Tips To Host The Perfect Summer Soirees

Summer is right around the corner and so are the outdoor dinners, BBQs and pool parties that come with it. If you're inexperienced in the area of home entertaining, fear not. There are four simple tips I can share with you to ensure your party is seamless, and you still have your sanity the day of the event. It all comes down to the preparation, attention to detail and taking advantage of helpful resources to keep you on track. Tip 1: Pick a Theme for Your Party – You're probably thinking of kid's themed parties or your college toga parties, but there are actually some fun yet sophisticated ideas that can help make planning a whole lot easier. By having a central theme, you easily plan the décor, menu and cocktails to all match perfectly and fairly quickly. Your theme can vary from a specific type of party to a holiday occasion, such as a Hawaiian Luau or the 4th of July. From here you know exactly how the party should look and what types of food match. If no specific themes are a good fit, try making the menu the focus of the party. Taco Night can come complete with a "build your own taco" station, homemade margaritas, and brightly colored décor! Tip 2: Pay Attention to the Details – This is always easier said than done, but it's often the attention to the "little extras" that make your party feel special for guests. This can range from a neatly set-up DIY drink station to a colorful centerpiece and place cards with your guests name at the dinner table. When guests arrive, greet them with an array of small bites and a drink, which will certainly impress them. Consider small favors for everyone when they leave, such as a homemade dessert. Tip 3: Your Phone is your Party Planning Assistant – We use our phones for everything these days – why not use it for planning your party? Consider your smartphone your personal party planning assistant, and take advantage of helpful apps to keep you on track. One of my personal favorites is Partyology, a free app that includes both party inspiration (like décor, table settings, and themes) and all the party supplies I need to buy (like favors, invitations, decorations, and more) all in one app. This is much easier than scouring through tons of different stores and web sites to try and find ideas and buy the things you need, and takes away a lot of the stress that usually comes with planning a party. I also like to use Mint.com, which can help me stay on budget (since parties can get expensive quickly!), and for more formal gatherings, I love Paperless Post's app to send creative invites and track RSVPs. Tip 4: Don't Wait until the Last Minute to Prep – Planning ahead is the only way to ensure you are a guest at your own party. Busy schedules may have you waiting until the day before or morning of the party to do the majority of the prep and setup, but this will leave you stuck in the kitchen away from guests as you work to finish the food. One week ahead of the soiree, have the final guest list ready and begin to plan out the setup: where will the drinks go? Will this be a buffet or sit-down meal? What will the menu be? About 3-4 days before begin purchasing the nonperishable food and all your booze, ensure the backyard is all cleaned up! The night before, begin making the dishes that can be stored in the fridge like your cold salads. The plan should allow there to be enough time to prep the additional food in the morning, and also allow you to get ready, and mingle with guests as they arrive. Parties at home bring your friends and family together to celebrate and connect. Going a couple of steps beyond will make a lasting impression on your guests, and create a memorable day for all! For more tips, visit The Sisters' Soiree.