Backyard parties & BBQs idea

Bistro lights cocktail night

A bistro lights cocktail night turns the backyard into a terrace bar with highboys, a portable bar, lounge furniture and a canopy of string lights. Perfect for 30 to 80 guests on a summer evening. Below you will find the palette, backyard and indoor setups, activities, props and the rentals for 50 guests with live Chicago prices, ready to open in the free planner.

Plan this party Book a free 15-minute call

Clear-top tent reception at twilight, styled at an event (AI-generated example)

The look

Palette and decor

Warm white #FFF4D6Charcoal #2B2B2BGreenery #5B7F4E

A canopy of string lights
Lanterns on highboys
Greenery on the bar

Setup ideas

How to set it up

Backyard or tented lawn

Lights criss-crossed overhead, bar on the patio, highboys on the lawn, lounge by the fire pit.

Indoors or a rented room

A rooftop or loft with the same layout.

Activities and games

Things for guests to do

Signature cocktail bar
Bar and glassware.
Rent: Portable bar ($77), Rocks glass ($0.83), Wine glass ($0.83)
Lounge corner
Sofas and armchairs.
Rent: Lounge sofa ($330), Lounge armchair ($165)

Props and DIY

What to buy or make

Lanterns
Cocktail menu
Bug spray station

These aren't rentals: they're the finishing touches most hosts buy or make.

Rent the look

Rentals for a bistro lights cocktail night

Quantities shown for 50 guests. In the planner they adjust to your guest count, and you can change or remove anything.

Add to my plan

Bistro string lights

Per 100 ft strand, LED globe bulbs

$82.50per 100 ftEst.

× 2 for 50 guests. A canopy of lights.

Portable bar

4'-6' folding bar with skirt; wood and barrel bars cost more

$77each

× 1 for 50 guests. Bar.

Guests drink and converse around an elegantly draped 30" cocktail highboy table (42" tall) adorned with florals and candles inside an ornate wedding reception ballroom

Highboy cocktail table

30" round top, 42" high

$15.95each

× 4 for 50 guests. Highboys.

Spandex highboy cover

Fitted stretch cover for 30" x 42" tables

$15.40eachEst.

× 4 for 50 guests. Covers.

Lounge sofa

Velvet or leather 3-seat sofa

$330each

× 1 for 50 guests. Lounge.

Wine glass

10-12 oz all-purpose

$0.83each

× 50 for 50 guests. Wine glasses.

These add-ons for 50 guests, before delivery, setup and tax

$738.90

Prices are based on local rental companies' published rates plus our booking fee. Your final quote is confirmed by the rental company for your date and venue.

Questions

Bistro lights cocktail night FAQs

How many string lights for a backyard?

Measure the runs you want to cover. A 40 by 40 foot zigzag takes about 150 to 200 feet of lights.

Do I need a permit for a tent in my backyard?

Many Chicago suburbs require a permit for tents above a certain size (often 400 to 900 square feet). Check with your village, and call 811 before any stakes go in.

Do I need portable restrooms for a backyard party?

For more than about 75 to 100 guests, or a party longer than four hours, a rented restroom saves your home's plumbing. Plan one unit per 50 guests.

Can I rent everything for a backyard party in one order?

Yes. Pick the rentals from this page or the planner and send one free quote. We book them with Chicago-area rental partners and list delivery, setup, a damage waiver and sales tax line by line before you pay anything.

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