In This Guide
Plan seating for more guests than you expect
Outdoor gatherings often draw more casual attendance than indoor ones. Having a few extra folding chairs or floor cushions on hand avoids a last-minute scramble.
Manage food safety in the heat
Perishable food left out in summer heat spoils faster than indoors. A general food safety guideline is not leaving perishable dishes out for more than about two hours in warm weather, and less than that above roughly 90°F.
Add shade and bug management
An umbrella or shade sail, combined with citronella candles or another bug deterrent, addresses two of the most common complaints about outdoor entertaining in summer.
This article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Home and Lifestyle Guide may earn a commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you; this never influences our independent editorial recommendations. See our Advertising Disclosure and Editorial Policy for details.
