Tips For Throwing A Small Summer Gathering
This post was sponsored by Upgrade Your Summer as part of a Influencer Activation and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
The weather is heating up, the sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and it’s the perfect time to start planning summer soirees. If you’re like me, you’re probably super busy – between running kids around while getting in an errand or two, and also trying to balance being a mom and having somewhat of a social life.
While being a mom takes patience and planning ahead is key, so does having friends over for a small gathering. I’ve recently gotten into hosting gatherings at my home and while I don’t have too many over all at once; I do enjoy hosting a great time for the few guests I have.
There’s nothing more relaxing than grabbing a cool and refreshing beverage, while having a great time with the ones closest to you. I’ve recently discovered the new Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade during my latest Walmart run and it’s the perfect beverage to serve at any gathering.
The Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade has the same great taste as the original Canada Dry Ginger Ale, but also features a hint of real lemon juice! It’s perfect for the summer time and adds a nice sizzle to your traditional summertime lemonade. Be careful, you’ll want all of it before your guests arrive, so be sure to grab enough!
Planning a small gathering doesn’t have to cost you too much time or money. That’s why I absolutely love the convenience of Walmart for all of my entertaining needs. I can grab food, server ware, and decor all in one place. I am no expert on party planning, but I’ve grasped a few key concepts while putting this together.
Keep it simple!
The more elaborate you think you have to be, the more overwhelmed you’ll become when it’s time to put everything together.
Write a list and check it twice!
Before I headed to Walmart, I made sure I wrote down everything I needed in their respective categories. For example: I wrote down my theme ‘Summer Luau,’ then I wrote down party decor ideas underneath. I also wrote down ‘finger foods’ and underneath that, I wrote down a few foods that would be super easy and quick to serve.
Buy foods that are already prepared and/or pre-packaged.
This will save you so much time when it comes to making sure your guests are fed and happy. For this gathering, I picked up some Almond Nut-Thins that were individually wrapped and packaged, so that guests can grab and go. Nut-thins are crispy and crunchy in texture, made with real Blue Diamond almonds, are wheat & gluten-free, and contain no artificial flavors.
And who doesn’t love hummus? Hummus is a staple for gatherings and makes a great summer dip for any snack and can be eaten with just about anything! Here we enjoyed some Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with pretzels and a side of tropical fruit.
For the entree, we went back to number one and kept it simple! This Budweiser Beer-Battered Shrimp came in a ‘party size’ and was a huge hit for guests! Within 15 minutes after placing them in the oven, we had pub-style, crunchy, beer-battered shrimp. The packaging also includes a tangy citrus sauce. Can you say yum?
Have ONE signature drink. Buying drinks for everyone’s tastes can be exhausting. So why not choose one that complements the food you’re serving and be done? Trust me, it’s a thing and your guests will appreciate the time you put in to create a ‘special’ drink, just for them.
Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade complimented my luau theme and all of the delicious flavors that were served. Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade combines the classic tastes of Canada Dry Ginger Ale with a splash of lemonade. It is made with real lemon juice, delivering the ultimate refreshment, perfect for kicking back and relaxing in the summer. Made from real ginger taste with a splash of real juice, it is both Caffeine-free and naturally flavored.
Have fun!
Last, but not least; have some fun! Turn on your favorite tunes while creating your setup and preparing your food. Get in the groove of things, have your kids and/or family members help. If you’re not having fun, then what’s the point? Start small (with three or four guests at a time) and build up from there. Especially if you’re new to entertaining at your home.
Guests are ultimately there to be with YOU! Everything else is a bonus. Plus, when you buy participating brands at Walmart, you can enter for a chance to Upgrade Your Summer by entering to win a backyard makeover that includes the Ultimate Outdoor Movie Theater.
Don’t forget to swing by your local Walmart and grab the new Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade. It’s the perfect twist to your traditional summertime lemonade and all guests aside, you can enjoy this beverage anytime, anywhere! Pop the bottle, or can, pour over some ice, add a garnish of lemon, lime, or orange and you’ve got yourself the perfect drink to enjoy. With no caffeine and naturally flavored, the Canada Dry Ginger Ale and Lemonade is the ultimate refreshment perfect for kicking back and relaxing this summer!
There’s no purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chance of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Must be at least 21+ and a legal resident of the 50 U.S./DC. The Sweepstakes will consist of one (1) random drawing period to award (131) prizes. Sweepstakes begins on 5/1/19 at 12:00:01 a.m. (midnight) ET and ends on 7/22/19 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. To enter and for Official Rules and other important terms and conditions, visit upgrade-your-summer.com. Sponsor: Fuel Partnerships, Inc., 6111 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite #265, Boca Raton, FL 33487.
"The more elaborate you think you have to be, the more overwhelmed you’ll become when it’s time to put everything together." I need a poster of this in front of my face every time I plan a party. I have such a tendency to go overboard and be frantic at the last minute!
Lindsey, I am literally laughing out loud! Thank you for taking the time to read through and gather some tips. I hope they were super helpful and you can rest assured that you don’t have to go over the top- even if it ‘looks’ like you did. -xo!