Expecting guests this season (or any time of year)? Just a few tricks before company arrives can help your house look its best during the visit and make it easier to clean up when the party’s over.

Before guests arrive:

1. The fastest way to make your home look lovely is to eliminate clutter. For each main room of your house, grab a plastic storage bin and sweep in all the excess clutter and random bits that have accumulated. Store your bins in an out of the way spot—like the garage or laundry room—so they’re ready for you to organize the next day.

2. Go through your menu and choose serving dishes for everything you’re making. Place them on your buffet or table with a post-it indicating what you’ll serve in it. This will not only make your food service faster, but will save you from creating extra dirty dishes when you’re trying to find a serving bowl to accommodate something. If you expect guests to bring something to eat, stash some extra platters and bowls in an easy location so they can add their food to the buffet.

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No need to bring the party indoors after the sun goes down! Glow all out at your next outdoor party with these fun ideas:

1. Line your stone paths with these handblown glass lanterns >. The soft-glowing LED hidden inside goes on automatically at dark. They also make a colorful and subtle centerpiece for the table.

2. Adorn your dining table with these charming, energy-efficient wax birds>. They provide a clean and safe candle alternative, and a great addition to your dining table after dark.

3. Add a little glow to your pool. These floating lights > can be set for color changing or yellow candle-like flickering. Anchor them in place or let them float free. Great for entertaining…or enjoying as you dine poolside.

4. With every summer party, there is a chance of unexpected guests. This quiet bug zapper > has purple lights that come on automatically at dusk to draw the insects in.

Looking for some more fun ways to light up your summer party? Click here>

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Summer’s around the corner, and it’s a great time to start thinking about outdoor entertaining. Here are some quick ideas to help you create that perfect party.

1) Host a potluck-themed event and prepare foods in advance, as much as possible. It will save time and work!

2) Clean your yard and make sure there’s enough seating for everyone. Place blankets on the grass for kids.

3) Grill skewers: Grilled vegetables make a great side dish, are easy to prepare ahead of time, and take a few minutes to cook.

4) Keep your guests cool! Consider a portable fan to keep outside during hot summer days.

5) Set out a few yard games to play so your guests have some fun activities to choose from.

6) Create an inviting atmosphere with lights for nighttime. Consider natural bug repellant candles to keep the insects away.

7) Add some color to your table with vibrant dishware. Top it off with an eye-catching centerpiece. Fill up a glass bowl with colorful fruits, such as bright lemons and limes, or fill glass jars with fresh-cut flowers.

8) Don’t forget to relax with your guests and enjoy all your efforts!

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Even if you can’t make it to the big game, you can enjoy a great game-day party at home! With the right preparations, you and your guests will have a good time, even if all are not big football fans.

Decorations

Have enough TVs.
Set up multiple TVs so all guests will have a clear, unobstructed view.

Tip: If you expect really rabid fans, maybe set up a TV in the bathroom for those inevitable interruptions.

Continue Reading Put the Super in Your Bowl Party

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Use our how to’s, checklists, planners and tips to help organize and plan your party. You’ll enjoy yourself more and have more time to spend with family and friends.

Party Planner Checklist (PDF)

Guest List (PDF)

Party Budget Planner (PDF)

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Blinking Glasses

Make this the year that you kick off that annual party you’ve been talking about. Or maybe it’s just time to update that party that’s lost some of its zip over the years. Either way, we can help you get things ready with these six easy steps!
Continue Reading How to Plan a Party

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