Summer hosting tips - share yours!

[konapoppy]

The weather is maybe warming up soon (I know folks just got snow!).

What are some of your favorite tips and tricks for easy summer hosting?

[sadlebred]

Let your friends with the pool do it. Bring yummy snacks & a side to share. Put the Publix potato salad/whatever in a cute dish. Don't tell anyone that you didn't make it.

[konapoppy]

We got a set of really durable outdoor plates from target years ago. I love having dishes that I just don’t worry about, and stack easily in the dishwasher.

[hermione]

Things seem more spontaneous in the summer. We are much more likely to invite people over last minute urge and be invited to others places last minute.

I make sure to always have hamburgers and hot dogs on hand to grill and I usually have the some things ready to throw together a decent charcuterie board. If we don’t need them for guests, it’s stuff we’ll eat anyway.

[mccallister84]

A big jug to dispense water.
A freezer full of freeze pops. We bring them everywhere over the summer. Shove a few in a water bottle and surround with ice.

[ssmjlm]

We have a pool, so people gravitate to us.

If we don’t grill, we just order pizza. I’m low maintenance because we’re all swimming or chatting.

Before we had a pool we had a small blow up one and a couple times a summer friend brought their smaller water slide bounce house thing.

Bubbles and stomp rockets were also big hits.

[litebright]

We have a pool, and I would like to entertain more. Particularly low-key, spur of the moment type stuff. But so far we kind of make it A Thing whenever we have people over, so I'm probably not great at "easy entertaining" advice, but ...

We have a mini-fridge in the basement that I keep stocked with sodas, bubbly & still water, some beers and hard cider, and occasionally a bottle of wine. Having drinks already cold means one less thing I have to think about. This is my equivalent of the fridge-in-the-garage/everybody-help-yourself from pool/outdoor parties when I was a kid.

I also always keep firewood and jumbo marshmallows on-hand during the summer, because if we're out by the pool at night, DH is going to start a fire 99% of the time and even teenagers don't turn down marshmallow roasting. We have a bunch of extendable skewers for roasting marshmallows or hot dogs over the fire. Washable, cheap and easier than having to find your own stick. We take them camping, too.

www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-Roasting-Extendable-Barbecue-Telescoping/dp/B095GYLZYD/ref=asc_df_B095GYLZYD/?th=1

[waverly]

We’ve had 4 outdoor parties and it rained at 3 of them. So I’ve decided no more summer parties.

I might consider drinks and snacks on the patio to make it easier, but I’m not planning on actual full meals.

I did a basketball party last summer with just sides and pizza but since DH was assistant coach this year we probably won’t do the same party since last year it was to give back to the team.

[kadams767]

Apr 7, 2024 18:35:06 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

We got a set of really durable outdoor plates from target years ago. I love having dishes that I just don’t worry about, and stack easily in the dishwasher.

This was going to be my #1.  We have a full set of thicker melamine plates in multiple sizes and matching serving trays that we use constantly in the summer.  

My second one is to get a big firewood delivery in the spring rather than trying to buy individual bags at one-off times if you are a fire-pit house/group.  

[fryjack2]

We have people over a lot in nice weather. We have tiered seating. We put a movie on the outdoor screen for the kids on the lower deck and the adults sit around the fire on the upper deck once it gets dark and they stop playing basketball or soccer or whatever.

We keep it simple with food by ordering food unless everyone really wants to grill. A yeti full of cold drinks.

We tend to just host the same group of friends, but when newer people come over, we make sure to let them know we are low key hosts and not to expect fancy anything and we expect our kids to fend for themselves and leave us alone most are old enough now to do so.

[beerlover]

Our house and tiny yard isn't really set up for big backyard BBQs and we have no pool to speak of, so we mostly do a lot of after dinner hosting, like come over for a fire in the backyard and have drinks type of thing. I always keep ingredients for smores on hand, plus other easy snacks to put out. Our fridge is relatively stocked with beer/seltzer, though most people BYOB too. I keep popsicles/freeze pops in our deep freezer which always comes in handy when kids are here.

Luckily, we have a grocery store a few blocks away so if we would ever have people over for an impromptu dinner, we could just run down there quick and grab burgers or whatever.

kadams767, we split a truckload of firewood with another family last year and it was the best idea. Took me quite awhile to stack it though, lol.

[sadlebred]

I'll add that my yard really isn't set up for summer hosting. I have a lame patio and nothing in the back yard but grass. My house isn't the best for entertaining. Friends have much better houses for a party. I haven't had a party at the house since I organized ex-H's 40th bday around 2008-2009...and that was in January.

[followyourarrow]

We had a little impromptu gathering in the backyard last night. I realized I need more steak knives and plastic plates. We got a little JBL speaker for Christmas and it was just right to add a little music. We have a Thermacell mosquito repeller and it works awesome, I just ordered more refills to get us through the summer.

