I love a good party, but sometimes the thought of hosting can become overwhelming. The cleaning before, the cleaning after, the guest list, the food…and the list goes on. Today I’m sharing my summer party shortcuts to making entertaining a breeze. These tips are especially helpful when hosting a last-minute dinner party.
5 Summer Party Shortcuts
Cleaning
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a cleaning fairy? Unfortunately, we can’t just snap our fingers and make that magic happen. Instead, focus on the rooms your guests may see when walking through your home: the kitchen, living, and dining room. They’re going to be partying outside for the majority of the time, so don’t stress about bedrooms and extra bathrooms. But DO make sure the main guest bathroom is clean and tidy.
My trick for tidying up rooms is to walk through with an empty plastic laundry basket and pick up any items that are out of place. I tuck that away until guests leave, then return the items to their proper place.
Food
A big way to save time and energy is by hosting a pot luck. You’re doing all the cleaning right? Why not make it easier on yourself by asking each guest to bring one item. You provide the main entrée. Another idea is to search Pinterest for summer slow cooker recipes. One-pot = less cleaning!
I love to bake, but when I don’t have the time, I pick up dessert. EDWARDS® Whole Pies at Walmart are less than $5! You can’t get any easier than no-bake delicious desserts like Edwards. Just thaw and serve. With varieties like Cookies & Creme, Key Lime Pie, NY Style Cheesecake, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup®, it will be hard to choose just one!
Decor
Keep it simple. Earlier this summer I picked up a six-pack of adorable color-coordinated milk jugs (with container) for just $20 at Sam’s Club! Nowadays disposables have come really far. Find adorable plates, cups, and more that are affordable at places like cheekyhome.com. No dishes to clean? Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Hosting a summer soiree? An easy way to make the outdoors look inviting is by investing in some string lights. Snag some here. Another tip – I like to give my tables elevation, so I use cake stands for all sorts of dishes.
Music
Music sets the mood for any celebration. Before guests arrive, set up a few Bluetooth devices outside then switch on your favorite Pandora stations. You are golden for the rest of the night.
Entertainment
Lastly, have a table set up with a few games like checkers, cards, and something fun for the kids. If you’re looking for an easy DIY project, check out this Giant Jenga game over at abeautifulmess.com. She gives you the low down on how to use 2 x 4’s + paint to make a giant version of the game. Or you can just buy the Jenga yard game here!
Hopefully, these party shortcuts come in handy during your next bash! And don’t forget to pick up dessert, like Edwards Whole Pies at Walmart. My guys definitely approve!
Did I miss any summer party tips? Share them below!
Swa-Rai (@swaraiblog) says
These are some great tips, I’m always looking for a great shortcut. This will be at my next party.
Stephanie Keeping says
These are great tips! This is my kind of pie. Tasty and easy!!
Michelle says
I love to cook for summer barbecues and get togethers. I am not a dessert making person though. I love picking up easy desserts like Edwards!
Crystal says
Now that’s my kind of pie. I’m going to the store today, too. I’ll have to pick one up.
Jennifer H says
🙂
simplybeingmommy says
That pie is calling to me. And for less than $5 I can buy two and eat one myself.
Jennifer H says
haha and save $1 off with the digital rebate too!
Karen Coutu says
This is a great idea for a summertime dessert. No baking means no hot kitchen and more time to relax!! 😀
trisha says
Truthfully I am not that great at pies, so this is one party thing i always buy! I also love Edwards and have one in my freezer right now!
Trisha
Ashley says
Ha, me too! I always buy them. They’re so good, I figure why waste the time making one myself!
Jennifer H says
Yep, exactly! 🙂
Naomi M. (@HmSchoolDisney) says
I skip cleaning any room that guests won’t go into. That pie looks yummy! I like Edwards pies!
Patty says
Mmmm, that pie looks de-licious! There is a lot of work getting ready for a party — you are so right. If you ever find that cleaning fairy just send her my way.
Jennifer H says
hahaha will do Patty!
LyndaS says
Those were great tips. I like the idea of using the laundry basket to do a quick pick up. And Edwards Pie is ALWAYS delicious.
Jennifer H says
🙂
Owen's Mom says
I am all good with keeping summer simple in order to not miss a moment! I will have to look for these in our local stores.
@SensiblySara says
Edwards Pies are the best! I think your tips are exactly right.
Ellen ThatChicMom says
These are great tips! I definitely skip the bedrooms or do the basket trick LOL!
Michelle says
That pie looks so good! Our living room where we entertain is pretty large so I tend to have a lot of stuff out. I also pick up all the extras and put them in my office while people are over.
Robin Masshole Mommy says
Whenever we have a party, we end up throwing everything into my youngest son’s room because it;s on the first floor and easily accessible.