Are you ready for the shortest fun time between the 4th of July and Labor Day, to enjoy the outdoors? If the answer is yes, then you are all set to make the most of those lazy days of summer. So let's all look forward to summer entertaining when the inside of your house gets to stay "company neat" because the major space used is the great outdoors.
Outdoor entertaining is far more relaxed, but once again, good planning can help you enjoy your guests, stress free. So make your shopping list before you get to the super market to avoid run backs. Find some "summer pretty" dishes or great looking heavy duty paper goods to keep things simple. Set up your entertaining area in advance to make sure you have enough tables and seating. Stock in some insect repellent , antihistamine for bug bites, and citronella pots. And, what about an ice chest? While you're out shopping - ask yourself if you need a few more fun games for kids as well as adults, like badminton or croquet? Are there enough pool toys to go around? And here's a terrific crowd pleaser-a karaoke machine! I found a great portable one two summers ago and it was the best party mixer when guests don't know each other. They instantly become new friends through music. If you're worried about annoying the neighbors, just invite them!
Setting an outdoor table is fun and easy. Just see what's growing in your garden and fill some vases with fresh flowers for table dressing. I like to place my tables for guests on the lawn and create shade over them with standing umbrellas. I have a variety of colorful tablecloths that go together but aren't matching, and dishes that co-ordinate. I set up the bar and main buffet table on the patio and have the bar-b-que off to the side - but not too far - so guests can visit with the chef and talk about the Yankees.
I love it when people ask if they can bring something they like to cook. It adds real flavor to the event in more ways than one. My guest list is always varied and there's a smorgasbord of people as well as food.
So, if you've been meaning to return invitations all winter, use the summer as a happy time to entertain while keeping wear and tear on your home to a minimum.
Outdoor entertaining is far more relaxed, but once again, good planning can help you enjoy your guests, stress free. So make your shopping list before you get to the super market to avoid run backs. Find some "summer pretty" dishes or great looking heavy duty paper goods to keep things simple. Set up your entertaining area in advance to make sure you have enough tables and seating. Stock in some insect repellent , antihistamine for bug bites, and citronella pots. And, what about an ice chest? While you're out shopping - ask yourself if you need a few more fun games for kids as well as adults, like badminton or croquet? Are there enough pool toys to go around? And here's a terrific crowd pleaser-a karaoke machine! I found a great portable one two summers ago and it was the best party mixer when guests don't know each other. They instantly become new friends through music. If you're worried about annoying the neighbors, just invite them!
Setting an outdoor table is fun and easy. Just see what's growing in your garden and fill some vases with fresh flowers for table dressing. I like to place my tables for guests on the lawn and create shade over them with standing umbrellas. I have a variety of colorful tablecloths that go together but aren't matching, and dishes that co-ordinate. I set up the bar and main buffet table on the patio and have the bar-b-que off to the side - but not too far - so guests can visit with the chef and talk about the Yankees.
I love it when people ask if they can bring something they like to cook. It adds real flavor to the event in more ways than one. My guest list is always varied and there's a smorgasbord of people as well as food.
So, if you've been meaning to return invitations all winter, use the summer as a happy time to entertain while keeping wear and tear on your home to a minimum.