Party planning pros, share your tips! (I'm planning a surprise party for DP)

[partywithp]

DP's birthday is in a week's time and I've decided to throw him a surprise party.

He's a very modest guy - never does anything for his birthday. So the "party" won't be anything big - just a few friends and some food in our back garden. Ties in with the lockdown easing

I'm used to being the party recipient, never thrown one for someone else, so any advice would be much appreciated!

Help!

So a party for six people?

What is his favourite kind of food?

bump

You need

Food
Drink
Seating
Warmth
Clean toilets
Music
Decorations
A way of getting rid of DH whilst you prepare, and the 4(?) guests arrive. Make sure they park any cars far from your house.

Have a great day

You're used to being the recipient ... Think of one of the best parties you were given and try to replicate it.

Otherwise, we need more details, please, including what time of day the party's planned for and whether you want to serve hot or cold food ....

Help us to help you, OP

Mid-afternoon - so guests arriving between 2 and 3

"Party" start at 3 lol

I want to serve hot food - I've got a small bbq so can do burgers on that, with other bits cooked in the oven.

Food list so far
Hot: chicken wings, burgers, pizza

Cold: salad

Snacks: crisps, cookies

Plenty of toilet paper.

Food - only a few choices needed but plenty of it. Cutlery, napkins, glasses in easy reach.

Food hygiene - if unsure, keep it cold with ice etc.

Have your rubbish collection organised through the day.

If outside, a spare table as a sideboard is useful.

Chicken wings and burgers can be precooked and reheated on the bbq.

Is the bbq non negotiable? I just find they can be a bit of a faff because it’s quite last minute cooking wise.
Some thing like a big one pot, chilli, curry etc is loads easier. You can prep most in advance and then just do rice at the time. Also good because lots of options for sides to jazz it up a bit!

I’m assuming you are in the uk? If so give some serious thought to the weather. A gazebo could be handy. I went to a ‘social gathering’ on Friday and it was really chilly. Fortunately the host were totally on the ball with this and they had lovely warm blankets (just washed, still smelling of fabric conditioner! Hot water bottles for everyone and a fire pit. The hot water bottles were perfect.

Thanks for the input everyone!

Good point @AtleastitsnotMonday!
Gazebo seems to have gone walkies so many need to buy another but I do have a few spare blankets lying around. Will make a note to pop in the wash.

I M E catering outside at this time of year, very few people will be interested in a salad of cold leaves, I would make a crunchy celery/beetroot/sweetcorn/radish mix , undressed, with a choice of mayo/ vinaigrette , and have hot baked potatoes (or mini whole roast potatoes) as sides for the mains you have in mind.

I agree bbq are a pita. Pulled pork would be just as nice and a million times easier. Ask people to bring hot water bottles.