When warm weather arrives, the race is on to fit in as much time outdoors as possible. You’re no doubt filling your calendar with BBQs, picnics and other alfresco fetes, but plein air parties can be plagued by all kinds of issues, from mosquitoes nipping at your ankles to rain sending your guests running for shelter.
Happily, hoping for the best but planning for the worst can sidestep common snags. We’ve anticipated some of the most stressful summer party challenges and paired them with simple solutions — including bug-banishing help from Thermacell — so you can kick back and have some fun.
Challenge: Pesky mosquitoes
Solution: Scent-free, no-mess protection that actually works
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Mosquitoes are bound to try to crash the party — and nothing kills the mood faster than guests itching, scratching, and slapping away tiny biters. The Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller is an easy solution to keep away unwanted pests without resorting to candles or unsightly fly traps.
The device creates a 20-foot zone of protection for up to 12 hours — without strong scents like citronella, potentially harmful chemicals like DEET, or precarious flames. Dubbed a “magic machine” by happy reviewers, it gently warms up an included cartridge that then releases an EPA-approved bug-repelling chemical that’s undetectable (to you!).
It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so it works even if you don’t have access to an outdoor plug. Plus, you can buy cartridge refills to use it season after season.
Challenge: Guests awkwardly standing while eating
Solution: Cleverly deployed blankets and cushions
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Not enough seating? Renting chairs will come at a premium, and they might not match your cottagecore outdoor spread. And it’s always a hassle to try to round up extras from the neighbors.
For a ‘gram-worthy solution that requires zero heavy lifting, set up cozy places to perch throughout the yard by spreading picnic blankets underneath ottomans, poufs, and throw pillows. Borrow pieces from your interior and throw on outdoor covers to protect them from dirt and spills. These novel spaces are bound to draw in kids and teens, leaving chairs and tables for adults.
To avoid the dreaded lap spill, focus on a menu of easy-to-eat foods and bring out a few small coffee tables or even overturned milk crates to add dinings surfaces. If you’ve cobbled together some mismatched low tables of a similar height, drape a tablecloth over them to create the illusion of a long, low table. The result is surprisingly elegant.
Challenge: BBQ sides getting spoiled
Solution: Clever cold storage to preserve temperature-sensitive foods
Anyone who has ever brought macaroni salad or deviled eggs to a picnic knows the fear of spoiled food. According to the FDA, cold foods should be kept at 40 degrees or below, but that can be tricky with old-school coolers. Upgrading to double-walled serving trays that come with concealed compartments for ice will keep your famous onion dip chilled without sweating all over your table. Another tip: If you’re entertaining at home, keep the colder snacks inside and temperature-stable nibbles like chips or bruschetta outside.
Challenge: Unpredictable weather
Solution: A (temporary) roof over your head
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You can’t control the forecast, but you can plan for the unexpected. For a major event like an outdoor wedding or graduation party, reserve a tent from local rental company, which can provide a large shelter for some reprieve from rain or harsh overhead sun. Many charge reserve-only fees if you end up not needing it.
If you’re planning a casual backyard hang and don’t need a full-size tent, you can opt for a small one to cover just your food spread and a few guests. Or, go with a sturdy pop-up tent, a more permanent pergola, or a retractable sunshade that will offer protection for seasons to come. This way, even if the majority of the party has to move inside, you can still take advantage of the protected outdoor space.
Challenge: Icky, overflowing trash
Solution: Get creative with trash and recycling options
Even the most polite guests will abandon trash on random surfaces when they don’t see an obvious home for it, but who wants to mar their aesthetic with plastic tubs or, worse, eyesore black bags? Opt for a lined wicker trash basket that blends in with the natural surroundings, or lean into a theme.
For example, if you’re hosting a 4th of July picnic, wrap your bins in star-spangled tablecloths for a clever disguise. This way, you don’t have to banish your waste bins behind the garage where no one will ever find or use them. For bonus points, print out a quick guide to what’s recyclable and display it on a decorated sign board in a nice frame.
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