Summer Entertaining

6.17.2009
With less than a week to go until the official start of summer, I thought I'd share some tips that help me to stay sane relax and enjoy the company of my friends and family when they come to visit the H-Haus:


Okay, okay, so these aren't my friends or family - but it is a fabulous photo I love from BHG! Alright, on to the tips...
  • Start cleaning the house a few days before the event. I recommend cleaning the bedrooms first as they get less wear and tear and guests are least likely to see these spaces. When cleaning, always clean from top to bottom. You don't want to wipe dust and dirt from counters and tables onto freshly cleaned floors.
  • Add some pizazz to your patio. Potted plants, hanging baskets, candles, a fountain, tiki torches...the possibilities are endless. I like to purchase plants that are native to the area or that are fairly drought tolerant - it's friendlier to the environment, and you won't get worn out by constant watering.

Sweet potato vine (above) is one of my favorites - it can handle a lot of sun, looks great, and lets you know when it needs watering. I also love the fountain picture below. It was inexpensive, and all you have to do is plug it in or some great ambiance:

  • Choose a dish that can be purchased or prepared ahead of time - preferably the evening before or morning of the event. You don't want to be so busy in the kitchen that you don't have time to visit with your guests. Kabobs work perfectly for this situation (just don't be like me and have a ridiculous amount of them - two kabobs per guest only works if you have really hungry guests or if the kabobs are really small):
  • Preparing food ahead of time also frees you to do last minute cleaning or freshening up before the shindig starts.
  • Place the grill in a location in which you can still interact with guests while cooking.
  • Have candles/torches/fire pits lit for a more welcoming feel


  • Offer your guests a cold beverage as they arrive. The kegerator kit that I bought for the hubster's birthday a year or so ago works great:


  • Invite your guests into your yard with strategically placed lounge chairs, yard games, fire pits, etc.


Above all, relax and have fun, and I guarantee your guests will too! (and having s'mores doesn't hurt either...)

Do you have any great tips for summer entertaining? We'd love to hear them!

2 comments:

  1. Use citronella oil in tiki torches and lamps to provide protection from the bugs. There are many other bug repelling products available.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am in your blog...twice!!! :) Skewers are the best!

    ReplyDelete

 

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