Ten Errors to Avoid during Summer Home Hosting
In the heart of summer, Southern hospitality truly shines, whether hosting casual gatherings or formal dinners. The season's warmth and sunshine set the stage for memorable outdoor experiences, yet managing these events can be an arduous task. To help you navigate the challenges of summer entertaining, here are ten blunders to avoid as a Southern host.
Firstly, skip overly complex menus. Opt for simple, refreshing dishes like punches, kebabs, dips, and finger-friendly foods that can be served easily and won't falter under the heat. The goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere rather than spending hours over a hot stove. Just ensure there's plenty of food to go around.
Ice, another essential ingredient for summer soirees, should never run short. It's vital for cooling drinks, pitchers of iced tea, and mixing cocktails. Always allocate more ice than necessary, and keep a back-up supply on hand, even with an ice maker.
Besides food and drink, it's essential to provide guests with water. Position a carafe of water and small glasses near the bar area so everyone can help themselves easily without disturbing the host.
Uninvited guests, such as pesky gnats, wasps, and flies, can ruin a cookout. Consider keeping food indoors if there's a nearby accessible area. Investing in food covers could also be beneficial, as they come in various sizes and shapes to suit your needs. Bug spray or citronella candles are always useful for outdoor events.
Limited menus can be disappointing for guests, so ensure that grilled staples like burgers, ribs, and hot dogs are accompanied by a selection of grilled sides like corn on the cob, watermelon, vegetable skewers, and sweet potato fries. Don't shy away from firing up the grill for desserts like grilled peach cobbler or grilled peaches with cream.
Avoid creating additional heat by using the oven too close to party time, especially in smaller spaces or near the entertainment area. Prepare dishes early, opt for cold appetizers and bites, or consider using a portable outdoor oven for a more comfortable event.
Plan ahead to minimize stress during your gathering. Create a to-do list with timings to ensure a seamless event, and ensure you have all necessary supplies, such as food and decor.
Hosting duties can quickly become overwhelming if you try to play bartender. Simplify your role by offering big-batch cocktails, punches, and cold beverages. If you're making frozen drinks, find a shady spot to prevent them from melting under the sun.
Be mindful of the ever-unpredictable Southern weather. Have a backup plan in place, such as a covered porch or an available indoor space, in case a rainstorm rolls in. Adjust your menu and decor accordingly to accommodate the possible location change.
Finally, don't skimp on decor. Simple yet elegant touches like a linen tablecloth and fresh flowers can set a warm ambiance, even in the summer heat. Adding a thoughtful layer, like bud vases or fun napkins, can elevate your table setting.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to hosting a successful, enjoyable summer gathering that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality.
- To create a relaxing summer atmosphere, choose simple, refreshing dishes like punches, kebabs, dips, and finger-friendly foods, instead of overly complex menus.
- Provide guests with water by positioning a carafe nearby the bar area, so they can help themselves easily without disturbing the host.
- Keeping a back-up supply of ice is crucial, as it's essential for cooling drinks, pitchers of iced tea, and mixing cocktails.
- Consider using a portable outdoor oven or preparing dishes early to avoid creating additional heat near the party time in smaller spaces or near the entertainment area.
