So how many of ya’ll had BBQ’s this weekend? The family came through. The grill was going for 8 hrs strait. The beer was flowing. CaliRadio was blasting through the speakers. Great way to kick off the Un-Official start to Summer. Summer is The best time to entertain. Between the Holidays and it just being plain HOT outside, vacations and family that you haven’t seen in forever coming around, it’s the perfect time to cook something simple, make some punch and lay out a plastic table cloth for easy clean up. I love to entertain. When I get a idea in my head, within seconds I can close my eyes and see the whole set up. From the colors to floral arrangements, to the way the food will be set out on the table or served to the food being served. And the best part is that I am one of few people I know that can execute this perfectly! One thing that I hate when I go to people’s houses for parties is that they are doing so much that they don’t get to host. They end up staying the kitchen still cooking or setting up when the guest arrive and don’t get to enjoy the party them self. I am gonna give a little advice to the amateur party planner.
First you need to Plan Ahead! Even if it’s a small dinner party the day of. It’s important that you allow enough time to prepare your meal and still entertain your guest. The biggest mistake is that the host will make a complicated dish and it will either take too long to complete or is not easily reheat – able. An impromptu dinner party shouldn’t be that complicated. We all have that one thing we can make with our eyes closed that’s always a hit. Go for it! Less prep and clean up time gives you more time with your guest. On a bigger scale party, Plan your menu. And don’t be afraid to take a few short cuts. If you are known for your famous baked beans and they take a little bit of time to make. Don’t feel bad about buying or assigning someone else to the bring the potato salad. Don’t feel bad about buying the already chopped lettuce or cheese, if your are making guacamole from scratch. Oh one more thing, get rid of the can sodas and bottled water. Anything less than 60 people, invest in a beverage dispenser or 2. A punch or Iced tea will eliminate the extra cost of cases of soda and water. Also try spa water. It’s refreshing and tasty, and will brighten up your table. Bottom line, make what works for you WORK!
On the brightening up the table note, I love love love flair! Not Décor but flair. Having a theme for a party is great, but I’m talking about those little extra add on’s. I believe that every woman should have 4 things in their house readily available. Flower vases, any kind of ribbon ( hair ribbon included), a plain serving tray, and candles. With those 4 things you can make the most boring table come to life. Add some color with the ribbon on the vase filled with flowers. Create a center piece with the tray and candles. The possibilities are endless. Put the ribbon on the bottom of wine or champagne glasses(plastic or not). Its little touches like these that your guest will remember.
Lastly, the entertainment for the party. You can’t have a party without music! Hey any outdoor party this summer, you have to have CaliRadio playing through the speakers. BBQ’s, Family Reunions, birthday parties, doesn’t matter. Especially on the weekends. On Saturday and Sunday CaliRadio is a 48 hr feed of DJ mixes. So you get continuous music. Its dope. No changing CDs, no switching play list on the IPod, No need to spend $300 or $400 for 4 hours for a DJ. CaliRadio will take you from cooking and setting up, well into your after party.
I so hope this helps with your Summer party being easy, efficient and fun. Don’t forget my invite! I love BBQ too!
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