Quick answer: For a backyard Christmas party in Brisbane plan for two things: heat in the afternoon and a storm by evening. Put guests under a waterproof pagoda or structure marquee. Add misting fans for airflow. Keep drinks cold in eskies or a fridge. Light the space with festoons for after dark. Book early because December fills quickly.
December in Brisbane is made for long lunches in the backyard. It is also hot and humid with a good chance of an afternoon storm. A little planning means you can relax and enjoy the day with family and friends rather than chasing shade or moving furniture in the rain. These outdoor Christmas party ideas for Brisbane focus on comfort first so the celebration can look after itself.
Pick your time of day
The time you choose shapes everything else. A long lunch puts guests outside in the hottest part of the day. An early evening start avoids the worst of the heat but runs into storm season’s usual late-afternoon timing.
Many Brisbane hosts settle on a mid-afternoon start that runs into the evening. Guests arrive as the heat starts to ease. Dinner is served under cover. Lighting takes over once the sun sets. Whichever time you choose, plan as if both heat and rain will turn up.
Cover the space with a waterproof marquee
Shelter is the single most important booking for a Brisbane summer party. It gives you shade at lunch and protection when a storm rolls through.
- Pagoda marquees suit most backyards. The peaked roof looks elegant and the footprint is easy to fit on a suburban lawn. You may also hear them called pinnacle or peak-top marquees. Our pagoda marquees are waterproof and installed by our team. They can be joined to create a longer covered area.
- Structure marquees suit a larger seated dinner. We hire 6m, 8m or 10m wide structure marquees. They are waterproof too. As an approx. guide, a 6m x 9m structure marquee seats approx. 60 guests at round tables of 10 or approx. 72 at rectangular tables of 8. Allow extra room if you also want a bar or a dance floor.
- Pop-up gazebos are handy for a drinks station or a gift table. They are suitable for light rain only, so keep your main seating under a pagoda or structure marquee.
Not sure which suits your yard? Our guide to pagoda marquees vs pop-up gazebos explains the difference.
Keep guests cool in the heat
Shade helps but moving air makes the real difference on a humid day. A portable misting fan from our cooling hire range plugs into a standard power point and connects to a standard garden hose. Place fans at the edge of the marquee so the mist drifts across guests rather than onto the tables.
A few other simple habits help:
- Set out iced water early and keep it topped up.
- Seat older guests and young children furthest from the sun.
- Serve the main meal once the shade is at its best.
Plan cold drinks and food storage
Christmas lunch means plenty of food and drinks that need to stay cold for hours. The household fridge rarely keeps up. Our esky and refrigeration hire range includes eskies, esky wine barrels, drinks tubs, chest freezers and display fridges. Keep drinks in a separate esky from food so the lid on the food stays closed.
Champagne buckets and ice buckets from our tableware and bar supplies range keep the table looking polished while the drinks stay cold.
Set the table for a long lunch
A Christmas table is where everyone gathers. Long trestle tables work well for a family-style lunch. Round tables suit mingling between small groups. Pair them with comfortable chairs so guests can linger. Fresh table linen with quality glassware and crockery lift the meal into a proper occasion. We launder all linen ourselves so you return it without washing.
Light it for the evening
Once the sun sets the party moves into its best hours. Festoon lights strung across the marquee roofline give a warm glow that suits the season. Our event lighting range includes festoon lights, fairy lights and lighting pole kits for grass or hard surfaces. You can install the lights yourself or have our team install them. Festoons need mains power on site.
Have a storm plan ready
Brisbane storms can arrive quickly in December. Make your plan before the day:
- Keep all seating and food under a waterproof pagoda or structure marquee.
- Have a covered spot ready for electrical items and the music.
- Choose event flooring if your lawn tends to get soggy.
- Watch the forecast in the days leading up and talk to us early if the weather looks wild.
For a full checklist read our storm season guide to planning an outdoor party in the rain.
Book early for December
December is peak party season in South East Queensland. Popular marquee sizes and furniture can book out well ahead. Check live availability on any product page and book online 24/7. All hire is covered by $20,000,000 public liability insurance.
- Delivery: our standard fee shows in your cart as Delivery & Collection (incl. tolls). If equipment needs to go into a backyard, Extended Carry & Access may apply. See our delivery information. We deliver across Brisbane, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast.
- Set-up: choose full set-up of your whole event or marquee-only installation.
- More ideas: see our backyard party hire page. Planning a work function instead? See corporate and Christmas party hire.
Frequently asked questions
What size marquee do I need for a backyard Christmas party?
It depends on your guest numbers and layout. As an approx. guide, a 6m x 9m structure marquee seats approx. 60 guests at round tables of 10. Pagodas suit smaller gatherings. Contact us with your numbers and we can suggest a size.
Are your marquees waterproof?
Yes. Our pagodas and structure marquees are waterproof. Pop-up gazebos are suitable for light rain only.
How far ahead should I book for Christmas?
As early as you can. December is peak party season so popular items can book out. Check live availability on any product page.
Can you set everything up for me?
Yes. Choose full set-up of your whole event or marquee-only installation if you would rather arrange the furniture yourself. See our FAQs for more.
Ready to plan your Christmas party? Check live availability on any product page or send us an enquiry.
