Summer's almost here, and that means more and more outdoor BBQs and get-togethers with friends and family. But while you may be looking to spend more time outside at home with those you love, there are a few social/practical faux pas you best avoid when it comes to outdoor entertainment.

1. Forgetting to inform neighbours

If you see your next outdoor get-together being more of an outdoor party, then it's in your interest and those of your neighbours to inform them of the fact that you'll be having a party. While some may argue you only need to do this if the party will stretch on into the night, it's a nice courtesy to inform neighbours regardless of the time of day you're having people over.

You can approach this in two ways. The first way is to simply inform your neighbours and provide them with a contact number if they need to call you. The second way is to invite the neighbours, thus informing them and extending a warm welcome at the same time. Whichever approach you choose is your choice, but either make them aware of your intentions to have a bit of an event.

2. Not having enough chairs

Unless your get-together is going to last less than an hour, it's really not feasible to expect guests to stand the whole time. So if 20 people make their way over, it's not acceptable to only have 10 chairs for sitting. Know how many are coming (including variables such as whether or not a friend may bring their partner) and be prepared. If you don't have enough chairs, ask your guests to bring along a couple with them. Most people don't mind provided you give them ample warning. But not everyone will be pleased if they turn up to your 3-course outdoor dinner party only to realise they've got to stand for the entirety of it.

3. Serving food that's awkward to eat outside

Even with the right amount of chairs, not everyone will want to sit down throughout the whole get-together. That's why it can be a bit awkward if all the food you serve is better suited to something you would consume at the table. If someone is standing up, they should be able to enjoy finger foods or, at the very least, food that only requires a fork to eat. If you're serving them complicated dishes that mean they'll have to cut into their plastic plates and or watch as a bunch of ingredients fall out of a bun and onto the floor, then you may need to reconsider what you plan to serve.

That's not to say you can't serve food that's better enjoyed sitting down with a fork and knife. It's more a case of ensuring you have options that cater to all appetites and whether or not the person is standing around or sitting down.

4. Forgetting about guests' dietary requirements/preferences

Some people have specific dietary requirements and restrictions while others may have a preference regarding what they consume. But whether someone adheres to a specific diet by choice or necessity, you need to remember this. Does anyone have Coeliac disease? Is anyone a vegetarian or vegan? You need to know about these guests and what they require and make sure you have some food set aside that caters to them. If you're the one inviting them over and holding the party, then you need to be considerate of their diets.

5. Going crazy with the alcohol

Yes, it's no secret that most adults enjoy a few drinks at a get-together/party, but that doesn't mean you should go overboard with how much alcohol you supply. Not only that, but don't focus on just alcohol with a high standard drink-count. When outside, people drink more to stay cool, so consider offering light options and even making your own light punch that is more refreshing than it is intoxicating. If people are to bring their own, just make sure no one goes too far with their drinking. There's nothing worse than an obnoxious drunk ruining the fun for everyone else.