Hopkinton Mom Has Tips For Outdoor Entertaining

Besides being the day that we commemorate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country, Memorial Day was also the unofficial start of summer and barbecue season.

With the thermometer rising, the weekend was ready, set, go! for the barbecue season. Many moms, (including me) scrambled to prepare for the upcoming outdoor-entertaining season.

Through my successful and not-so-successful forays into outdoor entertaining, here are some preparation ideas that have been lifesavers for me:

1. Ample Seating: Padded patio chairs and a table with an umbrella offer guests a comfortable place to sit while allowing them a break from the scorching sun. Small plastic or large wooden picnic tables are an excellent choice for children.

2. Plan B: Unless you live in a perpetually warm climate (like Aruba), it is important to plan for inclement weather. In case of rain, clear off and set up a few tables indoors for guests to eat - just in case.

3. Buffet Tables: You can purchase one or two rectangular, extending plastic tables from any hardware or grocery store. Covered with decorative tablecloths, you can use these as serving tables or as seating for children's birthday parties.

4. Coolers: Place a large cooler outside and stock with non-alcoholic beverages for kids and adults. Large tin, or decorative ice-buckets can hold alcoholic beverages. Hint: Provide bins for trash and recycling bottles.

5. Tablecloths/Utensils: Home Goods and other stores carry colorful vinyl tablecloths and utensils. Invest in a set of acrylic forks, spoons and knives for re-use. A multi-sectional utensil holder is essential for napkins and utentils.

6. Serving Trays: Plastic, colorful, multisectional serving trays with lids are an excellent choice for keeping appetizers fresh and out of reach of bugs. Mesh lids are another option.

7. Dishware/Pitchers: Depending on how formal or informal the event, you can invest in a set of decorative, reusable, acrylic dishes and glassware or stick to paper plates. Heavyweight acrylic water pitchers are a necessity for serving punch, lemonade or mixing up batches of sangria or margaritas. Hint: Pitchers can also be used for centerpieces filled with fresh flowers.

8. Huggies:  Provide insulating huggies for guests who prefer to drink beverages out of the bottle. Home Goods, Walmart and Target stock colorful huggies in every size. Mix, match and be creative!  Specialty large wine huggies can be frozen until serving time to keep white wine cold on the table. (These can be found at Brookstone.)

9. Extra Propane Tank: Very Important! Nothing throws a cold bucket of water on a barbecue faster than running out of propane for the grill. Always have a filled spare tank ready to go.

10. Mosquito Magnet/Citronella Candles: Anything to control mosquitoes dive-bombing your guests is a must. Set out extra bottles of bug-spray and sunscreen for guests.

11. Music/Entertainment: Download favorite play lists on iPod and have music ready to go. Provide outdoor toys for kids, water guns, water balloons, balls, croquet, badminton, horseshoes - whatever you can find in your garage.

12. S'mores: A barbecue wouldn't be a barbecue without s'mores. Stock up on s'more fixings; marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, and roasting sticks. Hint: Grocery stores sell s'more kits with roasting sticks and ingredients. Set up a campfire (if allowed), or kids can roast marshmallows over grill.

Enjoy the season!

More entertaining ideas can be found in Lisa's book: A Busy Mom's Guide to Entertaining. www.entertainingwithkids.com