Clean in pieces. As
soon as you ask friends over, start cleaning a little each day. Thirty minutes
at a time can have your house in top shape in time for guests.
Take inventory. Before
you even send out the invites, see what you have and what you need for entertaining.
Stock up on supplies to save the stress of running around at the last minute.
Finding fridge space.
Cool drinks and food are essential for summer entertaining, but the fridge
gets packed in a hurry. So use your washing machine. Fill it with ice, and
stick your beverages in to cool quickly (about 30 minutes). The great thing is
the ice melts and goes right down the drain – no mess.
Tap a “secret”
source. Stock up on supplies. You can get a huge selection from Uline, or
go to your local party store. Exercise grill diligence. Gests are mingling, you’re ready to grill a platter of kabobs and oh no! you forgot to get propane. To avoid an embarrassing party, set aside an hour a few days before the party to make sure the grill is clean, the tank is full, and everything is in working condition.
Cater to comfort. Encourage
your guests to linger and visit well into the summer evening. Have the
essentials they might need on hand. Think blankets, s’mores supplies, sunscreen,
and bug spray.
Build your stash. Invest
in one entertaining upgrade each year. Start with a dozen white cotton napkins.
It’s a great way to cut paper waste. Plus, fabric doesn’t ball up or stick to
barbecue sauce.
Plan the pairings. Come
up with three simple summer menus paired with cocktails then practice making
them. The more comfortable you are with what you’re serving, the more relaxed
you’ll be at party time.
Plan it easy. Work
party prep into your week. Make your playlist during your lunch hour at work.
Plan the food you’re going to serve during your commute. Make dishes one at a
time throughout the week so by the time the weekend comes, you’re ready to go.
Ditch cleanup duty. To
avoid feeling like you have to clean up instead of socialize, take a tip from
pro catering companies: Set up a “sanitation station.” Pick an
out-of-the-way-space, like the mudroom or garage. Set up a garbage can and some
buckets with soapy water for dishes. Let them soak overnight, then clean them
easily the next day.
Cut up tunes. Create
three summer entertaining playlists: brunch, lunch, and dinner. Think upbeat.
Raise your spirits. Premixed
cocktails are the way to go! They cut the fuss (you don’t feel obligated to
keep mixing drinks) and your budget (you aren’t trying to stock a full bar).
Time it right. Summer
weekends fill up fast, so we tuck parties into post-work corners of Friday
nights and earlier-than-expected Sunday mornings.
Send less on linens. A
bolt of burlap is my secret weapon. It’s super inexpensive. I use it for
everything: cut-to-fit tablecloths, runners, draping, wrapping, and lining.
Call for backup. Last
minute guests? Our local Mexican restaurant does large orders to go, which is a
huge help when you are short on time.
Make it almost
potluck. Sharing the food load is fine. Most people want, or even expect,
to contribute to a meal. Ask your guests to bring something east, such as a watermelon,
fresh bread, or ice cream. They’re helping, but not preparing.
Shine a light. Retro
style camp lanterns come in dozens of colors. Plus, the lanterns use oil, so
they won’t blow out in the summer breeze.
Let ‘em nibble. Have
at least one appetizer ready for guests to nosh on when they arrive. A tasty
bite covers many behind schedule sins.
Get a bargain. Off
price retailers like T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls are a treasure trove of seasonal
entertaining pieces. I love scavenging for drink dispensers, platters, cake
stands, serving bowls, and candles.
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