfit essentials for outdoor gatherings. Chiefly, sun protection, because there’s no hiding inside because “it’s too bright”: chic sunglasses, cute hat, parasol, if guests are so inclined. The second requirement is clothes you can wear while sitting on the grass. One of the beauties of a backyard party is you don’t have to worry about having enough chairs – the yard is one big green, fuzzy seating area; dress so you can “grab some grass” comfortably and without flashing the congregation.

What to drink

DIY Spritzes

How do you show your guests you made an effort and free yourself up for more-mingling-less-mixing at the actual party? A DIY Spritz stand. The most successful of these keep it simple. Prosecco, soda, lots of ice and two or three base options: Aperol (of course), but Campari, Montenegro, limoncello or Lillet Blanc are also excellent options. Then add some of the cute stuff: a recipe card (most Spritzes are 1 part soda, 2 parts aperitif, 3 parts prosecco), straws, a glass charm (cute and functional, especially for that friend who’s always losing their drink) and garnishes pre-cut and ready to go. Traditionally, a Spritz garnish is a fat round slice of a juicy citrus: orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit. If you do just this, you’ve nailed the brief, but if you want to be extra creative (and elicit more kudos from your friends) you could flavour some ice, forage in the garden or make “more is more” your 2025 mantra with OTT side pieces. Shifting focus to vessels, make sure your glass game is on point. The ideal Spritz glass is a big, stemmed, wine glass (room for all that ice), but feel free to change it up, as long as you're accommodating what’s going in it. A final note on the Spritz station: while you won’t be making your guests’ drinks, you will need to keep it full, clean and looking fresh. No one wants to play mixologist with warm orange slices and sticky surfaces. This should be low-drag: just check it between rounds.

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An interesting, refreshing non-alc option

If you’re just offering one option from the zero% list, you want it to be easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing. By all accounts, 4 Pines Ultra Low Bottle is just that. Tasty, inconspicuous (it tastes a lot like a full-strength malt) and super thirst-quenching, it’s a great option for all kinds of beer drinkers who want to skip the alcohol.

Pre-made Spritz-esq cans (for those who don’t DIY)

Even though you’ve done all the hard work with your Spritz stand (you’ve even perfectly portioned and cut up the garnishes!) this is an equal-opportunity event, so premixed cans will fill the gap. Not strictly a Spritz, but a worthy addition, Papa Salt Paloma Cans are the new canned cocktail from Margot Robbie and her mates’ gin brand. It’s made with Capi Grapefruit Soda so it’s perfectly balanced (not too sweet, not too bitter) and the gin is a real statement in Australian craft spirits. It slaps.

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What to eat

This is a backyard party, and if there’s one thing we’ve all loved adding to our yards in the past 12 months, it’s a pizza oven (as if it’s not the reason you’re having people over in the first place). Jokes aside, pizza is excellent party food: hand-held, yum, customisable for dietaries, and, with a pizza oven, there’s a bit of flair and group participation. It also cooks them super quick, so if you need more, they aren’t far away.

Mimic your Spritz station and prep all your toppings beforehand. If you’re making your own dough, have it ready to roll (with back-up in the freezer). Invite your most chef-esque friends to scatter some toppings while you work the oven (your party, you get the glory). For the dessert round, cook a plain base and cover it in Nutella. Perfection. At least three of your friends will be influenced and have a pizza oven the next time you see them. And if owning your own pizza oven feels like a pipe dream? Just order some pizzas from your closest authentic Italian joint – put ‘em on nice serving plates or boards and spend the night telling everyone about the pizza oven you’d like them to get you for Christmas.

How to decorate

To prep for this party, you’re going to have to channel your inner ‘Sunday Dad’: mow the lawn, power-hose the deck, top soil your garden beds (or pot plants), and stick in some fresh flowers (don’t worry, you only need them to last 48 hours). With the actual yard looking blooming, you can style the area for partying. Freshen up the outdoor cushions and put a tablecloth on the table (immediately festive). If you’re short on outdoor furniture, consider what you can take from indoors. There’s something whimsical and fun about seeing an armchair or coffee table on the lawn. Think Wes Anderson. Think Jacquemus. Think that really fancy resort you keep stalking on Instagram.

Playlist

You’re going to find the right vibes for this with a “Poolside” playlist. These are always fresh, sunny, buzzy and, essentially, cool, which will effectively make you also seem cool. They also exist for whatever music style you prefer – house, new pop, old pop. You’ve got it. If you’re still at a loss, writer and Go-To beauty founder Zoe Foster Blake’s aptly titled “For when your cool friend comes over” is failsafe, and five hours long. Win.

Don’t forget

Watch the weather forecast. This time of year, fine weather is usually a safe bet, but if a storm comes in or there’s a particularly cold snap, adjust the party time, or add some outdoor heaters. People can deal with things being a little later or rugging up, but if you’re unlucky enough to have rain set in, call it quits and direct your crew to hit the pub instead. That’s what they’re for.