
Entertaining in the summer is fun. Summertime is for relaxing, being lazy, and enjoying the longer days. This is the time we enjoy having fun with friends and family. To keep the relaxed atmosphere a little pre-planning will keep the entertaining easy and comfortable for everyone, including you!
Beverages – Keep It Cool
Set up a cart, table or area where guests can help themselves
Provide plenty of disposable cups and napkins
Set up soda, water, juices, any alcoholic beverages if serving, with lots of ice
If children will be present consider two separate beverage areas one for adults, one for children with no alcoholic beverages
Food- Simple or Elaborate
Try and make as many foods ahead of time
Keep in mind the heat during the day when serving items that are perishable; keep them cool on ice or in a cooler if needed
Entertaining outdoors can be more casual where guest enjoys being part of the cooking and perpetration as well as serving themselves. Let your guest get involved!
Set an area where disposal tableware is convenient to grab for guest. Include plates, napkins, and utensils along with any condiments
Provide garbage barrels out of site but easy for guests to clean up on their own
Seating- Provide Plenty
Either lounge chairs, folding chairs, benches, or stools
Group chairs and tables for easy conversation
Small tables, big long picnic table, or patio tables are all great for gathering around and enjoying a bite of food
Clean up- Keep it Simple for Yourself
Have lots of garbage barrels available for easy disposal.
Label recycle bin and keep close to the beverages.
Use disposable items so clean up is easy.
Pool – Safety First
Ask adults to take turns supervising younger children around the pool.
Provide folding chairs if there is not enough seating around the pool area.
Ask guests to bring towels when you invite them over, but in case they forget, provide towels and have a large basket at hand so the towels can be dropped in one area- this will be easier than collecting around the yard the next day.
Provide a small metal bucket filled with sunscreen in case any of your guests forgot to bring their own.
Bugs – Keep Away
Citronella candles burning will help keep bugs away from entertaining areas.
If you have severe problems with bugs, consider fogging your yard about an hour before guest come.
Planting lemongrass in pots or throughout landscape can also help.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray areas where you might have ants to keep them away.
Keep lots of bug spray on hand.
Burning fires tend to help keep the bugs away also and are great for ambiance
These simple but easy to follow suggestions can make you and your guests comfortable when they come to relax at your house. Enjoy the lazy days!
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