As the days get longer and the weather grows warmer, most of us get the hankering to invite friends and neighbors over to our homes. Whether it’s an intimate gathering of close friends or a huge party, you need to ensure your place is in tip-top shape.
It’s time to prep your home for summer entertaining. Here are some things to add to your to-do list before you send out those invitations.
Declutter inside and out
Go through every room and throw away, give away or donate anything you don’t use. Toss broken toys, faded curtains, old magazines and anything else clogging up your home’s clean, airy vibe.
Repair and replace
Nothing ruins a good time like a broken ankle. Make sure you home is safe for visitors by repairing any broken steps or railings and sanding down rough spots on your porch and deck.
Update your landscaping
If you’re a first-time homeowner, you may not realize the work that goes into a yard. Either tackle it yourself or hire a landscaper to do it for you. Mow, rake and weed your yard; prune the trees and bushes; then plant some flowers and plants to enhance your space. Store your equipment out of sight before the guests arrive.
Consider your seating
You want your guests to be comfortable from the time the walk in until they leave. Use chairs with cushions and tables to create inviting conversation spaces for people to eat and talk. However, don’t fill your space so full of chairs and tables that walkways are too crowded to encourage mingling.
Add pops of bright color
Summer is the season to use bright colors to add a festive element to your entertaining plans. Throw some patterned pillows around your space, add colorful vases and rugs, and use special plates and cups to set the mood.
Plan the music
The tunes set the vibe for any party, so don’t leave yours to chance. Create a playlist of songs that you can set and forget once guests start arriving. Choose upbeat, lively music to keep the party energized. Avoid playing it to loudly, as it can drown out conversations.
Hang outdoor lighting
Good parties continue into the evening, making it necessary to have the right type of lights. Hang string lights around your deck for low lighting or light some tiki torches in your yard. Solar lighted pathways are energy-efficient ways to guide guests to their vehicles safely.
Stock the bathrooms
Don’t be the host that runs out of toilet paper mid-party. Set out extra rolls along with plenty of hand soap and towels. If you have multiple bathrooms, make sure your guests know which ones are available for them to use.
Summer entertaining is a homeowner’s highlight, but it takes a bit of planning to get it right. Do this prep work upfront and your parties will soon be legendary.
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