Master Outdoor Entertaining

It’s the weekend leading up to July 4th! How many of you are entertaining this year? Whether you’re hosting a party for 1 or a party for many, we have some great tips on how to get your party started so that you can enjoy it way before the fireworks begin!

Make a List
When planning any party, there are always going to be details involved. Before you go any further, make sure you start a list so you don’t forget anything. We love using the Notes and Reminders app on our iPhones. Add broader details to the Notes app and if there are tasks that need to get done by a certain date, add it to the Reminders App. Having your list digital means two things: 
a)    You won’t risk losing the note amongst other paper 
b)    You can find it right on your phone when you’re out and about running errands

Grocery Shop
The priority to most 4th of July parties (and any party really) is food! When prepping for your party create a menu before you go to the grocery store. That way you purchase only what you need and can take stock before you buy anything. Decide if you’re going to go with a typical BBQ theme or if you’re heading in a different direction. Add the ingredients you need to purchase to your Reminders App so you can check them off while you’re shopping at the grocery store. 

Check for Décor
No party is complete without a little décor! Whether it’s themed plates and napkins or a couple of banners, add a little zest to your fiesta. Before purchasing anything new, check your personal party supplies inventory to see what you already have. As organizers, it’s so common that we see a ton of leftover party supplies that are never used or are forgotten about. There’s nothing wrong with mixing and matching some of what you have leftover and incorporating something new if necessary.  Remember all of your platters that you had a hard time storing? Now is the time to put them to use! 

Last Minute Tidy
Set aside at least 30 minutes before your guests arrive to tidy up your space. Prioritize the shared spaces where guests will be moving in and out of. This probably includes a powder room or guest bathroom, living room and kitchen. If you’re limited on time, you can read this blog, How to Tidy your Home in a Pinch. 

Create a Party Station 
Rather than having to go back and forth into your home, create a station that’s accessible to where you’ll be outside. If you’re the grill master, put all of your supplies into a basket that you can corral outside with you. Have condiments readily available and a utensil container so guests can serve themselves.

Similarly, create a drink station with coolers so you can have your beverages readily available. We also love suggesting water jugs like this that can hydrate many people at a time.

Create a Schedule 
As obvious as it sounds, creating a schedule can be a huge lifesaver so you don’t forget to pass out the potatoes or hand out sparklers. Plus- don’t forget to set timers. It’s easy for us to think we’ll remember everything that’s cooking, but once guests start arriving or the fireworks start blasting, any mental timer you had is not going to cut it. 

Easy Clean Up
Lastly, make clean up easy by having trash and recycling cans accessible. If you have them out and about, people should feel more inclined to take care of their own mess rather than leave it out on a table for you to pick it up.  

It’s been awhile since some of us have hosted so hopefully these reminders will let you enjoy the party and the summer! Nobody has ever regretted being too prepared for a party so get your list ready and take it from there. Friendly reminder: Don’t be afraid to ask for guests to help by bringing their own dishes or party supplies!