Time with family and friends is always a must in our home, but with the warmer weather; I have outdoor entertaining on the brain; with this checklist of Backyard Must-Haves you will have your party rocking and rolling in no time!

• Guests: The great thing about a back yard party is less restriction when it comes to space. You can invite anyone and everyone you want!
• Invitations:  Make it easy on yourself and send a quick online invite.  At most websites you can easily manage guest lists and send notes and reminders to your guests.
• Music:  A little party music always adds life to any party.  Don’t worry about getting the latest and greatest sound equipment, all you need is radio for some background music.
• Tikki Lamps: Not only do they add to the great atmosphere of a backyard party, but also keep away those pesky mosquitoes.
• Sunscreen: Help protect your guests. Keep a basket of sunscreen handy for guests to help themselves.

• Entertainment: Keep it age appropriate. Here are some budget friendly ideas

For the younger crowd: Water guns, baby pools, slip n slides, ring toss and Sidewalk Chalk

For the adults: Horseshoes, washers, ladder golf,

• Comfy Seating: Don’t have enough seating?  Ask guest to bring their own lawn chairs. They will be more than happy to help out! Use an old blanket for the tots to sit on, they will love the idea of having a picnic.

• Food: Just because you are outdoors doesn’t mean you have to stick to hotdogs and hamburgers.  Load up platters with DIY sandwich stuff and build your own fruit kabobs. But remember s’mores are always a great way to end the day!
• Drinks:  Keep plenty and keep them cold!  Use an old washtub or last year’s baby pool loaded up with ice, water, juice boxes, lemonade and soft drinks.