For us, summer means enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. There are plenty of excuses to throw a party out on the patio this season, and these simple tricks can help you keep your guests cool and comfortable!
Give guests enough time to plan
Between weddings and summer vacations, there’s a good chance your friends will be out of town at some point this summer. Until schedules slow back down in the fall, plan ahead for a larger than usual number of invitation declines. Give guests as much notice as possible during the summer months, even for casual get-togethers. Thinking of throwing a hot tub party next month? Best to get it on peoples’ calendars now!
Be clear about the occasion and dress code
Garden parties and BBQs are both outdoors and involve food, but the similarities end there! Be clear on the type of activity and appropriate dress so that everyone is comfortable and doesn’t feel left in the dark. If the hot tub will be open during your party, be sure to remind guests to bring their swimsuits so they’re not left high and (literally) dry while everyone else is in the spa.
Have an alternate weather plan
We’ve all been there — your weather app says nothing about rain, but suddenly you’re caught in a downpour. Having an alternate weather plan can help keep the party rolling, even if rain clouds come rolling in. Gazebos are a great option for an enclosure around your spa, especially during the unpredictable weather of the summer months. With overhead shelter, guests can stay in the spa even if it’s sprinkling outside. Plenty of seating inside and a variety of indoor games on hand will be perfect if it starts to thunder and everyone has to come inside.
Party into the night
A later start time lets your guests arrive as the sun is setting and the heat of the day has broken. It may still be hot and humid in the evenings, but it will be a noticeable improvement over an afternoon party! This is a great opportunity to turn your yard into an ambient entertainment zone with well-designed lighting — string lights, lanterns, and even LED spa lights like those that light the corners and fountains of the Cabana Suites spa by Dream Maker Spas. If using a hot tub in the summer, turn the temperature down so it becomes a reprieve from the heat during those summer evening soaks.
Keep the bugs from bugging everyone
There are a lot of natural (and beautiful!) bug repellants that you can use to keep your guests bug-bite free during parties. An insect-repelling garden around your patio adds greenery to your outdoor space with added benefits. Basil and fragrant lavender are both known to repel houseflies and mosquitoes. Lemongrass and lemon thyme repel mosquitoes and add a summery citrus scent to your landscape. While mint repels mosquitoes, it’s best grown in pots rather than in the ground because it spreads aggressively. Add some rosemary to your garden and enjoy its mosquito-repelling benefits as well as the flavor it can add to your summer recipes.
Portable oscillating fans do double duty of helping to keep your guests cool while also blowing away the mosquitoes. It’s a method endorsed by the American Mosquito Control Association — mosquitoes are weak flyers and are blown away by the wind generated by a fan, plus the moving air helps disperse the scents that attract mosquitoes.
Friends help friends stay hydrated
We lose more water during the warm, summer months, so help your guests stay hydrated during your party with plenty of flavorful options. Fruit-infused water makes a beautiful display and is an exciting twist on a low-cal beverage. In a clear container, add sliced fruits and herbs like mint, thyme or basil to ice water. This is a great option especially if your guests will be enjoying your hot tub during the party.