According to this week’s weather forecast and the fact that
the swimming pool is opening in a few days tells me that summer is here –
finally! Many of us thought it would never get here this year. With summer
comes picnics, parties, barbecues, and reunions. During my 20+ years in event
planning, I have picked up a few tips for hosting and entertaining that I hope
will keep you in the fun zone during your summer gatherings.
Tip #1 –Choose a style and go with it. By style, I mean, are
you hosting a potluck? Cocktails and appetizers? Full blown BBQ with all the
fixings? Decide how much effort you want to put in and want your guests to put
in early on to make sure everyone knows what you need from them. There’s
nothing like having a barbeque and 10 guests all show up with Grandma’s famous
potato salad….unless you are holding a potato salad contest.
Tip #2 – Let guests know the menu and what you would like
them to bring, if anything. I personally like to make all the food so I know I
won’t have duplicate dishes (see Grandma’s potato salad reference in tip #1).
However, over the years, I’ve grown and am now comfortable asking for help or
letting guests know what I need when they ask that famous question….”what can I
bring?” Don’t shrug it off and say nothing – let them know if a bottle of wine,
bag of chips or bottle of barbeque sauce would make the event even better! Most
of us hate showing up empty handed to someone else’s house.
Tip #3 – Relax and enjoy the party! I admit I used to get so
wrapped up in cleaning and setting the perfect table that by the time my guests
arrived I was tired and a little cranky (you can ask my husband if you don’t
believe me, on second thought, don’t ask him). If your party is confined to
your backyard, deck or family room, don’t knock yourself out cleaning your
entire house top to bottom. Make sure it isn’t a total wreck, but you are
hosting a party with friends, not an open house to sell your house.
Tip #4 – Use any party or occasion to bring out your prized
serving pieces. How many of us have been saving that set of dishes or platter
for a special occasion? Well, right now is a special occasion. Bring out the
good stuff for your friends.
Tip #5 – Involve your guests. One of my favorite shows on TV
is Breakfast at Tiffani’s – Tiffani being an actress who also has serious
cooking and decorating skills. Each episode involves her friends coming to
dinner and she has them arrive early so they can help her cook. People enjoy being
useful and having a sense of purpose. Most of us want to pitch in and at least
stir a sauce, plate a salad or fix a cocktail for another guest. Start the
social hour early by inviting a few guests to arrive early and help you
prepare.
I’d love to hear your go-to party hosting and planning tips.
Feel free to leave them in the comments below! Oh, and did I mention Adela’s
has all your favorite serving pieces, barware and décor you need for your next
fiesta?
Happy summer and happy entertaining!
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