Warm weather is upon you. It is time to invite family and friends over for a backyard party. Make it a fun and delicious time spent together by following a few of these tips.

Make a Delicious Meal

One of the best ways to bring people together is with good food. Make a satisfying and filling dish such as homemade beef enchiladas. They are easy to make and assemble ahead of time. Once cooked, the enchiladas will stay warm when covered or served immediately.

Round out the meal with an inviting southern salad. Let everyone add their dressing for moderation and portion control. Place a bowl of fruit in the middle of the table for easy access. Include seasonal fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, and mango. Of course, do not forget the must-have chips and salsa. You can even make tortilla chips using an air fryer for a healthy alternative.

Stay Hydrated

When thinking about party drinks, move beyond the expected soda, beer, and wine. Instead, get creative and set up a drink station with options to suit every taste. If your guests will be driving, consider eliminating alcoholic beverages altogether. Think about hiring a mixologist for your party or enlist a friend to help. 

Have ingredients and drinkware on hand for a variety of easy non-alcoholic drink recipes. Stock up on healthy drink options such as kombucha to beat the summer heat. Do as much preparation as you can ahead of time. Place ingredients in clearly-labeled containers. Print recipe cards and encourage your guests to have fun with the process. 

Here are some necessary items to have on hand:

• Ice
• Napkins
• Stir sticks or spoons
• A variety of glassware
• Paper straws
• Labeled coolers
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender

Have Fun

Whether you have an adults-only get-together or include all ages, it is always a good idea to have activities available. Games that bring people back to their childhood are fun and encourage mingling and movement.

Waste Management

Part of entertaining friends and family is the resulting clean-up endeavor at the end of the event. Instead of waiting until the party is over, manage the mess and waste throughout the affair from beginning to end.

Strategically place swivel-top garbage cans around the food and eating areas (this will prevent flies from congregating). Next to the garbage cans, place open-top recycling bins of a different color. Clearly label both receptacles so guests will not need to guess where to dispose of items.

If you have younger attendees, pay them to watch over the party. Task them with picking up litter and emptying the garbage and recycling bins as needed. They can periodically check the bathrooms for toilet paper restocking and hand towel refreshes. Give them a job list so they will not need to keep coming to you for instructions. Other duties to take off of your shoulders are: ice and drink restocking, table wipe-downs, and caring for your pet should you have one. They will stay busy, and you will get to relax. 

With a little preparation, you can enjoy summertime parties without worry. Eat well, keep your sunscreen handy, and have fun.