Five Summer Party Tips

By Donna Pilato, About.com

Summer is the easiest season to entertain. Parties are expected to be casual, seasonal produce is abundant and inexpensive, and nature does the decorating for you. Remember to follow these important tips, and your summer parties are destined for success.

1. Always have plenty of ice!
Never underestimate how quickly the ice will be used during a summer party. Even if the party is inside, guests are still feeling the heat of the summer day and requiring lots of cooling ice.

2. Lighten up your menu
Use as many fresh, seasonal ingredients in your menu as possible. As thirsts increase during the summer, appetites for heavy recipes shrink. Opt for salads and grilled food in place of stews and casseroles. Not only will your guests welcome the seasonal change, you'll find it's much quicker and cooler to prepare this food in the hot weather.

3. Keep your party goods casual and colorful
There's no need to drag your expensive place settings outside. Take the opportunity to use inexpensive melamine and other plastic materials. If you don't own any, it pays over the long haul to invest in a sturdy set of summer dinnerware. Colorful dishes help to create a festive mood, it's cheaper than buying disposables if you host a lot of summer parties, and it's better for the environment!

4. Provide shelter from the sun
If you're hosting a daytime party outside, provide your guests with options for escaping from the sun. Whether it's a rented tent, chairs placed under a shady tree, or tables with umbrellas, your guests will appreciate a place to escape from the heat.

5. Provide personal conveniences your guests may have forgotten
Hey, it's hard to remember everything when you're looking forward to having a good time! So offer your guests sunscreen, bug spray, flip flops, towels, and even hand sanitizers if you're partying away from home.