Be Prepared for Summer Fun

Do you enjoy having people over for picnics and cookouts in the summertime?  Afraid to ask people over at the last minute because it's too much work?  Here are some tips on how to be prepared for an impromptu party!

Half the battle of having guests over for dinner is having supplies on hand.  Because summer allows us to have more casual outdoor events, plannng ahead is easy!  Your stockpile should include: disposable tablecloth, paper plates, bowls, cups, silverware and napkins.  A summerlong supply can be purchased at lower costs from the grocery or big box stores.  Want a fancier look?  Try the party stores where colors and patterns are more likely to be found in bulk.  All of these items can be stored in a plastic storage tub or two which are pulled out just for the picnic.  This will allow for supplies on hand without cluttering up your cupboards!

Our families love to cook smores, so a few bags of marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars are also in our bins.  This year there are giant marshmallows and pillow shaped ones made just for this purpose.  The giant ones were a huge hit at our fire pit last weekend!

Going on an outing to the beach or park?  Pre-packed supplies for these outings are a great way to save time.  Try large ziploc bags which hold suntan lotion and bug spray, so you can grab them as you head out the door.  A snack bag of granola bars, raisins, crackers, etc., is also an easy thing to pre-pack.  Towels and blankets can also be stored together in a closet so they can be taken at a moment's notice as well. 

Need a little help pulling this off?  Share the jobs by dolling out outdoor clean-up, readying a drink station, setting the table to family members and having guests bring a salad or two. 

A little advanced planning now will result in a summer of fun!  Enjoy your picnics and outings!

                       Happy Summer

                      Muffy and JoEllen