Having a bunch of friends over to grill some hot dogs doesn't have to be complicated. With these seven bits of advice, you can have a fun backyard BBQ without all the fuss.
[1] Use an online invitation service to let everyone know about your party. You can get fast RSVPs, people can see who else is attending, and you can make a list of things people can bring if they want. It doesn't have to be just food. Ask them to bring their ipod, yard games, table games, whatever may be fun. You can even ask for extra chairs.
[2] Concentrate on the outside. Blow all the dirt off the patio and wipe down the tables and then keep everyone outside. If you can, help lead people around the side of the house but stringing twinkle lights and adding some solar-powered tiki torches. Then toss any indoor junk piles into a back bedroom, clean up the kitchen and wipe the bathroom down. Add room fragrances that give off beach scents and dim the lights. Battery-powered tea lights are perfect for atmosphere, even in the bathroom.
[3] Bring the inside out. Pull out blankets, pillows, lamps with extension cords, and table cloths to make your deck or patio comforting. If you can do it easily, choose a theme.
[4] Purchase some food items pre-made, like potato salad or baked beans. Add your own ingredients, like add celery and boiled eggs, and sprinkle it with paprika to potato salad or add big chunks of bacon to your beans. When choosing what to grill, make it easy. Consider asking a spouse or friend to help. You may even want to grill some food in advance and then warm it in foil at the last minute. Or wrap up salmon with herbs and butter in foil and just steam it on the grill. Grill with smoking wooden chips and the scent will keep everyone eager to eat.
[5] Use paper plates and utensils. It's pretty easy to find bright colored items at discount shops.
[6] Hire a teenager to entertain the children. Let her set up the kids table and plan activities. An ice cream maker with sundae toppings is a great project --and dessert! A fancy sprinkler or a craft like sand art can keep little hands busy. Or set up a treasure hunt in advance.
[7] Forgo fancy drinks that will keep you behind a blender all night. Instead, buy sodas, along with a few of the old-fashioned root beers and orange cream soda. Provide some sparkling water. Get the kids simple juice boxes. Put a large plastic table cloth in a wheel barrow or other big bucket, dump in the ice and arrange. Before guests arrive, make a large self-serving container of unsweetened ice tea. If you want to be fancy, pre-make some ice cubes with berries and mint leaves inside to float at the top.
And lastly, remember to have fun and actually have some conversations with people. Refuse to play the role of the hostess who never sits down. Instead, ask your friends for help getting things ready and then let everyone relax, yourself included. Leave the clean up until tomorrow.
[1] Use an online invitation service to let everyone know about your party. You can get fast RSVPs, people can see who else is attending, and you can make a list of things people can bring if they want. It doesn't have to be just food. Ask them to bring their ipod, yard games, table games, whatever may be fun. You can even ask for extra chairs.
[2] Concentrate on the outside. Blow all the dirt off the patio and wipe down the tables and then keep everyone outside. If you can, help lead people around the side of the house but stringing twinkle lights and adding some solar-powered tiki torches. Then toss any indoor junk piles into a back bedroom, clean up the kitchen and wipe the bathroom down. Add room fragrances that give off beach scents and dim the lights. Battery-powered tea lights are perfect for atmosphere, even in the bathroom.
[3] Bring the inside out. Pull out blankets, pillows, lamps with extension cords, and table cloths to make your deck or patio comforting. If you can do it easily, choose a theme.
[4] Purchase some food items pre-made, like potato salad or baked beans. Add your own ingredients, like add celery and boiled eggs, and sprinkle it with paprika to potato salad or add big chunks of bacon to your beans. When choosing what to grill, make it easy. Consider asking a spouse or friend to help. You may even want to grill some food in advance and then warm it in foil at the last minute. Or wrap up salmon with herbs and butter in foil and just steam it on the grill. Grill with smoking wooden chips and the scent will keep everyone eager to eat.
[5] Use paper plates and utensils. It's pretty easy to find bright colored items at discount shops.
[6] Hire a teenager to entertain the children. Let her set up the kids table and plan activities. An ice cream maker with sundae toppings is a great project --and dessert! A fancy sprinkler or a craft like sand art can keep little hands busy. Or set up a treasure hunt in advance.
[7] Forgo fancy drinks that will keep you behind a blender all night. Instead, buy sodas, along with a few of the old-fashioned root beers and orange cream soda. Provide some sparkling water. Get the kids simple juice boxes. Put a large plastic table cloth in a wheel barrow or other big bucket, dump in the ice and arrange. Before guests arrive, make a large self-serving container of unsweetened ice tea. If you want to be fancy, pre-make some ice cubes with berries and mint leaves inside to float at the top.
And lastly, remember to have fun and actually have some conversations with people. Refuse to play the role of the hostess who never sits down. Instead, ask your friends for help getting things ready and then let everyone relax, yourself included. Leave the clean up until tomorrow.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week held each year in Sept and featuring a 5-day virtual conference w/ 20 speakers. Follow II Week on Twitter for prizes and info. Blog about invisible illness on your site, be a featured guest blogger, meet others, read articles and lots more. Make a difference!
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