Summer is here, and with the Fourth of July happening soon, it's time to fire up the grill, get outside, and celebrate with friends and family. Hosting a get-together in your backyard is a great way to do this. Residents here at the best waterfront development at the Lake of the Ozarks have the gorgeous lakeside view and the amazing yards that make for a wonderful setting. There is also an excellent picnic area with a large patio on the point available to everyone living here for these types of occasions.
Mission Bay would like to offer you a few simple tips to make your gathering one that your guests will be talking about for years to come. With a little planning, a backyard party can be fun and fairly simple to put together. The key is to do as much in advance as possible so that you have time to enjoy it yourself.
Food
Grilling is great for outdoor parties. It's a quick trip between the grill and the table for transferring food, and there aren't a lot of pots and pans left to wash afterwards. Buffet-style is the easiest way to offer the food. This will keep it all in one spot so that you only have to worry about keeping the bugs away from one area. Food covers and food tents are great, and can usually be found at the local dollar store, so you can get plenty to cover everything. Chips are perfect for outdoors because they can sit out all day without spoiling. If you are serving cold items, make them the day before and refrigerate overnight. When it's time to serve, you can place the cold dish in a larger dish full of ice to keep it chilled while people are eating. Lots of colorful fresh fruits and vegetables are filling and healthy, and they can stay out for quite a while without worry. An added bonus for those is that you just have to wash and cut them, no cooking involved!
Drinks
The most important thing about the drinks is that you can keep them cold. Lots and lots of ice should be at the top of your shopping list. You can fill a cooler with cans or bottles and let everyone help themselves. Another option is to fill large containers with spouts with a variety of water, teas, lemonades, or punches. Pitchers work too, but make sure that they can be covered. Having sliced fruits nearby to add to drinks is a nice touch. Keep a cooler full of ice just for putting in drinks next to the beverage table. If you are using paper cups, have a permanent marker by them so that people can add their name and keep track of their own drink.
Comfort
You will be outside and in the sun. Guests will greatly appreciate it if you have sunscreen and bug spray available. Citronella candles are wonderful for deterring the bugs too. A portable canopy tent is great for providing shade if you don't already have a lot in your backyard. Even though the party is meant to be outside, make sure that you have a cool area in the house ready for guests that need to get out of the heat. Also, make sure that there is plenty of seating and table space for people to sit and eat.Fun
While the food is cooking and after you eat, everyone will want something fun to do. There are plenty of games and activities for outside. You can have a few balls and frisbees handy for tossing around. Kids (and some adults) love bubbles, and since you're outside, the mess from a spill shouldn't be a problem. If it's a 4th of July celebration, sparklers are always a fun firework that isn't terribly dangerous to play with. Providing a few water balloons can be fun and keep everyone cool too.
Cleanup
If you opt for paper plates and cups and plastic silverware, cleanup is very quick and easy. Keep a large trash can or two in sight so that everyone can throw away used plates and scraps. A lidded can works best for keeping the bugs from joining your party. A separate can for recyclables is nice if you are serving canned or bottled drinks. If you choose to use your own dishes, have a tub for guests to place their used items in near the trash can so that you can just grab it and carry it inside when you clean up.
Easy setup and cleanup are key words to throwing a party with little stress involved. Celebrating outdoors can be fun and casual. Keep it simple and enjoy the time with your family and friends. If you have the added benefit of living in one of our lake view homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, almost no decorations are needed. The beauty of that gorgeous lake makes for a perfect party atmosphere.
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Phone: (573) 873-3465
237 Mission Bay Blvd.
Camdenton, MO 65020
