Plan the perfect summer block party
(ARA) - Summer is the perfect time to journey outdoors and mingle with
family and friends. However, the stress of hosting summer get-togethers
can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a meltdown and make your
next barbecue or block party a breeze by keeping in mind the following
party preparation tips:
1. Some barbecue fanatics spend days marinating their brisket before a
barbecue. Who has time to make a potato salad on top of that? Provide
the main course, and ask each guest to bring their favorite side dish
with them. You'll get a great variety of dishes, and even your pickier
guests will be guaranteed to find one item they will love.
2. Keep your outdoor decor simple and unfussy. Tea light candles provide
instant glamour to any evening party, and are extremely versatile design
elements. Some varieties float and can be placed in the pool, while
others are perfect for luminaria. To make your own, fill simple white or
brown paper bags with enough sand to keep them from overturning in the
wind and place one tea candle inside. These can be lovely when used to
line a deck or walkway. And for those who are concerned about keeping
pesky bugs at bay: Look for candles that include citronella oil, an
effective ingredient that naturally repels insects.
3. Set up a few outdoor games to keep your guests entertained. Games
like "Capture the Flag," bean bag toss and Frisbee require very little
setup, and get guests to interact with people outside of their own group
or family. Kits can be ordered online, or built from materials you have
around the house.
4. No one likes to rush around looking for matching bowls and lids when
it's time for guests to take leftovers home. Inexpensive wax-lined paper
cartons (bought at craft stores) allow guests to transport food home
without the hassle of returning your expensive food storage containers
afterward -- something everyone will appreciate. If you have extra time
before the party starts, these containers can also be customized by
adding each guest's name and the date of your party.
5. Stains left by barbecue sauce, grass and dirt are some of the
toughest to remove, and they are all, unfortunately, par for the course
at outdoor gatherings. Luckily, hosts and hostesses can turn to an
expert this summer for stain advice: Clorox's Summer Stain Hotline (877)
STAIN-411, hosted by stain scientist Harold Baker (a.k.a. "Dr.
Laundry"), will be available 24/7 throughout the season. Consumers
simply dial up the hotline, choose from a selection of the season's
toughest stain dilemmas, and are guided through the proper course of
treatment. Or, consumers can submit stain questions to Dr. Laundry
directly by visiting his online blog, www.drlaundryblog.com. So once the
party's over, "dial up" the heat against stains, and get to planning
your next summer soiree. Courtesy of ARAcontent
