You know that feeling right before your first guest arrives? The house is hotter than you expected, the oven has been running for hours, and someone has already asked where they can put their drink.
This is how many of us experience summer hosting; it isn’t always one single meltdown. Instead, it typically involves a series of smaller mishaps that create a sense of chaos, stuffiness and overcrowding in your home.
Pre-Cool The Space Before Your Guests Arrive
In terms of creating a welcoming environment for your guests, one of the simplest errors is to wait until they arrive at your home to begin thinking about cooling.
At that point, the space will have to contend with its own body heat (from the guests), from open windows and/or doors, heat from cooking and sunlight all at once. It’s far simpler to control your home’s climate beforehand.
To help prevent overheating your living space, close the curtains/ blinds in the sunniest rooms in the middle of the day and also set the table well before the heat of the day.
For those with central air conditioning, turn it on while preparing for your guests’ arrival instead of turning it on immediately after the space begins to feel overly warm.
Remember, you’re looking to cool your space by degrees; to take some of the “edge” off, so everyone feels welcomed into your home upon arrival.
Create Another Spot to Gather Besides The Kitchen
Guests tend to gravitate towards the kitchen because of proximity to food and beverages. However, within a short period of time, the area around the kitchen can become unbearably warm due to the heat emanating from cooking appliances.
To provide an alternative gathering spot to alleviate pressure on both yourself and your guests, try to establish another clearly visible location, such as a shaded porch, dining area equipped with ceiling fans or a lounge area equipped with cold beverages, prior to guests arriving.
These alternatives allow you to enjoy socialising with your guests in areas outside of the immediate vicinity of cooking equipment.
Choose Food & Beverages Wisely
The type of food and beverage choices you offer during the summer months can contribute greatly to maintaining a calm atmosphere in your home.
Heavy foods and difficult-to-serve dishes can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and frustration among both hosts and guests alike. When possible, keep food offerings light and simple.
Consider including cold beverages that are easily accessible without having to ask anyone for assistance. A pitcher of iced water with slices of lemon and a few cold beverages in a cooler or refrigerator gives you ample opportunity to focus on other aspects of entertainment without having to constantly attend to providing refreshments.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
When there are fewer items present in a room, the space tends to feel larger. Remove unnecessary items such as additional pillows, folded blankets and heavy drapery.
Use lightweight tablecloths, etc., to reduce visual weight. As long as your home doesn’t look cluttered or overdone, your guests will appreciate the added comfort factor.
