By: Brian Patrick Flynn
When the weather is just right, you don’t want to spend the whole day setting up for the party; you just want to…party! Create a stylish gathering in half the time with these quick tips.
Pulling together a stylish and entertaining party for both kids and adults doesn’t have to be a headache. With these clever hacks, kids can have fun and parents can relax.
Fitted Sheet = Tablecloth
Gone are the days of watching your flimsy, plastic tablecloth blow away in the wind. A fitted twin sheet will stretch over a plastic centerfold table with ease. Plus, you can toss it in the washer and use it over and over again.
Sand Buckets = Snack Servers
Skip the breakable bowls and platters, and serve snacks in colorful, inexpensive pails that kids will love. You can even send them home with tiny guests after the party for easy clean-up.
Inflatable Pool = Drink Cooler
Keep drinks ice-cold and easy to access by filling up a baby pool with ice and your guests’ favorite bevvies.
Galvanized Buckets = “Situation Stations”
Little messes and boo-boos are bound to happen during a party, so be prepared with a “situation station.” Keep it stocked with hand sanitizer, bandages, ointment, sunscreen, bug spray and wipes.
Muffin Tin = Wine Serving Tray
Keep it simple by serving adult beverages in small cocktail cups. Offer them to guests in a muffin tin to keep spills to a minimum.
Muffin Tin = Kid-Sized Snack Cups
Go multipurpose with your muffin tin to serve up a variety of healthy snacks for kids. Colorful baking cups are the perfect size for little hands.
Mason Jars = Bug-Repellant Luminaries
Whip up a few of these luminaries to keep mosquitos from crashing your party.
Make It: Place 2 lemon slices, 2 lime slices and 2 sprigs of rosemary into a Mason jar of water, then add several drops of essential oil. We recommend citronella, lemon or lavender. Top with a floating candle, light and enjoy.
Shepherd’s Hook + Bucket = Utensil Wrangler
Let little ones serve themselves by wrangling utensils into buckets hanging at kid level.
Party Hats = Treat Cones
Corral larger snacks, like donut holes, cookies and pretzels, in adorable, kid-sized party hats.
Mini Mason Jars = Pre-Mixed Drinks
If you usually end up playing hostess rather than enjoying the party, do yourself a favor and make your guests’ drinks ahead of time. Simply make a batch of cocktails and display them in Mason jars over ice. Guests can serve themselves, then chill out with a delicious beverage.
Flag Frame = Paper Towel Holder
Use a garden flag frame to keep paper towels handy and easily accessible for little ones.
Use cupcake liners to keep popsicles from dripping
This one is especially useful if you have kids running around. Say goodbye to furniture and clothing stains for good.
Put cloves in a halved lemon to keep bugs away
Chill warm wine almost instantly with a wet dish towel
Get a dish towel or paper towels soaking wet, wrap them around your wine bottle, and pop it in the fridge. After about seven minutes, your wine will be ice cold.
Use double skewers when making kebabs to keep food secure on the grill
Two skewers are better than one since your food will be way less likely to slide off.
