Lakehouse, cabin, cottage, whatever you call it; The season is finally here! After a long winter, there’s seriously nothing better than a weekend surrounded by nature. While gathering up all of your friends for a weekend of fun and sun sounds like a great idea, it can also get stressful, especially if you’re inviting over ten people! After helping to plan a lake house party every year for the past decade, I thought I’d share the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way to make it go as smooth a possible. I’ve also created a free downloadable planner just for you! Click here to get yours now!
Planning
Sure, these steps might be a little excessive for a group of five people, but if you’re planning a huge get together with over ten people, you’ll thank me later!
What you need
No more than three people involved in the planning process. Two people planning is best though.
Two important things to help you plan: Google Docs, Facebook, and my Perfect Lake House Party Planner
- Google Docs. : Make sure that you have a Google doc. set up so that everyone involved in the planning making process can access it.
- Facebook group: Start a facebook group dedicated to this event. Not only can you invite people, but if you have any details or last-minute things you want to run by them, they’ll all see it!
- The Perfect Lake House Party Planner: This planner will help you get organized!
What To Plan
Now that I’ve given you three tools to plan your weekend let me tell you what you’re going to use them for.
Sleeping arrangements
Ok, so this is important because you need to know how many people you can sleep. Do you have enough beds? Do you have air mattresses? Extra blankets and pillows? One year we didn’t think about this and ended up with SEVEN people in a queen-size bed. You can do it, and it was hilarious, but planning is crucial if you’d like everyone to be comfortable.
Food
This is a big one! If you have a large group to feed, food can get super expensive and mealtimes can be hectic! Have no fear; we have a solution for that! Meal groups! All you have to do is put groups of two/three people together. Each group will be responsible for cooking a meal for everyone. It will save you money and make cooking for a group easier! Click here to get your free group meal planner!
Along with meal groups, it’s also a good idea to have cleanup groups. These groups will be assigned to clean up and wash dishes after the meal finished. This keeps it fair and keeps your kitchen from piling up with dishes, which I can tell you is no fun for anyone!
Cooking for a large group and don’t know what to make? Here are some ideas:
Breakfast
- Pancakes, bacon, and eggs
- Bagel bar with a mix of toppings
- Breakfast burritos
- Breakfast Casserole
Lunch
- Chicken wraps
- Burrito bar
- Salad
- Pasta salad
- Sandwiches
- Burgers and Hotdogs
Dinner
- BBQ
- Taco/ burrito bar
- Pasta
- Hearty salads
- Soup/stews
- Crockpot meals
Goodies
Will you want to give your pals a nice little thank you gift? Again, this is something you’ll want to plan for! This is also when it’s an excellent time to get your guest list confirmed. Stumped on what kind of goodies to get them or where to buy them? Here are some options:
- T-shirts: Is this an occasion you’ll want to remember for a long time? Get some T-shirts made!
- Flip-flops: They’re cheap, easy to find, extremely useful, and come in an endless amount of styles and patterns!
- Hangover care package: Advil, bandaids, Tums, and anything else one might need to cure that hangover!
- Face masks: Choose from clay, mud, or sheet masks. These are perfect for a girl’s weekend! I have a full post on my favourite masks, so click here to check them out!
Decorations
Is this a getaway for a special event; Birthday, Bachelorette party, a celebration of sorts? Think about how you could spruce the place up for the occasion? I find that Pinterest is a great place to find easy DIY decor.
Activities
Obviously, there are the usual cottage activities like being on the water, campfires, and drinking (If you’re of age!) but here are some other ways we’ve passed the time.
- Dock days – These days are my favourite! Yes, hanging out, tanning on the dock is a regular cottage activity, but step it up by bringing some giant floor pillows and games!
- Kube– Like bocce ball, but better!
- Board games, puzzles, movie nights- Self-explanatory!
- Cottage Cup- Create a game where everyone gets points based on activities they do! For example, 10 points every time you bring someone else a drink. -10 points every time you spill a drink. 50 points to whoever catches the biggest fish or skips a rock the farthest. Customize it to your group of friends to keep things fun and low-key competitive. Whoever has the most points at the end of the weekend is the winner! If you’re feeling extra, feel free to make a trophy! Get yours for free here!
Playlist
This is something I’m going to tell you not to worry about. Sure, music can make a good party great, but why is it that only one person gets to decide on the music? Instead of putting the playlist on one person’s shoulder, create one on Spotify and have everyone add to it. We did this last year, and it worked out perfectly! Just be sure to make a rule though; NO DOWNER SONGS. Only add music that makes people happy!
If you follow these steps and use your free planner, your weekend will go off without a hitch! Are you excited about lake season? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo Little J
Click here or click the picture below to download your free planner!
