Here are several suggestions to help you prepare for entertaining family and friends this summer. Hosting an outdoor event doesn’t have to be stressful. Planning is the key to ensuring your event will be a success.
To help you with your planning, I have compiled a checklist for you. (You are welcome!) So, pour a cup of tea, gather paper and pen or your iPad, and let’s get started!
- What’s on the Menu?
Decide what food and drinks you plan to serve. Once you have that sorted, make sure to decide what and how much to buy. Your menu should consist of easy to prepare, tasty, popular, and seasonal. Plan on buying extra ingredients so you don’t run out! It’s always good to have a little leftover. Be sure to ask your guests in advance if there are any food restrictions or allergies.
- What type of Dinnerware & Utensils do you plan to use?
I recommend earth-friendly disposable made of recyclable materials. You can even purchase disposable serving dishes and serving utensils. This will make clean up so much easier.
- Leftovers for dinner tonight, Honey!
Make sure you have a plan for how you will deal with any leftovers. Stock up on storage bags and sealable containers. Have them on hand during clean-up because it is always important to put perishable food away as soon as possible. Speaking of perishable food, be sure to have ice for keeping cold food cold and proper equipment to keep hot food hot.
- Don’t Forget the Trash
Be sure to have trash bags and receptacles placed in convenient areas. This will help you avoid having to pick up trash after all your guests are gone.
- Plan Your Entertainment
Decide on any games, music, or activities you want your guests to enjoy. You can be as elaborate as hiring live musicians or as laid back as a good sound system for playing everyone’s favorites. You might even include Karaoke. Consider your guests when choosing games. Be sure to select age and skill-appropriate activities. Remember, you want your friends and family to have fun!
- Enjoy yourself!
Enlist help so that you aren’t the only one working. You are the host, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your guests. Friends and family typically ask what they can do to help. Be sure to allow them to do just that!
- Decoration
Your decorations do not need to be expensive, but they should reflect your personality and your theme if you have one. String lights are always attractive and functional. Mason jars full of fresh flowers are the best centerpieces.
Here’s hoping your Summer Parties turn out great! Remember good planning means less stress and guaranteed success!!