Summer Entertaining Tips

(June 2010) – It’s official: summer is now upon us. The smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of kids running and playing and the sight of blue skies fill our senses, while we all prepare for a season of summer get togethers.

This year, you can make your summer parties even more fun, affordable, convenient and healthy with just a few simple touches. Dive into these suggestions as you start to plan your first party of the season.

• Go for multi-purpose décor: Your summer entertaining will most likely be outside, so spruce up your deck or patio with items that not only add to the atmosphere and style of your spot, but also help everyone enjoy themselves. A large table umbrella can add a dash of colour while keeping your guests in the shade. Hanging lanterns are an elegant way to help everyone see each other once the sun goes down. And candles can help to fill the air with great scents, while keeping away pests.

• Make it a DIY gathering: Everything is ready to go on the grill so bring everything else outside. Line a table with plates, cups, utensils, napkins, buns and side dishes, and fill a cooler with favourite drinks and another with ice. Your guests can fill their plates and pluck their favourite items off the grill while you enjoy the visit, and your reduced clean-up afterwards.

• Embrace and customize themes: Themes are a great way to coordinate the smallest to largest get together. Sometimes a few issues might make you wary of a certain idea, but this summer take advantage of any great theme by customizing it to you. Want to unwind with friends and a cool drink after work while watching the kids? No problem. Create some frozen drinks everyone can enjoy and relax together. Love the idea of a picnic, but not the reality of being less than comfortable? Instead of a blanket, use outdoor chair cushions to make your spot enjoyable while still getting that picnic feel.

• What can we bring? It is the question you will get immediately after inviting your friends and family. Typically we will give them the usual responses of, “yourselves” or “nothing at all,” but there is a way to take advantage of their generosity without putting them out. Tell guests who offer some help to bring favourite outdoor games or music. These are two areas you might forget about, and there is no cost for your guests to bring what they already have.

• Don’t be afraid to mix up the menu: We know: it’s barbecue season. That doesn’t mean you have to spend the next three months dining on nothing but hot dogs and hamburgers (though you have to at least a few times, right?) This summer, change things up by taking advantage of the great variety of fresh vegetables that are available at farmer’s markets or your nearest grocery store. Looking for some different main course options? Grill your favourite fish as the centerpiece of your meal to add a fun new taste to your typical summer dining.

Remember, this great weather won’t be here forever, so get out and enjoy it. Make this summer all about having fun with your favourite people, and keep an eye out for ways to do so more easily and affordably.