If the rumors and endless news reports are true, then former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, will be whooping it up at the party of the century in just a few hours. The 30-year-old only child of power couple Bill and Hillary Clinton is set to marry her longtime beau during an elegant and allegedly expensive ceremony in Rhinebeck, New York this evening.
In the meantime, the rest of us (meaning me) non-wedding guests will be toasting the end of July with our well-worn Crate and Barrel glass tumblers—-gifts from our own wedding—-and wishing the happy young couple a life of relative obscurity.
While I’m sure Chelsea’s reception will be a first-class affair, I don’t think you need to drop hundreds of thousands of dollars to host a summer shindig. Rather, a good way to get your own party started is to create different “gathering spots” throughout your party venue. This serves several purposes, the least of which is to prevent everyone from congregating near the food.
Ideally, you should set up the drink area opposite the food. However, if you have a lot of space you can go one better by designating individual tables that feature specific drinks or food items, like mini food and drink stations. It’s also a good idea to incorporate games into your festivities that encourage movement and conversation to avoid having big groups of people standing in the same area.
If you are entertaining outdoors during the warm summer months it’s important to offer shady areas for guests. Market umbrellas are easy to find, relatively inexpensive and provide respite from the summer sun. If you are working with a really tight budget, then consider giving your old patio furniture an updated look with durable, all-weather decorative cushions and designer throw pillows.
When entertaining outdoors don’t forget about insects and trash. To reduce the number of unwanted pests that show up to your backyard bash, spray a long-lasting pesticide several hours before the party begins. Also, consider using a fragrance-free citronella candle or fill specially designed tiki torches with citronella oil and light them 30 minutes before guests arrive.
Finally, to avoid creating trash bag eyesores, line giant teak baskets with clear plastic garbage bags to use as receptacles or use attractive wooden laundry hampers to collect rubbish.
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