Summer is here friends! How did the summer of 2021 really get here?
If you love having people over as much as I do (or if you’d like to love it more), I have some simple tips to help make having a party or backyard cookout at your place this summer a breeze. In a previous blog I mentioned that I am a planner and I love to plan cookouts.
Here are a few simple tips to making hosting a little easier for you.
Keep it Simple
I’ve found that keeping all of the party simple makes it the most fun for me. I like to keep the food, and decor simple! Grilling is always a great option for an outdoor party because you can still be part of the party and cook the food. My husband takes care of the grilling and I do the rest. Normally at our cookouts, we grill hamburgers or hot dogs. I'd say that’s pretty simple.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Guests are more than glad to help out when you are doing the bulk of the cooking. Before you invite anyone, write up a list of things that you wouldn’t mind help with so that when the “What can I bring?” question pops up, you’ll be ready. I always provide the supplies like paper cups & plates, roasting sticks, or picnic blankets. If it’s a really big party, ask one friend to come a half hour early to help you set up (or you can ask them to send their teenagers over early to help set up – this works great, too!).
Keep kids in mind
Unless you are planning an adult-only party, keep the little people in mind.. Outside this might be balls, wagons, or little shovels to play with in the dirt. Plan extra cups because kids never seem to use the same cup twice at a party. It’s nice to cut food into smaller serving for kids (break corn on the cob into halves, cut watermelon into smaller pieces, etc.). Last but not least, when planning on kids, mentally plan on a few spills (this is why we eat outside) because it’s going to happen. Expecting them to happen makes it a lot easier to deal with when they do!
Encourage people to linger longer
Comfy chairs, cornhole, and smores, these are all reasons to stay just a little bit longer. We also happen to have a firepit that when it gets dark, it’s nice to sit around the fire and have some good conversations. And who can say no to perfectly roasted JET-PUFFED Marshmallows sandwiched in between those perfectly crispy HONEY MAID Grahams with melted HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate? Not this girl. Gather around the fire and get to roasting, friends. The party will last as long as the marshmallows do!
Keep your goals in mind
I have been guilty of letting the party planning pressures suck some of the fun out of the event for me. If you are going to truly enjoy this time with friends and family, I think it’s important to think a little bit about why you are hosting a cookout and why you invited who you did. When I remember my “whys” it makes the whole evening more fun. I have parties to connect with people. I invite people into my home or backyard to build relationships. And I go the extra mile so that people know I think of them and care for them. The people and relationships are why I do it and that makes all the difference.
Are you excited to host a backyard cookout soon? I hope these little tips and tricks will help the evening go smoothly so that you can enjoy your people.
This week on my Freedom-n-Joy Essentials facebook page, I am talking about summer socials. There will also be some amazing recipes shared that I think you will enjoy. Your guests will be impressed!
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