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Backyard Bocce Ball Party

bacci ball photo



A backyard bocce ball party is fun and relaxing. This outdoor entertaining activity and pastime dates back to Roman times, developed in Italy as a traditional lawn sport and into the modern day game we know today. The basic rules still apply; throwing your bocce ball closest to the small target ball called a pallino.

There are official regulation bocce courts, but go by your own rules ( it's your yard!) and use every inch of your lawn - have the party take over both front and back yards in order to play the game.

Don’t be afraid to toss the balls down garden paths, into side yards and even the front yards. This gets your guests off of the main drag and into the gardens. You can show off your hard work and garden style. Food for this backyard bocce ball party should be easy to eat with lots of finger food to munch on during and in between bocce games. You can prepare all of the appetizers yourself, or request that your guests each bring their favorite version of an Italian snack or appetizer.

So……what are you waiting for? Toss the coin to see which team throws first- and get the party started!

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Outdoor Party Italian Tablescape

The Party

This is a great early afternoon party. Play the Italian version of lawn bowling.

  • Make sure to get off the deck! Set up different spaces in your yard- find a cozy spot to set a table for wine and appetizers. Create another designated place for the bocce game starting point.

  • Have a small portable table for drinks at the designated start point of the game. A score card and the printed rules out on display is helpful.

    Believe me that alone will get the party started; there are many different versions of rules as there are players!(Simple backyard bocce rules are at the bottom of this page.)

  • Use the whole yard to play the bocce game- nothing off limits unless it’s dangerous!

    Just as in Italy when family and friends play the game,relax and take in the warm sun,while sharing stories, this can become an annual backyard bocce ball party for you and your family.



    Invitations

  • Make simple Bocce Ball Party invitations on your computer, using clip art and a fun font. If you can't find any bocce clipart- you can take a photo of your game set and turn that into a very personal invitation on your computer.

    You might want to include the history of bocce ball and the rules of the game, so everyone can come prepared for a day of friendly competition.

    Activity Ideas

  • The focus of course is Backyard Bocce Ball and that will be the main activity. Divide the group into teams. Having someone read the rules aloud is a good idea; it gives your guests that have never played before, a chance to ask questions before the big game begins.

    Food Ideas

  • I like heavy appetizers for this type of party .

    Italian cheese tray ,each marked with an Italian flag party toothpick identifying the cheese types. Use Provalone, Mozzarella, Fontina spread for crackers and garnish with grapes.

    Bruschetta

    Tomato, mozzarella and basil

    Italian bread sticks

    Almond biscotti

    Prosciutto and melon

    Crusty Italian bread with extra virgin olive oil for dipping

    Peasant pottery bowls filled with olives

    Grilled Vegetable Antipasto

    Tiramisu

    Drink Ideas

    Selection of Italian red and white wines

    Pellegrino Sparkling Water

    Iced coffee

    Espresso

    Champagne

    Bellini

    Fresh Lemonade

    Chianti in raffia wrapped bottles

    Limade

    Garden Party Decoration/Themed Décor

  • Use Italian colors of red and green

    Clear wine glasses –I prefer using inexpensive glass wine goblets, but you can find nice looking acrylic wine glasses too

    Red cloth napkins folded accordion style and placed in the wine glasses

    Use small casual pottery plates for the appetizers

    Use a rustic metal planter filled with ice for the bottles of water and wine

    Red and white checked table cloth

    Rustic wood table with placemats in olive, red, and brown colors

    Assorted sizes of candle pillars in rustic colors of brown, red, rust and olive for the table tops

    decorate with terracotta planters, container gardens filled with brightly colored annuals or fragrant herbs. Use raffia wrapped Chianti bottles as candle holders

    Hang an Italian flag at the start position of the Bocce game

    As a party favor, hand out a small tape measure to each guest when they arrive.They’ll absolutely come in handy during the tournament- I guarantee it.

    Music Ideas

    Italian Opera

    Classical Music

    Backyard Bocce Ball Party Rules for casual playing are really pretty simple.Basically you get a point for being closest to the Pallino (small ball)

  • There are 8 large balls and one small one.
  • Divide the balls up evenly between players.Each player has a unique color ball.
  • One player throws the pallino , and then throws the large ball after it and tries to get as close as possible.
  • The next player throws his ball and tries to get closer to the pallino than the opponents.
  • The ball that's closest to the pallino is considered "inside". All other balls are "outside".
  • The player that has the inside ball after everyone has thrown- gets a point.
  • The first player ( or team) to get 13 points is declared the winner.

    Use your imagination to come up with more good ideas for the backyard Bocce Ball party and other garden party games. It's a good time for everyone of all ages.

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