5 Easy Tips for a Summer Party that is fun for Kids AND Adults!

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We have 5 easy tips for throwing a fabulous summer party that is entertaining for the kids AND adults (and won't break your piggy bank!)

1. Decorate! using fresh flowers in vases as well as fresh cut basil in the vases--smells great on the table and keeps yellow jackets away. Entertaining can be simple and elegant!

2. Babysitter! hire a trusted neighborhood teenager to come over to play with and watch the kids while the parents enjoy cocktail hour. This way parents can relax a little and the kids have fun! Depending on the number of little ones--usually a ration of 1:4-5 is good.

3. Lifeguard! If there is a pool...it’s worth having everyone pitch in to hire a lifeguard from a local pool. Mom and dad can enjoy a glass of wine and know that there is a professional, watchful eye on the swimming kids. You can entertain without the stress of the kids!

4. Cocktails: Prosecco (or cava) is yummy, light and inexpensive and you can really spruce it up by mixing in fresh fruit juice like POMM or Cranberry (healthy and yummy)! Your cocktails will last longer and look beautiful and colorful! Easy Entertaining!

4. Food! Keep it simple with foods that both kids and parents love. Everybody loves food on a stick! Do some simple kebabs on the grill (chicken or beef) with a few chunks of colorful red bell peppers and red onions to add some veggies and color! Make a side of couscous (follow simple instructions on the box) adding flavor with olive oil, salt, pepper and crumbled feta cheese. For dessert, make crystal light popsicles for the kids (if you want to avoid the sugar highs)! Also, you can make crystal light (or any other colored beverage) ice cubes in fun colors to put in their drinks!

5. Entertainment! The parents will likely be entertained if they can have adult conversations and have the kids playing with the sitter. For the Kids, if there is no pool, consider a craft table with non-messy crafts. Buy a bunch of plastic tumblers in different solid colors and get those foam shapes and letters that have sticky backs. Kids can make their own cups with their names on them and decorate them however they want. There's no paint or glue to worry about and most craft stores have tons of different foam stickers. All of it is really inexpensive and keeps the kids busy.

Thanks to Tiffany and Stephanie (two fabulous moms) from California for contributing their fabulous party and entertaining ideas that are both adult and kid friendly!