Life gets busy sometimes. Our phones are always making some sort of ding, ring, chirp, vibration alerting us to calls, emails, text messages, app notifications. Sometimes we need to step away. The idea of running out into the woods, popping up a tent and secluding yourself may sound delightful. The idea of actually doing it, not so much. The idea of giving up your four walls of safety for a tent is a bit scary. Not to mention that you may have a hard time falling asleep knowing that you are resting right in the middle of the home of all nocturnal wildlife – and bugs! Fact is, camping is not for everyone and can create a challenge for those not willing to give up the comforts of home, which is why some people prefer backyard glamping!
Good news — Camping outdoors doesn’t necessarily mean that you have you to give up the luxuries you are used to. Glamping is a term comprised of the words glamorous and camping. It takes the idea of camping and adds the comforts of home. Sometimes, even more! This allows everyone a time to enjoy nature and remove daily routines without having to learn what it means to rough it.
And what better way to go glamping than to have a party at your house… by trying backyard glamping! Below are some ideas from using a clear span fabric structure instead of a tent to what luxuries to bring, that will help you get started on creating the most memorable backyard glamping experience ever.
Who to Invite?
Who do you invite to a backyard glamping party? Well, you surely would want to steer clear from hardcore campers. This is glamping, after all – not camping! Pick a few of your favorite people who will openly enjoy the experience and add to yours.
Remember, you will be in an element a tad bit different than you are used to so make sure you select those guests you know will be willing to join you without hesitation!
What Luxuries should You Bring?
The options are endless. Because you want to make sure that you and your guests do not feel deprived, you will want to make sure that you have items that make you feel comfortable. First on the list is comfortable bedding. Long gone are the days of stuffing yourself into a zipped up sleeping bag on the cold, hard ground. For your glamping party, use blown up air mattresses (or even actual mattresses) complete with sheets, blankets and pillows.
Lighting is also important. When indoors we take for granted all the light sources at our fingertips. Outside, however, once the sun goes down you want to make sure you have a means to see. Rather than using old camping lanterns, get creative. Candles, string lights, tiki torches, etc. are all good examples.
While the point of moving outdoors is to unplug from phones, television, social media, computers, etc. The luck of being in your backyard, however, will allow you to run an extension cord, providing a source for electricity. And, likely, a wi-fi signal. If you still decide you want try not to use electronics, the idea that you can still charge your phone and camera, for example, will be comforting.
What Will You Eat?
Pork and beans in a can heated over a fire? No way. Backyard glamping allows you to eat good while you are camping! Make sure you have a cooler (or electric ice chest) handy. You can then keep perishable snacks for you and yours guests. Opt for cheese and crackers – and no, not American cheese with a saltine. Go for the good stuff. Pair up different combinations. Fruit platters are another great idea. (Both go well wine, too!)
You do not have to limit yourself because you are glamping. For dinner, pull out your barbecue grill and make your favorite light and refreshing meal. Try your hand at various side dishes that can be cooked on the grill, as well.
Desserts are fun. Instead of roasting s’mores over the campfire – and finding yourself covered in a sticky, gooey marshmallow mess – you can make dessert on the grill! Banana Boats are a great option! Slice an unpeeled banana lengthwise, insert mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, wrap in foil and place on the grill! When it becomes a pool of melted chocolaty goodness, squeeze it open and dig in!
Use your imagination. Get creative. And don’t stick to the boring old camping food.
While the idea of sleeping under the stars sounds exciting, you are going to likely want the overhead protection of tent. For glamping, we are going to shy away from vinyl or canvas tents that you picked up in a box. Sure, they serve their purpose, but clear span fabric structures allow us the covering of a tent with a style that keeps with the fun and light idea of glamping.
You can either buy or rent clear span fabric structures. They are temporary tent structures, providing shade and protection from other elements such as wind and rain. Depending on their size, clear span fabric structures can come with different accessories, from temperature controls to glass sidewalls. Many even include flooring!
Yes, it is like an outdoor house in the backyard of your house!
What will You Do?
There is plenty to do while backyard glamping, no matter who your outdoor crew is. Playing a game of cornhole, horse shoes, or catch with a baseball are traditional activities. Because you will have the privilege of lighting, you aren’t limited on the amount of board games you can bust out or card games you can play.
If you are looking for a more relaxing approach to your glamping experience, you can always take time to write or read. Just make sure to bring enough for everyone. Grabbing some crayons and coloring books is also a calming way to relax. Get creative with your friends. Play music and laugh while having a dance contest, play hot potato like you did as a kid, or just enjoy chatting and mingling with your friends since you are all not burdened with daily chores.
However you choose to go backyard glamping, let your imagination go wild and put together something fantastic. Enjoy the outdoors, breathe in fresh air, and relax on your mini-vacation. You don’t have to give up luxuries to take a break and count the stars, you just need to make a plan and put it into action. Happy glamping!