Yard connects people to in-person and virtual events. Anyone can discover relevant events, receive benefits, or publish missing events through a variety of publication methods.

Across the country, homeowners have turned yards into vast canvases for self-expression. From rusty metal to a wooded art graveyard, these yard installations challenge the traditional boundaries of art. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Rustic Yard Events.

The lawn is where much of the action takes place at parties. It is where guests dance and talk, have food and drink, play games, and relax in the shade or sun. It also provides the backdrop for many memorable photos of the occasion. So, it needs to be in tip-top shape for the event.

One way to make sure it is ready for a party is by installing artificial grass. Not only does it look more attractive than live grass, but it is easy to maintain and requires little water. This eliminates the worry of mud or dirt tracked into your house, and it allows kids to play all day without ruining their shoes.

If you have live grass, prepare it by edging the yard, putting down new mulch, trimming dead tree branches, and pulling weeds. It is a good idea to do this well in advance of the party so the improvements have time to take effect. Mowing the lawn a few days before the event is helpful, too. This gives the clippings a chance to settle into the thatch layer where they won’t get stuck on people’s feet and end up in their drinks or on the tablecloths.

A week or so before the party, apply a lawn treatment to kill and prevent weeds and to give the grass a deep, healthy watering. This is a smart move even if you normally hire these services, as they will appreciate the extra work and the opportunity to give your lawn a boost just before the party.

Stop watering a few days before the party. This stops the grass from getting too muddy or soft, which makes it easier to walk on and harder for guests to stay upright. It also lets the soil compact, which makes it less likely to puncture high heels and other footwear.

If you have a bug problem in your lawn, treat the area a few days before the party with a product such as diatomaceous earth. This powder, made from the fossilized shells of aquatic organisms, kills pests without harming humans or pets.

Lighting

Lighting is the finishing touch to any outdoor event. It draws guests in, sets the mood, and elevates your backyard into a magical setting for birthdays, holidays, or just an intimate gathering of friends. There are several ways to use lighting for events, from temporary tiki torches and string lights, to fully programmable professionally installed systems that can change colors or brightness depending on the theme of your party or the time of day.

Walkway lighting is an excellent way to make sure your guests can navigate the yard safely as the sun goes down. It can also be used to highlight important elements in the landscape such as a water feature, planter beds, or your favorite trees. It can also create visual boundaries for your backyard party and free you from having to constantly guide people around the yard, allowing you to spend more time connecting with guests.

Accent lighting is a great way to showcase centerpieces, artwork, and even cakes. It can be used to illuminate your home’s architecture, accentuate plants, or highlight statues and yard sculptures. Lighting can also be added to water features, adding a festive and fun effect for parties.

Pin spot lighting can be used to accentuate a focal point such as an art piece or table centerpiece, drawing guests’ attention to the item and adding visual interest. Monogram and logo projections are also a great addition to weddings or corporate events, promoting brand recognition and creating a memorable experience for attendees.

Finding relevant in-person and virtual events is often a tedious and time consuming process, requiring you to search multiple websites, follow countless social media accounts, subscribe to dozens of mailing lists, and rely on recommendations. Yard is designed to simplify this process by collecting and displaying events from your calendars and other connected apps. It also allows you to easily share your own events with the community through a variety of methods.

Seating

Depending on the size of your outdoor space, create cozy seating arrangements with chairs and tables spread throughout the area to promote social interaction between guests. If possible, string up lights between trees to create a magical ambiance for evening parties. Rugs, pillows and poufs – in coordinating colors if possible – make for comfortable conversation spots or lounging areas that fit the party theme. For example, if you have a gardening theme, set up a table with biodegradable pots and dirt and invite guests to plant their own small garden. These little plants will be a fun keepsake and they’ll also have the added benefit of enhancing the environment!

If you have a rustic theme, decorate with wooden accents, burlap table runners and mason jars filled with wildflowers as centerpieces. Serve farm-to-table cuisine and signature rustic cocktails to match. For entertainment, set up lawn games like cornhole and croquet, and hire a live acoustic band to give the event a more relaxed feel.

Get the kids involved by setting up an arts and crafts table with a variety of activities. From tie-dye t-shirts to painting rocks and feathers, your guests will be entertained for hours while creating something they can cherish for years to come. For an extra-special treat, include a marshmallow roast for a memorable night under the stars.

To help your attendees discover and engage with relevant events, make sure to use a platform that supports the community. With Yard, anyone can easily connect to a network of events through shareable calendars. Attendees, organizers and brands can publish their events to the platform, which makes it easy for anyone to find important events and proactively participate in community conversations.

Attract a larger audience by integrating an event calendar on your website, or by publishing events to the platform through technical integrations. With Yard, it’s simple for everyone to find and experience the right events at the right time, so they can build valuable connections. To learn more about how you can benefit from the Yard platform, contact us today!

Decorations

Whether you’re hosting a backyard garden party, an intimate dinner under the stars, or a lavish flower-themed wedding, event decorations are key to setting the tone for your special day. To achieve a stunning outdoor event, use decor elements that are suited to the season, height of your venue, and overall theme.

Layered Lighting

Using a variety of lighting fixtures is the best way to set the mood for your outdoor venue. Create an enchanting fairy-like effect by hanging market lights or twinkle lights from trees and along walkways, or add depth to your space by adding uplighting or candles to tables and other decor items. Remember to keep the ambiance in mind when selecting your lighting options, and don’t forget to consider dimmers and controls to help your guests control their experience throughout the night.

Floral Focal Points

Flowers are a classic choice for a backyard garden party, but there are plenty of creative ways to use them to elevate your backyard into an elegant setting. Use floral table runners and vases to dress up dining tables, or try more subtle centerpieces like a simple arrangement of boxwood or silver dollar eucalyptus. For a spring garden party, tulips and daffodils placed in mason jars or vintage vases will make for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Themed Signage

Give your guests an insider’s look at your event by creating custom signage with catchy phrases and welcome messages that are a fun way to connect them to the theme. You can also encourage guests to share their experiences at the event by setting up DIY photo booths with colorful props and backdrops.

Bringing the comforts of home to an outdoor venue is easy with lounge chairs, couches, and other seating arrangements that provide a cozy retreat for guests. Incorporate throw blankets and cushions in coordinating colors to enhance your outdoor aesthetic. For an added touch of elegance, include a selection of upscale table linens that are suited to the weather conditions at your outdoor venue.