Lets party

Summer is finally here and we are all either hosting or attending BBQs and pool parties. It is so refreshing to be able to sit out and enjoy the sun. Sounds of laughter and the aroma of food…. Ah!

But what about after party work? Your guests all left without offering to help? Or there is litter of plastic cutlery and crockery everywhere? There are bits of food all over your backyard? Well that is a hazard you have to face, but you can minimize that.

First, ask for help. Believe me most times people assume you don’t need help because you don’t ask. Simply ask them to carry food inside. You can then pack it in containers and give these away if there is surplus.

Second, place two three garbage bags in the area so people can put garbage in there. If it is handy, they will make it a point to use it.

Third, keep the bar away from food. That way a chance of drink getting spilled on food is minimum. Plus there will be less chaos if people are standing in small groups rather than everyone congregating in one corner.

Don’t keep too much gap between two courses. If there is too much gap, people tend to throw away their disposable plates and take new every time. Also make sure that disposable plates and cutlery is of good quality and does not get soggy.

Keep plenty of tissues around; in fact it is even better to have the kitchen towel handy. It will save you a lot of trouble.

Before you serve main dishes, remove the appetizers and if possible wash the platters. You will have less to clean at the end of the day. I usually run a quick cycle in my dishwasher after appetizers are consumed so my platters are clean. And before serving dessert, remove other food.

Please, please don’t serve food that requires too much handling. If people have to use forks and knives, it will create confusion because it is a BBQ and not a sit-down dinner.

So go ahead and host a fantastic party and have a blast

So be it!!!