Everything You Need for Summer Hosting

It’s officially bonfire and summer hosting season! We just celebrated Cort’s 30th (a first of many in our new backyard) so I figured I’d round up everything you need for your next outdoor barbecue. I’m also sharing some summer hosting tips and tricks that will make your next bash a breeze!

SUMMER HOSTING TIPS

Be Mindful of Weather - If you live in the mid-west then you know how unpredictable the weather can be! So, I recommend having umbrellas or a covered area for shade - nobody likes to roast in the summer heat! Also, be prepared to take the party inside in case it starts to rain or gets too windy. Don’t let the weather rain on your parade!

Think About Music - Every good party has good music! Think about the vibe you want for your party and make or find a playlist in advance. I have a ton of great playlists on my Spotify! Whether you like country, pop, jazz or chill vibes, having your music picked out is one less thing you’ll have to worry about the day of - all you’ll have to do is press play! Also make sure you have a nice speaker - this outdoor one is waterproof.

Keep Bugs Away - Flies and mosquitos can really put a damper on things, so make sure you cover your food or serve it indoors. You can also get some fly traps like these to help keep them at bay.

Have a Signature Drink - For Cort’s party, we had a few signature drinks prepared in advance. I didn’t want to spend the entire time bartending, so it made things way easier and faster. Make sure you try out the recipes in advance or stick to something you know. Nothing’s worse than a terrible drink - talk about a buzz kill!

Plan Some Activities - Cort and I love playing games so I like having something to do at my parties. From roasting smore’s to bocce ball or giant Jenga, you can’t go wrong with a few yard games. It also makes it so your guests can entertain themselves in case you get busy in the kitchen.

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