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Relaxing and unwinding with friends and family is the perfect way to spend those hot summer evenings and nights. Enjoy the simplicity of hosting backyard events with our top 6 tips for outdoor entertaining.

1.Keep it Simple

An important aspect of enjoying events you host is being able to socialize with your guests. Maximize the time you have to participate in conversation by keeping your meal simple. Foods like salads and fresh fruit are simple to prepare ahead of time, and guests can serve themselves, giving you more time to enjoy yourself. For recipe inspiration, The Food Network has a list of the 60 best foods for a summer picnic.

2. Keep Food and Drinks Cold

In the sunshine, the temperature of foods increases rapidly. According to Stuffexplained.com, the lower freezing point of saltwater ice will prolong the melting, keeping your food cool longer than freshwater ice. Place a bucket or tub like the one pictured above on a separate table, fill it with ice, and display your foods in a shady area of your yard. This will allow you and your guests to enjoy cold food and drinks all day long!

3. Prevent Bug Interference

Entertaining outdoors also means facing the challenge of fighting off pests like mosquitoes and unwanted flies. Keep your backyard oasis bug free by lining the area with citronella torches. The luminescent glow will not only keep the bugs away, but it will also provide ambiance for your guests in the later hours of the evening.

4. Encourage Socialization

Summer brings the perfect weather and atmosphere for meeting new people and creating new friendships. Encourage socialization at your gatherings by planning an activity that stimulates interaction among your guests. Games like bocce ball, ring toss, or giant jenga are classic examples, or for more creative ideas, Pinterest has many do-it-yourself suggestions. According to Realsimple.com, strategically placing drinks, food, and dessert in different spots in the yard will also increase the likelihood of social interaction and mingling.

5. Provide Multiple Drink Options

Regardless of what type of event you are hosting, Providing a wide range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks to appease the tastes of all your guests is important. Maintain the simplicity of preparing for your event by purchasing premixed cocktails, or make up a large batch of punch beforehand, and allow guests to serve themselves. With hotter temperatures, ensure that your guests stay hydrated.

6. Make Cleanup Simple

Hosting an exciting, stimulating evening with friends and family can leave you feeling tired, and make the cleaning process seem overwhelming. Make the cleanup simple by using chic but disposable plates, cutlery, and cups. This will not only save you time after your successful backyard event, but it will also allow you to enjoy your evening instead of worrying about the cleanup.

So, whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue bash, or just having a quiet family dinner outside, these tips are sure to guide you, and make outdoor hosting simpler so you can spend your time surrounded by your guests, indulging in backyard summer activities. For more ideas on hosting outdoors, visit the Falconcrest Homes Blog.