Tips For Easy Summer Entertaining
Ah, the sweet smell of flowers in bloom, the vibrant colors all around us, and the long, hot, hopefully, breezy days of summer. There’s nothing like it. Unless, of course, you’re more of an autumn and winter type of gal, which hey, who could blame you? The holidays make that time of year magical, too, and it conjures images of spending time inside with loved ones making memories. But that’s what summertime is all about too! With a few tips under your belt, throwing an impromptu summer party is a great way to relax and connect with friends and families while enjoying the short time of year where the days are long and the nights are fun-filled! Here are some tips for summer entertaining, so you spend less time stressed and more time being the life of the party!
Keep It Simple
When it comes to life in general, it’s best to keep things simple where we can. The reality is that most people are generally just happy to be at a party with those they love, and the fun comes organically. Don’t stress too much about having an agenda or a ton of plans and activities lined up. If you want to go with a theme, something as simple as a color theme works. Have lavender-infused tea, purple flowers in vases and serve foods in the same shade. Something as simple as that makes a party feel elevated, even if it’s essentially just a BBQ.
Healthy Main Dishes
These days, almost everyone has some kind of dietary restriction or nutritional lifestyle they’re pretty committed to. That’s why the easiest thing to serve the main dish at an event is something that covers all those bases. Going with something that is already vegan and gluten-free ensures that no guest feels left out. Don’t worry, almost every party these days includes a handsome charcuterie board where you can satisfy the meat and dairy fix for fellow party-goers, but making your main allergen-friendly is the easiest and most considerate thing to do. Not used to cooking with those types of restrictions? Just whip up some sauteed zucchini and squash in your frying pan and call it a day. Those two vegetables are not only incredibly nutrient-dense, but they’re in season during the summer, and you get to enjoy them at peak freshness and taste.
Safety First
With the pandemic finally seeming to be in our rearview mirror, you’re likely to still have guests that are a little weary of attending a party. Hey, you may even be their first event in a year in a half! So, make sure everyone feels comfortable with hand sanitizer left out of several surfaces and disinfectant wipes in the restrooms. Even though we’re always looking for ways to be more environmentally friendly, it is also worth considering utilizing disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. The good news is, you can buy biodegradable versions of all of these items at most big box stores nowadays. If you can’t find them at your usual grocery store, a natural grocery store will definitely carry them. If it’s within your budget, you should 100% go biodegradable on these items. You’ll also want to have a trash can in plain sight where guests can dispose of their leftover food and dishes independently.
Dessert Designer
If there is one area where you will go all out, it should be the dessert. Dessert is usually the pièce de résistance to the party. If you’re already a fantastic baker, this should be no problem for you, but if you’re struggling to come up with a recipe or idea for a dessert that fits the vibe of the party you’re throwing, there are plenty of resources online to help guide you. And, if you’re serving cake, it’s always a good idea to brush up on tips for fabulous cake decorating. Who doesn’t love cake? Let them eat cake!
At the end of the last year or so, we all deserve to party a little, and it’s great to play the role of the hostess now and then. The key is not to sweat the small stuff because the party will be great as long as everyone is coming together to celebrate the season and the fact that we’re all here to come together in the first place. Good luck and Cheers!
