(Summer picnic plate)
Happy 4th of July! With all the celebrating and gathering of people this weekend there is much fun and food to be shared. Don’t let one of these most common summer party pitfalls ruin your day.
Congested Areas:
People tend to gather where there is food, beverage, or an activity. When these are put near each other people tend to settle in and not move making it hard to get around and access items. To keep people moving and mingling separate your food, beverage and activity areas.
Bugged by Bugs:
Don’t let the bugs control the party. Keep trashcans covered and away from main food and gathering areas. Put a half open can of soda pop away from the party to attract bugs to a different location. Also, provide a few cans of bug spray so guests can help themselves if needed.
Trashy Tables:
Make it easy for guests to help clean up by having covered trashcans that are easy to access. Also, double line cans with an extra bag making it easy for quick trash removal and extra protection if soothing gets too heavy or breaks.
Wasted or Spoiled Food:
No one likes tossing out “good food” but holing on the leftovers after an outdoor gathering is risky. You never know exactly how long it has been sitting out or what may have gotten into it making it a potential breeding ground for bacteria. To avoid potentially hazardous foods and wasting them serve items in small batches and refill, as needed keeping the food cool and clean. For safety keep food out of direct sunlight. As a general rule perishable food should not be left out for more than 2 hours; cold food should be kept below 40 degrees and hot food above 140 degrees out of the Temperature Danger Zone.
Too Much Sun:
The summer sun can be fun, but too much of a good thing can have your guests miserable. Make sure there is ample shade for guests to sit in, be creative with trees, tents, and umbrellas to fit your needs. If there is not much option for shade think about hosting the party earlier or later in the day to avoid mid-day heat. Provide a basket with sunscreen so guests can help themselves if needed. For really hot days make sure you also have plenty of regular water and maybe consider passing out a few paper fans.
(summer garden party)
Interested in more on Summer Party Success? Check out these articles.
