The sun’s out, you’ve set a weekend for the big summer party and you’ve sent out your invitations. Everybody has replied with a ‘yes’ and nothing can go wrong — at least, not if you’ve planned it right. It will be the summer get together your friends and family will be talking about for years.
Get the house in order
First things first: your house has to be in order. Dust off the cobwebs, get your ornaments and decorations in place and ensure you have enough seats and tables for food and drinks. If you truly want to make an impression, consider getting the façade of your home freshly painted or cleaned, shine those windows and get the garden looking pristine and eye catching. If there is any damage to your home, get it sorted. You don’t want the talk of the town to be the back door hanging off its hinges; you want it to be about your stellar barbecue or your incredible iced punch.
Always use professionals for the top jobs. Get residential roofers in if you’ve got a slate or two loose or maybe even consider investing in a summer house or fire pit. Making sure what you’ve got is spick and span, while investing in a new treat or two, will ensure your party is a hit.
Music
Once the house is ready to accept guests, start thinking about building up the party atmosphere. There are plenty of fantastic pre-made playlists on music streaming services like Spotify, but consider making your own and tailoring it to the group if possible.
For example, if the party members are your friends from college, make a playlist of all the songs you used to dance to at parties and in bars at the time. The hit of nostalgia will go down a treat with your guests.
Food and drink
Prepare as much as you can in advance and check for dietary requirements. If you are having a barbecue, make sure there are meat free and vegan alternatives if necessary, and have any side dishes made before the day if possible. Have a wide selection of drinks: some alcoholic, some soft; some fizzy, some flat; some hot, some cold. Cater to all tastes and you’re on the right track. If any of your guests are particularly fussy, they should probably have brought their own!
Pick for the weather
If you’ve asked your guests to reserve a particular weekend for your party, then you can choose between the Saturday and the Sunday for the event. This is a useful trick, and you can still give notice a whole week in advance once there is an accurate weather forecast.
If you’ve been so unlucky that both days are going to be chilly or drizzly, then think about changing aspects of your party to suit the climate. Cancel the barbecue and lay on a spread inside instead, perhaps. Do away with the punch and spice some wine if it’s going to be particularly cold. Being an adaptable party host is being a welcoming and ultimately successful one.
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