Since I’m starting my new job today, I thought I’d bring on a very special guest contributor! Jasmine Ford is not only my best friend and roommate from college, she is quite the southern belle. She has gorgeous vintage style, loves beauty, and the art of domestic living more than anyone I know. Plus she’s quite the writer!
Hello, everyone! I’m very excited to share some of my ideas for summer entertaining with you all! Thank you, Camille, for letting me guest post!
Here in Georgia where I’m from, summers are unbearably hot and humid. Between the months of May and September, you’re most likely to find me inside in a nice, air-conditioned room instead of outside braving the heat! However, summertime is also prime-time for outdoor grilling and barbecuing, and it’s not always possible to avoid the outdoors. I’m not an experienced hostess like Camille, but I have been a guest at many an affair and have encountered a few common “issues” that all you hosts/hostesses out there might want to keep in mind for the sake of your guests at your next party this summer!
1. Citronella candles from Walmart, $17 // 2. Folding fans from Worldmarket, $4 // 3. Condiment spinner from Pier 1 Imports, $24 // 4. Reusable ice cubes from Bed Bath & Beyond, $4 for 30 // 5. Octopus ice cube molds from Modcloth, $11 // 6. Clear beverage dispenser from Party City, $20
Bugs.
Although bugs are an unavoidable part of the outdoors, there are some precautions you can take to keep them away! My first suggestion would be to scope out the area in which you’re plannning to host your party. Be aware of any areas of long grass, and also watch out for anthills! If possible, spray the general perimeter of your party area with bug repellent.
Also, flies can also be a major party pooper. There’s nothing like walking over to the food table, only to find that a fly has landed on the cob you’re eyeing and is in the process of squirting its digestive juices on it. Gross, right? In the interest of saving both your food and your appetite, make sure your serving dishes come with a cover or lid, or find a way to cover your food while it’s sitting out (plastic/saran wrap, aluminum foil, etc).
If you will be outside during the evening, tiki torches, as well as strategically placed citronella candles are great ways to keep mosquitos at bay, with the added advantage of soft lighting! You can add a pretty touch by using something like these citronella votives, with any decorative votive holders you already have on hand.
Heat.
This is just part of the summer, of course, but providing paper fans for your guests is a great way to beat the heat! You can find deals on multi-packs, like these from World Market!
Dehydration can also be a consequence of the heat. Carbonated drinks and alcohol can both contribute to dehydration, so make sure to have plenty of ice water on hand for any thirsty guests. For a refreshing twist, you can add lemon and lime slices, or even slices of cucumber! You can serve your water, with or without these additions, in a clear beverage dispenser.
If you don’t have an area of shade where guests can cool off, consider hosting your party at a local park with a covered pavilion.
Problems with food and drink.
Instead of putting ice directly into your punch bowl, keep your punch or juice in a larger bowl that’s filled with ice. This will cool it from the outside, and you won’t have to worry about watered-down drinks. Another idea is to make ice cubes out of the punch itself, and use those to cool the drinks! There are cute ice molds everywhere in a variety of shapes. Also, you can cool your drinks with re-usable ice cubes!
A large crowd + condiment bottles = a mess on your bottles, and potentially your hands too. Use a condiment spinner to spare your bottles.
Barbecue sauce and melting popsicles can also lead to sticky fingers (and burgers can get messy too), so provide disposable hand wipes for your guests. A friend of mine even provides floss picks for us whenever he has corn-on-the-cob at his cookouts!
Guests will always remember a host that tries to provide as pleasant of an experience as possible. Just in general, keep your guests’ comfort in mind when planning your next party and they’ll appreciate it!
