Outdoor Entertaining Tips to Make Your Life Easier

August 28, 2023

Tips From Beltmann Moving & Storage

For many of us in North America, summertime and early fall is a favorite time of year for outdoor entertaining. Between beautiful crisp nights and sunshine-filled days, having a little bit of company or even a crowd means we have every reason to incorporate some good old-fashioned hospitality.

 

Maybe you’ve just moved in and want to meet a few of your neighbors. Or perhaps you’re throwing a going away party for a friend who’s moving soon. Whatever the reason, if you’re wondering what some of the easiest outdoor party hacks are out there, here are 10 do-able tips to make your life easier today.

 

1. Add some bling and a little summertime sparkle with Christmas lights.

Who says outside lighting is just for the holidays? Put some fun in your summer and fall with a few strands of lights in the trees, across the patio, or around the front door.

 

2. Use a kiddie pool to chill food and drinks.

Even if you have an expensive cooler (or two), a kiddie pool filled with ice is a great way to help store finger foods and keep drinks chilled for your guests. From cases of soft drinks to juice boxes to an “ice table” for refrigerated foods to chill out, you can get creative and make it kid-friendly or something even grown-ups could enjoy.

 

3. Set up a hand-sanitizing station for your guests.

This could be a sink basin and paper napkins, or simply a good-size container of hand sanitizer. Add a cute reminder sign like “Sticky Fingers Station” or, “Be wise and sanitize!”

 

4. Save time by cooking hot dogs in a slow-cooker.
   Sure, a flame-broiled hot dog might completely hit the spot in the middle of summer. But just as delicious and much more efficient is a Crockpot dog. Cook them vertically if you have a round slow cooker, or simply on their sides on high for 2.5 to 3 hours.

 

5. Scoop the ice cream ahead of time.

A cute way to prepare ice cream cones in advance is to scoop them into a muffin tin and then freeze. Or, slice the ice cream (from a half-gallon box) onto graham crackers, freeze, then serve individual portions.

 

6. Serve chips and dip with a wine glass.
   Just as simple as it sounds: Pair a wine glass or margarita glass filled with delicious dip to a bowl of chips or veggies.

 

7. Spray Twister dots on the grass for an instant family game.

For a fun way to keep your guests entertained, make colored circles from spray paint onto your lawn. You could use a spinner from the actual game, or create a dice game where you roll each color. For example, 1 = Red, 2 = Blue, 3 = Yellow, 4 = Green.

 

8. Use an ice block for punch.

You could use a plastic storage container, Bundt cake, or 9×13 pan. If you add some frozen fruit, that can also keep drinks cold longer than ice cubes.

 

9. Tie a bottle opener to a drink cooler.

Get some kitchen string or twine to keep the bottle opener next to the drinks. Same goes for a wine corkscrew.

 

10. Use Mason jars and tealights for festive ambiance.

Just like Christmas lights, candles aren’t just for winter vibe. Move some Mason Jars into any area you want to stay lit and fill each one with a tealight.

 

When you need local movers for short-term storage, long-distance movers for that interstate move, or help with a full-service relocation, Beltmann is here to meet your moving and storage needs — and budget. Contact us today to learn more or get a free quote.

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