Party Planning

(Family Features) Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up with loved ones, playing host can be as demanding as it is enjoyable. Before gathering your crew for your next event, make a plan to ensure you get to enjoy the day as fully as your guests.

Keep the Menu Simple
An ornate spread may be impressive, but your guests are just as likely to appreciate a less demanding menu with a few standout dishes. Offer a single main dish, a couple of tried-and-true sides, some finger foods for snacking and a seasonal dessert. Beverage staples like tea, lemonade and water are all you really need, but if that feels too basic, you can offer a flavor station with fresh fruit like berries and lemon wedges, flavored syrups and other sweeteners. If you’ll be serving alcohol, don’t try to cater to everyone’s favorite. Select neutral white and red wines and one or two beer varieties. A signature cocktail you can premix and serve is another way to add a special touch.

Set a Thoughtful Theme
One area many hosts go overboard is theming their events. While setting a theme can be a fun idea, it doesn’t have to be fussy or complicated, and your decorations don’t have to be over the top. Subtle color, centerpieces and serving pieces are all places you can inject some thematic vibes without investing too much time or money. You can also let your theme influence any games or activities you plan, as well as other entertainment like background music.

Anticipate Guests’ Needs
Thinking ahead about your guests’ comfort can prevent scrambling once the party is underway. Consider needs like seating, where you’ll keep extra food for quick refills and essentials like more toilet paper in the guest bath. Also anticipate accidents like spills and have supplies ready to efficiently correct inevitable incidents. Remember to plan for extra trash bins and if guests will be congregating outdoors, provide extra sunscreen, bug spray and fans.

Organize Entertainment
Depending on the purpose of the party, your entertainment may be pretty clear, but if it’s a casual gathering, you’ll likely want to provide guests some ideas for passing the time. Board games and backyard games are almost always a hit. A playlist that fits your theme can add ambiance and provide background for conversation, but you can also inject some musical fun with karaoke. If you’ll have kids in attendance, provide age-appropriate options for shorter attention spans, too.

Make Cleanup Easy
After the last guest leaves, you may be ready to call it a night, but taking care of a few quick chores can make cleanup easier in the morning. Load the dishwasher and set it to run overnight, leaving any tough dishes to soak in hot, soapy water. Check for any spills or stains that need immediate attention and get a jump start on the floors. For a convenient hands-off experience, try the Eufy S1 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop, which achieves a 99.99% sterilization rate when mopping and, using automated sensors, elevates the mophead and converts to powerful suction for carpeted areas. After cleaning, the robot docks to automatically empty its dustbin, dispose of wastewater and clean its mopping pads, drying them with hot air to inhibit bacterial growth and odors.

Explore more ideas to tackle entertaining (and its aftermath) with ease at eufy.com.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (group of friends)

SOURCE:
Anker Innovations

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(Family Features) The ultimate summer holiday, the Fourth of July is a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family to create lasting memories.

From organizing the menu to planning festive activities, this guide can make your red, white and blue event a fun and memorable celebration.

Plan the Menu
When planning your Fourth of July party menu, start with traditional favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs and barbecue. Also consider the preferences and dietary restrictions of your guests and offer vegetarian and gluten-free dishes to accommodate everyone’s needs. Don’t forget to include refreshing summer beverages, such as lemonade or iced tea, to keep your guests hydrated.

Create a Festive Atmosphere
Hang American flags; red, white and blue banners; and string lights to set the mood. Consider placing decorative items like sparklers, pinwheels and balloons around the party area to add a touch of fun. You can also set up a photobooth with props like hats, sunglasses and patriotic accessories.

Set Up Fun Activities for All Ages
To keep your guests entertained, plan a variety of activities. Set up classic backyard games like cornhole, horseshoes or a water balloon toss as well as a craft station where younger guests can create patriotic-themed artwork or make friendship bracelets.

Don’t forget to organize a fireworks display to end the night with a bang. Make sure to follow all safety precautions and check local regulations regarding fireworks. If fireworks aren’t allowed in your area, consider alternatives like glow sticks or sparklers.

Take Safety Precautions with Fireworks
When using fireworks at your party, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Follow these safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Read and follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging.
• Only use fireworks in a designated outdoor area away from buildings, trees and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby for emergencies.
• Never attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Supervise children closely.
• Dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking them in water before throwing them away.

