Get a head start on summer party season prep with these simple tips.
Officially, Memorial Day is a federal holiday that commemorates those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Unofficially, Memorial Day (always observed on the last Monday in May—the 27th this year) marks the start of summer. It’s also the beginning of the outdoor entertaining season and time to start prepping your house and garden, before popular supplies run low and you’re crazed at work and home. Here’s your get-ready-for-Memorial-Day (and summer!) cheat sheet.
Start Indoors
Make a Grand Entrance: Hose or sweep off the front porch, shine up the door hardware, and consider buying a new doormat and some colorful planters filled with annuals.
Perk Up the Powder Room: Give the guest bathroom a Memorial Day makeover with some summery hand towels and fresh-scented hand soap.
Declutter the Mudroom: Banish all boots to off-season storage and make room for flip-flops and sandals. Set up easy-access storage for outdoor supplies like beach towels or sports equipment.
Think Ahead for Entertaining: Stock up on necessities like cocktail napkins, dinner napkins, and condiments, and make sure you have plenty of outdoor-friendly glassware.
Head Outside
Get the Grill Ready: Make sure your grill is clean and in good operating condition. Fill your propane tanks (always have a backup tank—there’s nothing worse than running out of gas mid-burger). And replace any tools that didn’t make it through last season.
Freshen Up Seating: Clean your outdoor furnishings according to manufacturer’s instructions (for most materials, this means a gentle scrub down with a soft cloth and soapy water). Replace any cushions or outdoor rugs that look worn or faded.
Scan for Safety: Are deck railings sturdy? Stair edges clearly marked? Consider adding solar lighting fixtures along paths and string lighting for ambience.
Create an Entertaining Station: Do some prep work in advance to help make outdoor gatherings as easy and relaxing for you as they are for your guests. Set up a bar cart or outdoor storage unit to keep your go-to supplies organized and close at hand. (Who wants to be running in and out of the house while everyone else is having fun?) Also use it as a buffet for serving food.
Prep for Pool Parties: Guests will need a private place to change in and out of their bathing suits. This could be a main floor powder room, mudroom, or even an area on the patio that you’ve partitioned off with a folding screen or two. In this area, provide amenities like a small stool or chair, hooks for clothing, small containers for jewelry, and a supply of bags for wet bathing suits. You’ll also want extra beach towels, sunscreen, and plenty of toys on hand. Consider keeping towels and toys in open bins or baskets for grab-and-go ease.