One of the joys of having your own place, whether house or apartment, is entertaining. No really, it’s a joy. At least I always think it is until I look around the house and see all the things that need to be done to get the house company ready.
Luckily, for Memorial Day, we will barbeque. There is still a list of things to be done, just different than if everyone was going to be inside. I will still have to put fresh hand towels in the half bath that everyone will use, but as for dusting and vacuuming inside, I can let that slide.
Instead I need to make sure the outside is ready. The patio furniture will need to be cleaned and the outside lighting will have to be tested.
The grill needs a good cleaning and a new tank of propane. I’ll have to sweep the patio and mow but other than that we are ready. At this time of year the flower beds provide all the decoration we need.
The most important thing about entertaining outside is to make sure that everything everyone needs is outside. Then no one notices that the kitchen floor is dirty.
I have big plastic tubs that I fill with ice to load with drinks. Baskets will hold plates, plastic silverware and napkins. All the food will be set up on tables outside.
If you are having a barbeque make sure there are plenty of trash cans, otherwise, all the mess outside will wind up in your kitchen anyway. It’s also a good idea to have lots of disposable plastic containers so you can send everyone home with the leftovers instead of stocking your fridge with them.
Outside entertaining is easier when it comes to clean up as well. I put a dishpan outside for the dishes that inevitably wind up out there but pretty much everything else can be thrown away. If you recycle, label the cans to help your guests sort the trash as they dispose of it.
With good planning an outside event will be a breeze and no one will notice the nutcracker that is still on the mantel.