[erbear]

Provide beer and a grill. Tell people to bring their favorite meat and sides,

[simpsongal]

I keep lots of Trader Joe's best apps in the freezer (pastry pups, sweet onion tarts). I usually have enough charcuterie stuff around to put out olives, dried fruit, nuts, cheeses, salami, etc. (the costco ones usually have a long shelf life). So even if you order food for dinner, you can putout a nice spread until it arrives.

We have keep plenty of cold drinks in the fridge so there's no need to run out. Lots of citrus for summer too and clear alcohol like gin, vodka, and white rum. I grow a pot of mint for drinks too.

Kids of all ages love sidewalk chalk - you can get a fresh box from Target for like $3. I also have a volleyball net that sets up quickly, that's fun for kiddos (use those "marbleized" balls - order on amazon b/c they're $$$ at the grocery store and easier to hit than volleyballs).

[mysteriouswife]

We keep marshmallows on hand for the fire pit. We also stock up on sunscreen and bug spray. We got an outdoor trash bin for the patio. It was so much easier than bringing one out of the house. We have a small bin for recycling items too.

Also, say no! I learned the hard way that we are the “it” house for summer gatherings. Post-covid we realized we don’t like to host as much as we thought we did. It was a relief when we said no to people coming to hang around the fire pit.

[gerberdaisy]

Yeti full of drinks, we just replace the ice every weekend.

Costco size cheese and salami for cheese boards. Just cut off a hunk every time. Lots of hummus and veg around too to put out.

Makre sure to keep propane and charcoal full. We try to just keep it easy, grill and have a couple sides. Most of our entertaining is last minute, so I just try to keep things around all summer so it isn't hectic.

[rachers]

We host a lot and do everything already posted but I’ll echo.

Cute plastic plates/cups
Always keep a stock of napkins and plastic silverware
Aluminum pans for nights we tell people to come hang out, just bring your own meat
Lots of kid drinks, popsicles
TV mounted outside for sporting events, or kids. Whichever group I want out of the house more, haha. All we need is a plug for the TV because of the Roku stick
Projector we’ll set up for big games, or to play video games on, watch movies, etc
I can usually pull together some kind of charcuterie or snack try from what I keep in the pantry and fridge

Box fan and oscillating fan, as well as table top fly fans
Sunscreen, bug spray, etc

[eddy]

Apr 7, 2024 18:35:06 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

We got a set of really durable outdoor plates from target years ago. I love having dishes that I just don’t worry about, and stack easily in the dishwasher.

This was going to be my number one tip. Also get the plastic glasses as well for kids.

I also have big jugs for water and lemonade to put outside so kids can just continuously fill their cup without parent intervention. 

Also I keep stuff that I can turn into appetizers/snacks around. I have a couple go to dips so I make sure I have those ingredients on hand. Stuff that doesn't spoil quickly. I keep secret bags of chips around that can be whipped out. 

We also have these huge cooler ice packs. So less running to the store for ice. 

[deadwing]

I have a nice patio with ample seating and a plumbed-in gas fire pit. I keep s'mores supplies on hand and usually some wine. If I invite friends for dinner and a fire, we usually order take out and split the cost. I invite friends for a fire and s'mores/drinks more often, though.

I like these telescoping sticks for marshmallows because they take up no storage space: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NNT11JR/

I also use this wine chiller to keep wine cool in hot weather/by the fire: www.huskicoolers.com/products/huski-wine-cooler

[mcppalmbeach]

Apr 8, 2024 8:40:27 GMT -5 eddy said:

Apr 7, 2024 18:35:06 GMT -5 konapoppy said:

We got a set of really durable outdoor plates from target years ago. I love having dishes that I just don’t worry about, and stack easily in the dishwasher.

This was going to be my number one tip. Also get the plastic glasses as well for kids.

I also have big jugs for water and lemonade to put outside so kids can just continuously fill their cup without parent intervention. 

Also I keep stuff that I can turn into appetizers/snacks around. I have a couple go to dips so I make sure I have those ingredients on hand. Stuff that doesn't spoil quickly. I keep secret bags of chips around that can be whipped out. 

We also have these huge cooler ice packs. So less running to the store for ice. 

Please share dips! Also the big cooler packs if you can! Ice gets expensive fast and nothing we have works really well.