Find more party hosting tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., June 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Americans are set to spend an impressive $22.4 billion on Father’s Day this year, reflecting the importance of celebrating dads nationwide*. Dads who celebrate actually want to get active outdoors and prefer receiving gear that supports their hobbies and active lifestyles.** National activewear and outdoor gear retailer Sierra, in collaboration with YouGov, has uncovered that dads favor practical gifts that enable them to pursue their favorite outdoor activities. These insights reveal a shift towards experiences, guiding families to choose gifts that truly resonate with what dads want this Father’s Day.

Part of the TJ Maxx Family of Brands, Sierra is known for offering a vast selection of top brands in activewear and gear at great value, and is here to help shoppers spoil dad, grandpa, and any father figures in your life this Father’s Day without breaking the bank.

Key findings amongst dads who celebrate Father’s Day include:

• The Lure of the Outdoors: 75% of respondents shared that their ideal Father’s Day is spent outdoors, with activities ranging from hiking, camping, barbecuing, to fishing and more.
• Not in the Mood for a Fancy Restaurant? Fire up the Grill Instead: Contrary to the traditional image of a Father’s Day expensive dinner outing, 40% of dads who celebrate prefer to spend the day getting active in the great outdoors instead.
• Avoid Impersonal Gifts: Instead of a generic gift basket or a one-size-fits-all gift card to a store he doesn’t shop at, get something you know he needs! 33% of respondents revealed they prefer practical gifts they’ll actually use, including gear for their hobbies and other everyday items.
• Active Apparel & Gear Top the Gift List: When it comes to gifts, dads are most interested in apparel and gear to get active, with 42% of respondents sharing their preferred gifts are activewear and gear for their hobbies, compared to only 22% wanting workout equipment and sporting goods.
• Try Something New: 56% of respondents revealed they’re interested in taking up a new outdoor hobby, including fishing, pickleball, running, hiking, biking, and kayaking.

“This Father’s Day, Sierra has the top gifts to celebrate all dads and father figures out there, with incredible deals on gear for dads who love getting active and outside” said Caitlin Kobelski, Vice President and Sierra Marketing Director. “Whether it’s teaching us a new skill, cheering us on from the sidelines, or simply offering a listening ear, they play a vital role in our lives. At Sierra, we understand the importance of honoring dads with the gifts they want most. Find the perfect gift to fuel his passions and create lasting memories together, from top-quality brands at unbeatable prices to give dads what they truly want.”

Sierra’s Father’s Day Gift Guide:

To help shoppers find the perfect gift for Dad this year at amazing savings, Sierra has curated a Father’s Day Gift Guide featuring a selection of activewear and outdoor gear to support dads in pursuing their favorite activities and outdoor hobbies, or you can search the entire Father’s Day shop here. With prices up to 60% less*** than department and specialty stores prices, shop top gifts at Sierra to get more bang for your buck!

• Help dad discover his love for pickleball with a new pickleball set for just $19.99, 28% less*** than department or specialty retailers, encouraging him to try out new hobbies and creating a new way to spend quality time as a family.
• Check out Sierra’s incredible fishing equipment from this casting rod for just $49.99, 58% less*** than department or specialty retailers, fishing net for just $29.99, 45% less*** than department or specialty retailers, and a fly reel pack for just $129.99, 40% less*** than department or specialty retailers, to make dad’s fishing dream a reality.
• Gear dad up for summer hikes with a pair of sturdy hiking boots for just $59.99, 50% less*** than department or specialty retailers, a hydration pack for only $16.99, 51% less*** than department or specialty retailers, and trekking poles for only $16.99, 32% less*** than department or specialty retailers.
• For the gym-shy dad who wants to start working out, get him started with a workout kit for just $19.99, 33% less*** than department or specialty retailers, comfortable joggers for just $19.99, 50% less*** than department or specialty retailers, and supportive sneakers for just just $59.99, 42% less*** than department or specialty retailers.

Note to Editors

*Based on a report that indicates consumers are estimated to spend roughly $22.4 billion for Father’s Day gifts in 2024 – https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/fathers-day-spending-total-224-billion 

**All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2381 adults, among whom 533 were dads who celebrate Father’s Day. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th – 30th May 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).

***Prices are representative. Actual prices as marked. Styles vary by store and online. Compare At prices are based on comparison to regular prices of comparable items at full-price department or specialty retailers.

ABOUT SIERRA

Founded in 1986, Sierra helps customers get active with quality brands, vast selection, and affordable prices. Sierra is part of The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price retailer of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. Shop any of our 100 Sierra stores or visit Sierra.com to find apparel, footwear, and gear for your whole family at incredible prices. Give @SierraOfficial a follow on Instagram and Facebook, then tag us to share your travels, new hobbies, and great finds.

SOURCE Sierra

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