BUG OFF. Insects may be helpful in the garden, but they are a nuisance at the picnic table. To fend off unwanted guests, mist your party parameter with bug spray before guests arrive. More eco-friendly options include citronella candles and bouquets of basil (the herb is said to be a natural deterrent). For yellow- jacket control, keep sweet beverages and meat covered, and offer a sacrificial plate of meat—far from guests.
STAY COOL. A surefire way to end the party early is to let your guests roast in the hot sun. Avoid potential for overheating by offering partygoers respite from the rays. Shade comes in various forms, from umbrellas to trees to stilted tarps to covered patios. Have a box of sunhats, baseball caps, and sunscreen for guests to grab and add four-star style with an ice bucket of spraymist water bottles.
SIT PRETTY. Comfort is about more than a shady place to relax. Inviting seating is equally important. If you don’t have enough chairs to go around, get creative. Move your sofa and love seat outside, scatter a couple of blankets and pillows, or drag out your mattress, cover it with a picnic blanket and pillows, and turn it into a lounge area. Even folding chairs can be dressed up with fun cushions.
HYDRATE. Without ample liquid refreshments, guests are likely to wilt alongside the spinach salad. Make sure everyone’s hydrated and happy by providing a few non-alcoholic beverage choices. Big pitchers of lemonade mixed with iced tea (called Arnold Palmers) or water infused with sliced lemon, orange, or cucumber will do the trick.
SHOW GOOD TASTE. Food that’s been basking in the sun for a few hours isn’t just unappetizing, —it’s unhealthy. Keep food delicious and safe to eat by avoiding ingredients that spoil quickly, such as mayonnaise, dairy, and undercooked fish or meats. Serve warm foods right away in a shaded area and keep cold food chilled in coolers or the fridge.