[followyourarrow]

I have this smores tackle box. I keep it stocked and it's ready to take outside, or to someone else's party.

www.amazon.com/Hersheys-Essentials-Tailgating-Removable-00262HSY/dp/B0BD5VWCH2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=1331510963816833&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3Gze5saLXuUaj32Ldu4bQcxcMQWH2Kza_tFflc8JVcTZ3Y8ucsYpXJcBWhueCci3yo2kXGOQIae5Dx0n-p07d6GDZfWcwMCbRJPvcNzDzt2SefFrajXz6M-5tttE5yYmm_RX0-QHH1MYvKUIY4QO11nRUZJyWDaM_IOfTmt91QefJWvOTYu05qmBKjrcHF2K2a-arzxH79bHLmeoIJOh1g7IQPszdK1cUiuWXbBFy7_-MuraFUxJGZn1xxPlsofQUzWDCfJ0pySxUAwmhLfXm1SL53q_ZbPMYFkscHurjyY.GjoWjJMWu5L_NVUKULQA0ozibB6tO69V1c32jvUzgdI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83219695699222&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=73879&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83220471151853%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=4627_13230455&keywords=hershey+smore+kit+box&qid=1712585391&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

[meanie]

We host a lot because we have a pool, I keep the below stuff stocked during the summer:

- Big metal tub with handles filled with disposable cutlery, napkins, paper plates, paper towels, etc. I add ice packs and condiments the day of.
- Always keep hot dogs and burgers in the deep freezer and buns for spur of the moment get togethers
- I have 3 sides in rotation that are easy and can be made in big batches - pasta salad, orzo salad, caprese salad
- Serving stuff is kept in one place - trays, grill tools, serving bowls, and serving utensils. A lot of it is plastic to avoid things breaking in the grass or around the pool.
- LOTS of beach towels. We have a pergola next to the pool that is great for hanging towels on, I want to add some hooks to the fence as well this year. 
- Lots of SPF and bug sprays
- Outdoor bluetooth speaker
- Mini pool for rinsing feet
- Extra goggles for kids - you can get them cheap at 5 below or the dollar store
- We buy marshmallows and sticks in large quantities when they are on sale...the sticks have gotten $$$ but I don't enjoy doing a lot of dishes after so we stick with the wood ones
- We have a large cooler and a smaller Yeti
- People bring their own alcohol, so we are providing some grilled food and a couple of sides with water, soda, and maybe juice boxes for kids
- Buy more ice than you think you need
- We hit up Job Lot for inflatables and pool noodles each year, unfortunately those don't seem to last more than a season

The biggest challenge is the clean up, so think about having large trash bags available in a few places and make sure the things you buy are easily hosed down.

[litebright]

Apr 8, 2024 7:50:13 GMT -5 followyourarrow said:

We had a little impromptu gathering in the backyard last night. I realized I need more steak knives and plastic plates. We got a little JBL speaker for Christmas and it was just right to add a little music. We have a Thermacell mosquito repeller and it works awesome, I just ordered more refills to get us through the summer.

Ooo, ditto on the wireless speaker. DH got one of the bigger portable JBLs for outdoor movies and music, and the sound quality is amazing (we have a couple of smaller JBLs too--they're all really great!). Last summer we made a family party playlist together that had selections from all of us, we'll probably update it this summer. 

[eddy]

Apr 8, 2024 9:09:06 GMT -5 mcppalmbeach said:

Apr 8, 2024 8:40:27 GMT -5 eddy said:

This was going to be my number one tip. Also get the plastic glasses as well for kids.

I also have big jugs for water and lemonade to put outside so kids can just continuously fill their cup without parent intervention. 

Also I keep stuff that I can turn into appetizers/snacks around. I have a couple go to dips so I make sure I have those ingredients on hand. Stuff that doesn't spoil quickly. I keep secret bags of chips around that can be whipped out. 

We also have these huge cooler ice packs. So less running to the store for ice. 

Please share dips! Also the big cooler packs if you can! Ice gets expensive fast and nothing we have works really well.

Here are the cooler ice packs.


www.amazon.com/Cooler-Shock-18-Degree-Innovative-Averaging/dp/B07TN7S93J/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=QTKOGX75IXJO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YVOgUMCdOlV1fMSJoy3XJrcN0XHaTuWI_amJF4wcAjLZ7EEDmoUD9mQES-MVzblZjCRFFHpUqg8jUq8OhotQ_lzLpyIjcdBZpO3X_ONjC6atJa3hxg3NxVAeCfGXy9_gnn99Z4CBjTlfQCp0t_8RH4vzY-XXL8uNXqFWmY5_yu-bMmDJF3Xuy6R-g8_SXoMNNiOots-kGlpDR3nJMZFWtz7nW5fZCd0QSFdlS3yfXtl0p0bfUmit2lnxqu7hM805saORtDHICvVx7GxQ2rzzxp7ckpScIjuiWPXS8Oj_X9Q.8sdP1rujcnLPG6ej081quD8AP9XlvbBNBxRaDBNzAk0&dib_tag=se&keywords=large%2Bcooler%2Bice%2Bpacks&qid=1712590806&sprefix=large%2Bcooler%2Bice%2Bpacks%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1


For food I always have ingredients for buffalo chicken dip and scotcharoos on hand. 

www.allrecipes.com/recipe/68461/buffalo-chicken-dip/


www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15585/scotcharoos/

[mccallister84]

Oh yes the big outdoor garbage can is clutch. I bought a nice one when we screened in our porch and man it makes such a difference