Summer entertaining can be fun for guests, hosts alike
Summer is in full swing now. We all have our favorite ways to while away those sunny holiday weekends.
I find that in order to take full advantage of free time — or time away from work or whatever I consider a break in routine — I need to do some clever planning ahead. If the summer holidays equate to hosting family and guests for a few days, thinking ahead really pays off.
Here are some pointers that will make summertime entertaining easy and fun.
If the holidays celebrate a specific event, then you have a built-in focus for your plans. Birthdays, anniversaries and graduations are personal fetes that honor individuals, while civic holidays are set up to commemorate important historical events. Do some background research to discover what type of food and entertainment fits the party.
Shop for lawn games — bocce ball, ladder toss and lawn bowling are popular choices for all ages. If you have a pool or are on a lake, relax or play in the water with water floats — not just noodles, but inflatable shapes, including watermelons and flamingos. Set up a hammock and a comfy chaise in the shade for those who wish to escape the direct sun.
Fresh air and play always build hearty appetites. Stock up on plenty of unbreakable dishes and glassware. Melamine and acrylic tableware come in sunny colors and patterns that offer instant decoration for your outdoor tables. Check your serving dishes, too. Have large salad bowls and platters on hand so guests can help themselves. Cleanup is easy when tableware is durable and lightweight.
A rolling kitchen island, such as the one shown here, is equipped with wheels so it can be easily moved outdoors onto the patio or deck. With a butcher-block top, you have mobile kitchen prep for lastminute chopping and service straight from the cart. Line up condiments or extra dishes on the lower shelves. When it’s time to clear the table, dishes can be loaded onto the island and rolled back inside.
Keep footsteps to a minimum by arranging outdoor storage. Utilize flea-market finds, including armoires, dressers, trunks and recycled wood planks to create outdoor spaces to store everything from extra seat cushions and tableware to games and water toys. Apply exterior paint or stain to give storage pieces a finish that can withstand sun and rain.
Inside and out, a few extra chairs will keep everyone comfortable. Look for stackable chairs that can be tucked away when not in use, or choose a few seats that add a blast of color and some modern character to your home away from home.
A few well-placed lanterns and lights have a magical effect in the evening. Twine batteryoperated fairy lights around tree branches and plants. These tiny strings make a pretty centerpiece when grouped together in a bowl or vase on the table or a makeshift buffet (think wood planks set up on crates for extra surface space.)
The time is right for summer sales. Visit your favorite shops and peruse the internet for irresistible bargains. Stock your cupboard with essentials. Extra towels, bed linens and blankets are always in demand. With all these items accounted for and packed up, your holidays are worry-free.
"If the summer holidays equate to hosing family and guests for a few day, thinking ahead really pays off."