Adelaide’s silly season is in full swing, with summer holidays on the horizon. Now is the perfect time to plan your stress-free holiday entertaining!
Being the summer holidays, we know our guests will arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy themselves, but what if you’re the host? You don’t want to be the host who gets hot and bothered this summer, so follow these tips for stress free holiday entertaining that is as cool as a cucumber salad.
Take it Outdoors
There is nothing more laid-back and leisurely than easy-breezy outdoor entertaining in perfect summer weather. It’s the blue skies and birdsong combining with cool drinks, tasty food, friends and family that deliver the ultimate wind-down experience for at-home holiday entertaining.
Set Up The Entertainment
If you have a big backyard like this home in Angle Vale sold by Boffo Sales Partner Heather Dunn, set up some games on the lawn before guests arrive. Or if you have a sparkling swimming pool such as the one at this beautiful Broadview home sold by Paul McIntosh and Taylor Martyn, pop up the poolside umbrellas and lay out some beach towels so your guests can take a dip.
Draft Up a Checklist
Writing things down is an instant stress-reliever. Make a list of the guests you plan to invite and the tasks that need to be done to avoid last-minute stress.
Be Prepared
Thinking ahead can alleviate pressure on the day. If you’re dining outdoors make sure you have some sunblock, mosquito repellent, candles, matches and throw rugs handy in case they’re needed.
Clean the Day Before
With the cleaning already done, you can focus on your menu, drinks and seating setup on the day. Remember to clean the bathroom and toilet and check they remain clean when your guests are due to arrive.
Plan and Prepare Your Menu
Prepare a menu of quick and easy dishes that you are familiar with and can prepare in advance or cook easily while entertaining. Put out a simple platter of cheeses, crackers, nuts and dips for pre-dinner nibbles. Don’t forget to set timers if you are heating up food so you don’t burn anything!
Set Up a Self-Serve Drink Station
Find a suitable space for a tray of glasses, water jugs, eskies, drinks and garnishes so guests can make their own drinks while you’re busy with greetings and introductions.
Have Your Music Ready
In the days beforehand plan your music so that your preferred playlist is ready to go, and all you have to do is press play when your guests arrive.
Share the Load
Dinner guests will usually ask what they can bring, so you can lighten the load by asking each guest to bring something – a salad, some bread, a plate of nibbles, a platter of fruit or a dessert. It all helps to take some of the stress out of hosting.
At Boffo Real Estate we sell homes, not houses. Homes where you can enjoy relaxed entertaining with friends and family all summer long. Be sure to give us a call if our friendly real estate agents can help you sell or buy a home in Adelaide this summer.
