Prepare Your Home for Summer Entertaining

This year’s summer has been a long time coming.

Many Australians are looking forward to firing up the barbeque, having friends and family over, and kicking back among good banter and the sound of summer crickets.

We have some hot tips to get your home summer ready for guests this season.

Essentials to Make Summer Entertaining at Home A Breeze

Whether your summer gathering has been planned or unexpectedly sprung on you, there are a few things you can do to have your home ready for the festive season.

1. Keep your house clean and clutter-free

We’re big advocates for decluttering and clean homes but keeping on top of your place’s cleanliness is also a great way to ensure that your home is always people-ready.

There’s something casual and breezy about summer that makes ‘pop-ins’ a given. These visits usually mean a mad dash around the house, cleaning whatever you can get your hands on and throwing things under the bed.

Minimise that stress by always keeping a good standard of cleanliness at home. Set up good storage systems – when everything in your home has a place, a quick pack-up is easily done when unexpected guests arrive.

Not sure where to start? These are some of our hacks for a highly organised home.

These are the priorities if you know people are on the way and have limited time:

• Stock the bathroom with toilet paper, enough handwash, and fresh hand towels.

   

• Scan your home for any items you don’t want people to see (dirty clothes, dishes, etc)

   

• If you have time, you may need to do a quick stop at the local shops for a few supplies. Send an older child or partner if you’re busy cleaning.

Don’t forget about your outdoors, too.

Invest in outdoor storage boxes (you can find some that even double as seating) to help keep the area neat and be able to get the party prepared in minutes.

You can keep all sorts of things in these, such as placemats, coasters, a tablecloth, and a light blanket as well, just in case guests stay late and the night air cools.

If the box is in a shaded area of your yard or deck, keep things like mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and table ornaments in there too.

Just remember that people aren’t dropping in to see shining benchtops or spotless carpet– they’re there to enjoy your company and likely won’t even notice a less than a perfectly clean home.

2. The great outdoors

If the weather is fine, everyone will be spending plenty of time outside. It’s time to get your outdoors in pristine condition.

Just like your home, keeping on top of the lawn will mean it is always ready for a summer gathering.

• Trim your hedges and plants, and dust cobwebs.
• Mow your lawn as needed. If you’re in a pinch, scoop up your dog's poo at the very least.
• Wipe down any tables and chairs and make sure that the barbeque is clean and ready to be fired up. Check there’s enough gas in the gas bottle.

3. Keep bugs at bay

Nothing says summer like pests hanging around. If you want to make your guests comfortable while you’re entertaining outside, there are a few things to remember.

Tips to Keeping Bugs at Bay

• Mosquitoes are most active at dusk, so keep this in mind when planning your get-together.

• Purchase some good quality citronella candles for the table – these mask scents that mosquitoes are drawn to.

• Mosquitoes don’t like smells like mint, lemon trees, lavender, and basil.

• Essential oils in a diffuser can also ward off bugs.

• Mosquitoes breed in shallow water, so remove containers that are holding water, such as empty plant pots or buckets.

• Check all of your flyscreens for any tears or holes.

• Always have repellent available.

Has summer also brought out the house ants in droves? There are a few fantastic and natural ways to get rid of pesky ants before guests come over.

4. Finishing touches

It’s important to us all to feel house proud, but especially so when you have visitors over.

Want to discover some simple ways to beautify your space and make your guests’ experience a great one?

More Tips for A Succesful Summer House Party

• New tableware and cushions are an affordable way to spruce up any area. Invest in some affordable fairy lights for an instant party vibe at the flick of a switch.

• Let guests know what you’re likely to be serving and don’t be afraid to say yes to offers of help. Keep diet requirements in mind and keep your menu simple so that you aren’t prepping for hours beforehand or stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun.

• Never underestimate the power of a great playlist. There are so many curated playlists on Spotify with a summer feel or better yet, you can create your playlist depending on who you have

• coming over. Pick genres you think your guests will like, or better yet, weave in songs from their favourite artists into the mix.

• Make sure the volume is loud enough so everyone can hear, but not so loud that guests have to yell over the top of it.

• If kids are coming, stock up on things like bubble blowers, backyard games, or board games.

• Purchase ice beforehand and set up extra eskies or Flexi-tubs to keep things cold and ensure you have enough space in the fridge for party food or leftovers.