H e l l o!
Up on the blog today, we are sharing 3 summer hostess mistakes to avoid for all of your warm weather soirées by Blythe Copeland. Anticipate these faux pas so they don't happen to you.
Winter parties present their share of hosting concerns—weather that delays the caterers, icy walkways, where to hang guests' coats and stack their boots—but summer parties are also rife with chances for an unprepared host to make some big mistakes. Hosting an event in the summer months provides opportunities and challenges. The warm, sunny weather is a perfect time for outdoor entertaining, but it's crucial to keep health and safety top of mind. Plan ahead to avoid these three mistakes.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Don't serve a too-heavy menu.
You may not mind standing over a steamy grill all afternoon, but consider whether your guests want to eat hot food as the temperatures rise. Keep the menu cool with light dishes, infusing as much fresh and chilled food as possible, using local, seasonal ingredients. Try a main course summer salad for a refreshing alternative to burgers.
Planning an extensive menu of drinks—both alcoholic and not—is also critical. In the summer heat, it's essential to keep your guests hydrated, especially when serving cocktails. Don't forget the basic interior design principles when designing your tablescape.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Don't forget to check the weather.
If you're hosting outside, have a plan for rain—either space inside to host your entire guest list, or an alternate date in case of bad weather—but also prepare for blazing sun and extreme heat. You should have enough outdoor umbrellas and even personal parasols to ensure guests' comfort in the hottest part of the day. Mini fans that blow misted water also make practical party favors to keep your guests cool. I also suggest investing in an outdoor AC unit, if you plan on hosting multiple times this summer, and placing it in the area with the least shade.
Photo Cred: Ikea
The heat can also wreak havoc on your menu: Watch your food temperatures and how long food stays out in the sun. And always buy double the ice you need.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
Don't procrastinate on your preparation.
I recommend putting as much of your event together ahead of time as possible—which gives you the chance to sip a cool cucumber drink with your friends instead of working up a sweat as you attend to all those last-minute details. Enjoy more time with your guests by preparing your food and drinks in advance. Mix a batch of signature cocktails to avoid playing bartender all night, and place your drinks and menu items throughout the party to ease guests' access and avoid high traffic areas. I love to create a hydration station with a selection of infused water in carafes to make it more festive and enticing.
Photo Cred: Pinterest
The day you have been waiting for is here! Let the summer soiree fun begin! Pull out your favorite tablecloths, festive interior décor, and beautiful dinnerware because tonight you get to be the gatherer of fun, friends and good times while you bring your party vision to life. I hope you enjoyed the tips.
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In addition to being a Philadelphia Multifamily Interior Designer, I also design boutique hotels, fitness centers, office spaces, residential development projects, other commercial spaces such as office and retail spaces, and the senior living community throughout the tri state area. We work here in Philadelphia, the main line, and even Nationally!
About the Interior Designer
Tina Delia, a native of Ocean County, NJ, current resident of Philadelphia, is the Founder and Principal Interior Designer of Delia Designs. For the past eleven years, Tina has been steadfast in her vision and continues to develop herself personally and professionally. She is dedicated to excellence and insistence on forward thinking design. At the forefront of her designs is the idea that our spaces have the ability to transform our lives. She is looking to move us, inspire us to see, think and create freely. After all, it's not only about creating beautiful spaces.
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