Believe it or not, the end of summer will be here before you know it. And that means end of summer parties held in late August and early September. These parties can be a lot of fun and a great source for long-lasting memories, but they can also be aggravating from an organizational standpoint. There is just a lot to think about and keep track of.
The key to an enjoyable end of summer party is to not create undue stress. We have put together a list of five tips you might find helpful in this regard:
1. Bring a Dish
Back in the days before catering and commercial style kitchens in the home, people used to throw casual parties in which they invited everyone to bring a dish to pass. This is still a great way to put on an end of summer party without having to spend a lot of time obsessing over the menu and the price of food. Not only that, your guests will love the opportunity to contribute their favorite recipes. If you are feeling especially adventurous, you can ask guests to write down their recipes and share them with others at the party.
2. Tent Rental
Larger holiday parties might require a tent and more seating than you have around the house. A good option is to use a party rental company that can provide both tents and chairs. And no, it’s probably not as expensive as you might think. Party rentals are fairly affordable in this day and age.
3. Traffic Control
End of summer parties are notorious for causing traffic problems in local neighborhoods. What is worse is the fact that all of the parties are held on Labor Day weekend. If there are multiple parties in your neighborhood on that same weekend, traffic can be a nightmare. We recommend you speak with the owner of a local business that might not be open on Labor Day. Ask if guests can use the parking lot while you provide a shuttle service to and from your house. By the way, your older teens make great shuttle car drivers.
4. Entertainment
It can be difficult to keep people entertained during your party, especially if you have invited a lot of people. However, there is no need to stress if you plan it right. Ask some of your guests to bring sports equipment like footballs, baseballs and bats, soccer balls, etc. Invite some others to bring their favorite board games. You can handle the television and a few DVDs for the younger kids. This way you will have a nice selection of things to do that should pique the interest of all of your guests.
5. Local Permits
There is nothing more stressful for an end of summer party than getting a visit from the local police department. If you are planning to do more than just invite a few close friends for a backyard barbecue, check with your local municipality regarding permits. You may need to obtain one if you are planning on live music or your number of guests exceeds a certain limit.
The end of summer party is a great way to say goodbye to those hazy, lazy days and welcome back the busier days of school and work. My Divine Concierge would be more than happy to help you plan and pull off your party this year. We specialize in personal services that can help you organize your life in just about every area. Do not hesitate to contact us to inquire what we can do for you, at home or at your business.