Summer is the season for gathering and entertaining. Everything from cookouts to pool parties can be a fun way to enjoy the weather and the company of friends and family. But how do you relax when you are the one hosting these events?
Hosting duties come with a long to-do list and lots of responsibilities. You have to get your home ready, plan the menu, and create a guest list. This can all be overwhelming and make it impossible to enjoy the event.
So how do you get it all done so you can have fun while hosting? The best way to do this is by prepping your home for the summer party season. That way, you can happily host parties, whether they are planned for ahead or last-minute gatherings.
Maintain a Clean Home
One of the toughest parts of hosting duties is keeping your home clean. Don’t stress out about an expected drop by and keep your home tidy. That way, you’ll be ready to host at a moment’s notice.
This may seem impossible given the time it takes to regularly clean your home. Investing in a home cleaning service is a good addition to your budget. This is especially true during the busy summer months. A weekly cleaning service can ensure that your home is at the top of its cleanliness game without all of the stress to you.
When looking for a cleaning crew, make sure they are insured and have plenty of experience. Ask for references and if they will adjust their techniques to fit your preferences. Also, look for a company with flexible scheduling that will be willing to add an extra cleaning if you have a big party planned.
It’s a good idea to make sure all spaces of your home are not only cleaned but well-stocked. Check that you have plenty of extra toilet paper, paper towels, and other supplies that guests tend to go through quickly. Look for fun summery scented hand soaps and lotions to place in bathrooms for guests to help themselves.
Stock Up on Party Essentials
Stocking up on party essentials is a smart move. One, you can buy in bulk, saving you some serious cash. Plus, you’ll be ready for unexpected pop bys and hosting friends and family at a moment’s notice.
Paper plates, disposable cups, and plastic silverware are all great things to have on hand when a crowd pops up. Large packages mean that you can maintain a supply all summer long. Look for recycled or compostable options to keep your parties environmentally friendly.
Making sure your pantry is well-stocked is another good way to be prepared. Shelf-stable, non-perishable snacks like chips and pretzels are perfect to pull out for visitors. Make sure to consider food restrictions that any of your friends or neighbors have so you can keep something on hand to offer them as well.
If you have an extra freezer, it’s the perfect place to store party food. Stock up on easy to prep meals like frozen pizzas and hot dogs. And make sure to get plenty of popsicles to keep your youngest visitors cool. Having a variety of snacks and easy prep items on hand allows you to throw a meal together in minutes.
Up The Vibe for Entertaining
Keep your home party-ready by creating a festive vibe for every occasion. Think about all of your guests’ senses when upping the vibe for your space. This will allow for an overall awesome ambiance to welcome visitors to your home.
Add some curb appeal to your outdoor spaces to make them look great and to create settings for outdoor entertaining. Pots of colorful plants and fun throw pillows add a punch of color and add to the design aesthetic in these spaces. Simple things like adding an outdoor rug or a succulent planter centerpiece to your outdoor table can add polish and bring your backyard look together.
Remember that sound is a big part of creating a vibe. Consider investing in outdoor speakers and curate playlists for various types of events from laidback to energetic. Accessories like wind chimes add a touch of whimsy and relaxing sounds. If you truly want to create a natural experience in your space, add a fountain or waterfall for a stunning touch.
Often overlooked, smell is one of the most powerful senses. Make sure your home is perfectly scented to welcome friends and family. An essential oil diffuser is an awesome way to add natural scents to your space. Look for cheery and summery scents like lemon or orange to uplift your guests.
Arm Yourself with Entertainment for All Ages
There are few worse things than bored guests. With some simple purchases, you can be ready to entertain guests of all ages. And it doesn’t take a ton of cash to make sure your home is the most fun on the block.
Your youngest guests are usually the easiest to entertain. Stock up on simple things like bubbles and sidewalk chalk to keep the littlest ones happy. A novelty sprinkler and water shooting toys are perfect ways to entertain kiddos on hot summer days.
Grab a few yard games for adults and older kids to enjoy some friendly competition. Games like bean bag tosses and badminton are easy to adjust to various skill levels by moving the boards closer together or lowering the net. Plus, you don’t need a ton of space to enjoy these fun activities.
Being the Best Host of Summer Fun
Hosting summer get-togethers doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. By being mindful and prepping your home ahead of time, you’ll be more than ready to welcome guests. So the next time you want to have an impromptu cookout or yard game tournament, you’ll avoid a daunting to-do list.
Part of being a host is enjoying your company and your time together. By planning ahead and having everything you need on hand, you can focus on making the most of your summer gatherings. And your friends and family will be grateful to you for being the best host of the season.
