More Questions From My New Instagram Account Entertain_at_Home_with_Maureen

Here are a few more questions that I received on my new Instagram account regarding Summer entertaining and my responses.

• Why is Summer entertaining al fresco so much easier than the rest of the year? - There are so many benefits to hosting an outdoor party whether it’s a casual daytime event with children and parents, or a bit more formal in the evening with friends. Certainly, the house stays tidier. You can use plastic or paper plates and napkins, so the cleanup is easier. It’s just delightful to sit outdoors in the lazy afternoon sun, under the moonlight with a few candles lit, or with friends sitting around a fire pit.

• When entertaining friends at a casual get-together in the backyard, what’s an easy menu? - Summer is such a fabulous time to entertain friends and family. Easy casual menus could include cold chicken, pasta, or vegetable salads; grilled fish or meats; fresh vegetables in season, and, for dessert, fresh Summer fruits.

• When I grill foods in the backyard, the guests seem to gather further away. What can I do to get some company at the BBQ?- An easy fix to standing alone at the grill is to place a cooler of your guests’ favorite alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Then you’ll get lots of company.

• What should hosts do BEFORE the guests arrive at an outdoor party? - Be sure to spray the bug repellant around the party area before the guests arrive and before the food is on the table. Also, have some sunscreen available. As always, be sure to have the table colorfully set with a seasonal centerpiece. Also, if it rains, it’s a smart idea to be prepared to use a party room in the house or schedule a rain date on the invitation.

• How can I create an elegant atmosphere at an outdoor party in the evening?- Dazzle your guests by combining the ease of Summer entertaining and the enchantment of candlelight. Surround your backyard with a halo of candlelight. Fill sandwich-size paper bags, preferably white or colored ones, with sand and put a three-inch battery-operated candle into each one. Place the bags one foot apart on the ground along the perimeter of the party area. When the candles are lit, your guests will love the wonderland quality they impart.

• I’m planning a children’s party (with their parents, too) at a public park. What type of food do you suggest? - Hosting a children’s party at a public park in the warm weather is a fun idea. Rather than a typical buffet lunch, I suggest a boxed lunch. These can be prepared at home in advance. You might include a cold beverage and sandwich, a salty snack, a piece of fruit, candy, or sweet dessert. Ideally, use all finger foods so no utensils are necessary and be sure to include a few napkins. You can wrap the boxes with decorative paper in the theme of the party or just tie the boxes with colorful fabric ribbon.

By Maureen Molé

Maureen is a product spokesperson, author, and lecturer. Follow her on Entertain_at_Home with_Maureen, or email her at MaureenMole@gmail.com