Friday, June 21, 2013

Celebrating Summer with Backyard Parties

backyard parties

Summer is here and that means lots of parties! Hubby and I love to host gatherings at our home. Whether it is a backyard BBQ with friends/family, Canada Day party or baby/bridal shower - doesn't matter, I love them.

If we are hosting a big crowd for a lunch gathering, then I find that sandwich platters work well.  Let someone else do the work for you, saves you time to get the house ready for your guests. Team that up with a pasta salad, fresh fruits and veggies and dessert (keep it light - fruit and dip, strawberry shortcake or even just popsicles) and you have a great spread of food to offer.

The best thing about hosting parties is keeping my kids in their own environment.  I find it is easy for kids to get overstimulated when they go somewhere new (so much to see, play with etc) and this way they are at home in their comfort zone.  They are familiar with the toys, rules and expectations. Plus, they get to show off their cool toys to the kids that are coming over.

To save myself from waking up to a house full of chaos the next day, I try and stay on top of clean up as the party is happening.  I make sure that all dishes are done (whether by hand or in the dishwasher) as soon as the meal is over and then any cans/bottles/garbage gets collected periodically through the evening.

Recycling gets done before we head off to bed, and we generally come down to a clean kitchen in the morning!

Do you like to host parties? or would you prefer someone else do all the work and just attend as a guest?

12 comments:

  1. I love hosting parties... LOVE! I'd much rather host one than go to one :)

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  2. I hate hosting! I'm not a natural hoster lol I find doing bbq's or a taco bar works well with big groups

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    1. taco bar sounds like a fun idea! Thanks for commenting!

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  3. I'm so glad today is the official day of Summer. I'm one of those ladies who LOVES hosting parties for no reason and Summer BBQ's are the best, especially the last minute ones. I'm really looking forward to this Summer, we just bought a projector so we'll be having lots of outdoor movie nights with the kiddos, family and friends!

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    1. that sounds like so much fun! I hope you enjoy your summer movies! Thanks for commenting

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  4. I am the queen of Summer parties! Love planning, hosting and enjoying them! Looking forward to them!

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  5. I need to plan DS birthday Party in a few weeks. Need to decide if we are going to order in, or do the cooking ourselves. Honestly I am not really feeling up to it!

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    1. My oldest's 6th birthday is in 2 weeks - I need to finish the party planning! Thanks for stopping by

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  6. i would rather attend than host! way less work!

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    1. definitely less work. I like the comfort of my own home; thanks for visiting

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