Sensational summer soirees shine brightly with these simple ideas
![Platters of crackers, pretzel rolls, beer cheese dip, veggie sticks and cranberry chutney await guests at a backyard party in late November at the Wauwatosa home of Todd and Kelly Halverson. Firepits added some warmth and cheer to the cool-weather gathering.
Mjs Firepits13 Nws Sears 1 Platters of crackers, pretzel rolls, beer cheese dip, veggie sticks and cranberry chutney await guests at a backyard party in late November at the Wauwatosa home of Todd and Kelly Halverson. Firepits added some warmth and cheer to the cool-weather gathering.
Mjs Firepits13 Nws Sears 1](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5472,h_3078,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/306/01j0r6x2k0hr98zy2wvb.jpg)
While kids might cheer summer vacation, adults do not want to miss out on the seasonal fun. Hosting a sensational summer soiree does not have to cost a fortune or require a party planner. With a few easy to master tips, anyone can host a fabulous event.
A great party is more than a well-curated guest list and a theme. Truthfully, some of the best parties are not overly complicated or look like they were cloned from a Pinterest board. The key to any great event is understanding the audience, picking a budget, and planning. It might seem straightforward but, for some people, it is not a simple equation.
First and foremost, party hosts should know their budget. If the bank account only allows for Red Solo Cups, it is not time to purchase a new set of color specific stemware. The people that are coming to the party want to spend time with each other, not necessarily gossip over the finest crystal on the table.
Even within budgetary guidelines, there can be some creative ways to make that beer budget look like champagne style. First, it starts with the atmosphere. For example, pick a color scheme, theme, or some way to curate the event. It does not have to look like Martha Stewart planned the party but it does not have to look like a mis-matched mess.
For example, if it is an All-American BBQ event the colors are self-explanatory but think about the food and beverages served. Some Budweiser beer, new MTN DEW patriotic beverages, or even just a dessert that looks like a flag are straightforward, easy to manage ideas.
With the scene set, it is often the little details that make the event even more pleasurable. Using a Sterno server to keep that mac and cheese warm or keeping the fruit salad bowl surrounded by ice, those little touches can keep the food at its peak throughout the event.
At the same time, the party cannot offer everything to everyone. Of course, there should be a vegetarian option or a less spicy choice, but the buffet does not necessarily need to look like the variety of a convenience store. Well-rounded choices are good, but it cannot take into account every possibility imaginable.
Lastly, the party host needs to think beyond the table. For example, having a few items in the bathroom can make a guest feel appreciated. A bottle of Tums nestled behind the candle could be a savior for the person who might have had one too many chicken wings.
More importantly, summer parties often involve the outdoors, but uninvited guests, like the occasional mosquito, can create an unpleasant buzz. Off has a wide array of products that keep the bite away. From the Clean Feel line to some towelettes tucked into the bathroom basket, there are plenty of ways to ensure that no one is swatting away pesky distractions during the party.
It is time to put that summer party on the calendar. Anyone can be the ultimate host with just a little planning.