(This entry is a follow up to Women's Magazine Article, March 2009 Edition:
http://www.womensmag.com/)
Outdoor Entertaining: ASAP (As Simple As Possible)... because if it isn't, we won't...
Planning a Party in
Five Steps:
1.
Food - Prepare a few items and ask the guests to bring dessert, hors d'oeuvres, or an item to grill. You can quickly prepare chips/guacamole, a veggie plate with hummus, mixed nuts, cheese cubes (or plate of cheese).
2.
Drink - Have non alcholic and alcholic options (think: sparkling water with lime/lemon and cranberry juice plus beer/wine or make light mixers with vodka.
3.
Space for Guests - If your party is outside, prepare the outside for enough seating for all your guests. ("Seating" can also mean blankets and cushions on the ground.) Same rule applies for inside.
4.
Decorating - Adding a string of lights to a patio or colorful hanging lights quickly say "party" to your guests. Votives around the yard are also a nice, welcoming touch.
5.
Date/ Invites -
Evite.com is a great way to see who's coming. It also can get caught in your guests "spam" folder, so you might need to call as a backup.
Paper invitations are always wonderful to receive in the mail!I like asking a friend/guest to also be my helper for the night. She notices when guest's drinks are low or when the cheese runs out. It's very helpful to have someone besides the host/ess available for refills and extra hands! - LizLabels: Simple Entertaining
