This past weekend I had a party. It was supposed to be a BBQ in conjunction with my street’s block party. However, the block party was cancelled (and no one told me) and it was too hot to actually stay outside (over 90 degrees). We did have BBQ food but we ate it on my enclosed front porch.
I have owned my house for over 8 years now. When I first bought it I loved it. Since then I have grown all too familiar with all the cracks and crevices of the house, all of the little repairs that need to be touched up, and all of the amenities I wish it had. So these household imperfections along with me not being the best housekeeper have made me a little insecure when it comes to entertaining. I have written about this insecurity before. I have learned though that this is mostly an issue in my own head. So instead of feeding this insecurity I invited people over. There were lots of laughter and smiles so I deem the BBQ a success!
Here are a few To Do’s for having your own BBQ:
- Do invite your friends. Your home is a special place. It is your sanctuary. To be invited to someone’s home is a special thing just as it is a special thing to invite people into your home. Invite people you feel comfortable around. Invite people you like who enjoy your company. After all they are coming to your house to spend time with you, not to spend time with the house. If you want to allow your guests to bring guests to your home invite people who have good judgement and associate with nice wholesome people.
- Do go on Pinterest. Pinterest has an abundance of resources for planning a party. There are ideas for recipes, invitations, decorations, and even your party outfit. I found a great recipe for an Oreo Icebox Cake on Pinterest. Me and my guests really enjoyed it.
- Do pick a theme. Now you don’t need to have a theme for a successful party. But themes are fun!!!! A theme can be a color (white party), a holiday (4th of July), an event (Superbowl) or anything you want. I did a 4th of July theme for my BBQ with the holiday having just passed. Check out the Red, White and Blue skewers I made with strawberries, blueberries, and marshmallows.
- Do go to the dollar store. Throwing a party can be expensive. You can save lots of money getting your basics at the dollar store. I purchased aluminum pans, napkins, paper towels, cups, plates, aluminum foil, chips, cheese balls, and a few other odds and ends at the dollar store. Bonus, the dollar store also has lots of themed decorations and products for only a dollar. I got American Flag plates and napkins, plus a few red white and blue bowls, containers, and table clothes for my 4th of July theme. I did a Vine Video showing some of my July 4th decorations from my local dollar store.
5. Do focus on fun. One of the big advantages of hosting a party is you don’t have to worry about driving so you are free to have a drink or two or a little more without worrying about drinking and driving. So have a drink to relax and just enjoy your guests. Remember they are there because they want to spend time with you. Don’t worry about what’s not perfect in your home or what did not turn out the way you wanted for the party. Just enjoy yourself and your company.
Do you ever feel self couscous or nervous about having people over and entertaining in your home? What are your best tips for a successful BBQ or Party?
#5 is so important. Less stress about the details and more focus on having a great time with your guests.
Thank you so much for this – we have a garden for the first time and I would love to hold a BBQ for the first time 🙂 x
Great tips! I love the dollar store suggestion, it's my favorite place to find party goods!
love these tips! thanks for sharing!
GREAT tips! I'm with you, I worry that all the little things that I'm afraid new visitors will notice in my home. However, your advice about inviting friends being special in itself is great. I sometimes forget it's about the fun and fellowship instead of how my house looks. Thanks for the reminder, and great advice!