One of the greatest pleasures any homeowner has during the summer holiday season is to host friends and family in their backyard, firing up the barbecue, putting drinks on ice and basking in this wonderfully relaxing time of the year.
Of course, this description of an idyllic summer get-together hides the fact that there’s lots of work to be done when you’re organising a party or having an informal gathering.
Someone has to go to the store to get the ice, the drinks and whatever you’re choosing to barbecue. Oh, and then there’s the debate about whether you need to provide salads and bread rolls, and how to cater for the children who tag along.
All of a sudden, a relaxing gathering becomes a stressful project that needs some planning and execution.
If this scenario stresses you out, even a little bit, here are eleven tips to take the pressure off this summer so that you can enjoy your hosting duties:
Do less, enjoy more – Minimise the menu. Sausages and steaks are a favourite, along with prawns. It’s best to have a vegetarian alternative ready, too. Don’t get too fancy!
Keep it communal – When guests arrive, ask them to get prepping. They can chop some lettuce, quarter the tomatoes, make a marinade or sauce for the meat, and so on. Offer deconstructed salads so guests can make their own. Put dressing on the side.
Build your own – If you’re flipping burgers, then use a trestle table for a “build your own” station. This way, guests can decide how much sauce and mustard they want. They can also build their salads.
Bring your own – It’s tradition, of course, to bring drinks. Who doesn’t do that? Make sure you have lots of ice for the beers and white wine, and table space available for anyone who loves a drop of red. Let them help themselves.
Soft drinks – Have a sink or chest full of ice that’s dedicated to soft drinks. That way, the children can look after themselves. Also, make sure there’s a lot of cold water available.
Delegate desserts – Make a “contribution call” before the party and ask a few friends to bring specific, easy items, such as either a salad or a dessert.
Right note – Pre-load a playlist and let it run, or ask a friend to be in charge of the music.
Throwing shade – Ensure there is ample shade available (patios, umbrellas, marquees). Position your main food/drink stations away from direct sun.
Rays and critters – The hot sun and pesky mosquitoes are a fact of life in this part of the world. Leave bottles of sunscreen and insect repellent on a side table. This is a helpful touch that guests will appreciate and can grab themselves.
Exit strategy – Towards the end of the gathering, introduce a definitive, calming activity that signals the party is winding down without you having to explicitly ask anyone to leave. Bring out some coffee, for example. That usually does the trick.
Clean-up crew – Before everyone leaves, jovially ask a few of your friends to help clean up. They’ll happily stack a dishwasher or put rubbish in the bin.