Outdoor entertaining is a quintessential summer activity.But the sunshine and warm weather that draws us together this time of the yearcan pose a challenge to keep everyone cool and comfortable.
Here are five tips on how to keep your guests cool this season:
1. Keep your guests hydrated
Much like the way summer gatherings are centered aroundgrilling, they also tend to be centered around imbibing beer and other adultbeverages that worsen dehydration.
And while the adults are enjoying beer or wine, the kidsare usually drinking sodas, which are not nearly as hydrating as good,old-fashioned water. Tea has caffeine, so it is not as hydrating as water, butserving iced tea can also help keep your guests hydrated and cool.
Encourage your guests to drink water by making it readily available wherever they can grab a drink. Make sure your beer and soda coolers or buckets also have some bottled water. You can also make it more appealing by filling a large drink dispenser with water and adding sliced lemons, limes, oranges or cucumber.
2. Use shade wisely
If you are fortunate enough to have lots of shade trees or a covered patio, use them to your benefit. Even areas near fences or structures that are shaded during certain parts of the day are an advantage and can be put to good use for parties. Create various groups of seating options set in these shady areas to provide a cooler, comfortable spots where your guests can gather for smaller conversations or take a break from the action and cool off.
If you don’t have any shade available, patio umbrellas provide plentiful shade and are cost-effective. A gazebo or covered patio/porch offer a more permanent solution and may be just what you’re looking for!
3. Install outdoor fans
Keeping the air moving is an effective way to keep youroutdoor living areas cooler, which makes patio fans a necessity for anyhomeowner who hosts parties during the hotter summer months.
Ceiling fans are readily available for covered patios, and oscillating, standing fans designed for outdoor use can be found at home improvement stores. Even a regular box fan can make a big difference on a hot day.
4. Limit or delay fire features
Fire pits and patio fireplaces provide a central gathering place and a welcoming environment at parties, but when the weather heats up, it might be best to forgo the fire features. If you really want to have an inviting fire to help set the mood, hold off on lighting it until after dark and after the temperature has dropped significantly. You should also make sure you have plenty of seating options that are away from the fire feature allowing guests to avoid the heat if desired. Sitting away from the fire still allows you and your guests to enjoy the light and ambiance without feeling the extreme heat.
5. Plan a late afternoon or evening party
One easy way to keep your guests cooler without investingmoney in your outdoor living areas is to simply schedule your gatherings laterin the day. With some well-designed lighting, you and your guests can fullyenjoy your entertaining areas after the sun goes down. This allows you to hostoutdoor parties without worrying about the sun or heat putting a damper on yourfun.
We hope these tips help keep you, your friends and family cool going into the summer months. If you live in Oakland County and have any questions about Sun’s services, we invite you to call us at (248) 986-1506 or schedule a service online!
