Outdoor Summer Entertaining

The only thing for you to do is put out food, cold drinks and a sense of fun to take advantage of all that positive energy. Come on, they’re primed; you’re a shoe-in for hostess and best party of the year!

To cement your post I’ve got a couple of tips. Number one most important tip, no… RULE, the host(s) must be relaxed and enjoying themselves(s)! Whatever you’re planning, make sure that this rule is observed, if you fuss and keep getting up, you end up sending your guests the message that something is going wrong and that you are not enjoying yourself.

Number two is be prepared. The more you do before the guests arrive, the more you can enjoy your party. Start by choosing your seating area and setting up the chairs in groups of 2, 3 and 4’s as opposed to a giant circle. They can all be facing a center point but the fact is generally more intimate conversations are had at the beginning of parties, and chairs can easily be moved as the party finds its rhythm. Remember to leave gaps between your seating arrangements, large enough for guests to pass comfortably through carrying food and drinks. (Approx. 3’)

Now to choose the location of bar and food areas, I suggest one on either side of the seating area. It allows for a better flow, people often congregate in the bar area at the beginning of parties leaving the food area open for you to lay out dishes.

Tip number three is presentation. Presentation is what can take an average meal and make it look divine. Picture this: a bowl brimming with marshmallows. Now picture a bag of marshmallows, which is more inviting? I like the look of mounding; I’d rather use a smaller table with platters overflowing with food than a large table with many half empty ones.

Think preparation, presentation and positive thinking for the perfect party.

Or… fill a laundry basket with comfy blankets, a cooler with ice, call up your favourite pizza place, your best friends, make a salad and turn on the radio. The only good reason for having a party is to be with friends. It’s the people that make a party great! Nothing else.

There are loads of fun ideas for parties online if you’re looking for a little inspiration. Here’s one to get you started, Outdoor entertaining www.realsimple.com Have a personal style question or interior design conundrum? Have a great local style resource? Please send them to me . . . I want to hear from you! Send e-mail questions, comments, insults or complaints to jakdesigns@videotron.ca