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June
12
12
5 Ideas for Hosting Summer Parties at Home
Summer weather is upon us, and if you have looked at gorgeous Alexandria homes for sale or Arden Hills homes for sale, you know many of them have beautiful yards just begging to be party venues. Some of your friends and family are hoping for a housewarming party so they can get a peek at your new digs. But planning a party soon after a move can be stressful. Here are a few ideas to keep it manageable and hold down the costs as well.
- Limit the Guest List
Invite the people who love you without demanding perfection. These are often the people who have helped you move and would love to see how you have converted a house full of boxes into a home. They will be far less critical of works in progress than casual acquaintances and be more generous with their time and contributions. - Opt for a Simple Menu
Burgers, brats, and dogs are much less expensive than steaks or brisket and just as enjoyable. Let the food serve double duty as the decor by creating a colorful display of condiments. Transferring the ketchup, mustard, and mayo from their containers to small dishes helps maintain the look of elegance. Sliced tomatoes, fresh green lettuce, and all the trimmings can be artfully arranged into a beautiful setting. Include your guests by asking each of them to bring add-ons. You will be amazed at the imagination some of them will show, and you'll likely have leftovers to help fill your refrigerator. - Consider a Potluck
If every guest brings something to share, you will have more food than you know what to do with. Be prepared with large bowls to serve the myriad of chips the non-cooks will bring, and be willing to share ideas with them beforehand. Requesting paper napkins and cups to complete an outdoor picnic is perfectly okay and makes their lives much easier! Typically, people will ask you what you would like them to bring. Have a list handy to answer them and make sure there is plenty of variety. - Make your invitation BYOB
If you prefer beer and wine to go with the menu, tell them so in the invitation. Otherwise, this may be the perfect opportunity to fill your bar with more exotic alcohol. Nowadays, many people forgo alcohol and sweet drinks but have developed very specific tastes for options such as carbonated waters. Let them know they are welcome to bring drinks of their choice. Be sure to furnish non-alcoholic options such as water and iced tea. Make sure you have plenty of ice on the table to add to glasses and coolers or vats to hold bulky drinks. If your guests will be drinking mixed drinks, frozen fruits on skewers are a lovely alternative to ice. - Make Dessert Part of the Party
Who doesn't love s'mores? Let your guests prepare their desserts with traditional chocolate, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows, or try something a little more elegant. Elevate them with chocolate graham crackers, Nutella, or sliced fresh strawberries. Change ordinary to extraordinary by exchanging peanut butter cups for plain chocolate bars. Make something new and different by serving sliced apples and caramel sauce instead of chocolate for a mock caramel apple. Substitute your favorite cookies for the graham crackers. Chocolate chip cookies are a great substitute. Don't forget to have plenty of skewers on hand!
Are you ready to enjoy our Minnesota summer in a new house? Our real estate professionals are standing by to help you find your dream home. Call today to get started!