4 tips that will make outdoor entertaining easier

Dinner parties are so much fun, but they do take hard work. You have to prepare, cook and clean all while entertaining. The process doesn’t have to be stressful, however. Keep these tips in mind for easy outdoor entertaining:

1. Add an outdoor kitchen
You don’t want to have to run inside and back outside multiple times to grab kitchen tools and food. Installing an outdoor kitchen can be a very smart investment, especially if you frequently entertain. Your patio is an extension of your home, so if you have a vintage kitchen design inside, you can use the same theme outdoors. Install brass kitchen faucets to match the antique style and make it easy to rinse off pots and pans and fill up drinks.

2. Dress up your table with brown craft paper
Tablecloths are a simple way to add color and style to your dinner table. But if anything spills, you have to treat them with a stain remover and throw them in the wash. Instead of going through that process each time you have a dinner party, use brown craft paper in place of tablecloths. It has a simple appeal and will match with any color palette you have on your patio. When the party comes to an end, recycle the paper!

3. Create a playlist
Music is essential for a great party, but you’re going to have a lot more to do than play DJ. Before the bash begins, sit down and create a playlist for the event. This way, you won’t have to keep changing the song and you can focus on conversing with your guests.

4. Light citronella candles
Don’t spend the evening swatting away mosquitos and flies. When the sun starts to go down, light a few citronella candles and place them sparingly throughout the party. They will ward off bugs and keep your party guests content.