We are right in the middle of the sizzling summer season! That means it’s time for cool drinks and outdoor parties! To celebrate National Iced Tea Day, we thought we’d serve up some outdoor entertaining tips that include, you guessed it, iced tea!
Parties on the patio and lawn don’t have to be elaborate, but summer temperatures means there are some things you’ll want to consider to ensure your guests have a great time!
Make sure your guests are comfortable enough to stay awhile. Adirondack chairs, wooden benches and wrought iron furniture can create a stylish look for your outdoor dining area, but they can sometimes leave guests shifting in their seats. Provide plenty of cushioning with plush, comfy, colorful pillows.
Ensure guests stay cool and fresh. Don’t let the heat of summer put a damper on your event. Excessively high temperatures and humidity can really suck the life out of a party. Create shade with large patio umbrellas or lawn tents. If it’s going to be a scorcher, provide fans and cooling mist.
Make the menu simple and light. Nobody wants to eat rich heavy food in the summertime. Grilled meat and vegetable skewers, fresh fruit and crisp salads, icy drinks, and cool desserts will please the crowd.
Use crisp whites and pops of color in your color scheme. White can seem stark if you’re not careful, but if done right, it appears cool and soothing. To add some energy, use bunches of colorful flowers, bright paper lanterns, or large glass vessels filled with limes, for example. Ethnic-inspired prints from hot climates look great, too – Morocco, India, etc. Get creative.
Keep the bugs at bay! Nothing can spoil a summer party faster than pesky insects. Who wants to swat flies for hours and go home dotted in mosquito bites? Not me! Don’t forget the citronella candles and tiki torches, cover food with mesh tents, and use oscillating fans to blow those little suckers into somebody else’s yard.
Keep the refreshments flowing! Wondering when we were going to get to the iced tea? You’ll definitely want to ensure guests stay hydrated with a self-serve drink stand with chilled glasses and plenty of ice. Fresh lemonade and iced tea in a variety of flavors – mint, raspberry, and peach – are summer favorites. If you want to add “spiked” versions, whiskey works in lemonade and who doesn’t love Bourbon Honey Mint Iced Tea?! Check out the recipe from I’m Bored, Let’s Go.
Save room for dessert. What’s party without sweet treats? Summer crowd pleasers include fruity tarts, chilled key lime pie, or creamy sorbet.
Whether entertaining poolside, on your back patio, or at the beach and lake, these tips will help you throw a fantastic outdoor party!
What’s your favorite way to party outdoors? Let us know in the comments below!
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