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Outdoor Entertaining: Creating an Organized Oasis
by Grace Brooke
Summertime is the best time of the year to entertain outdoors. Imagine the sweet smell of corn-on-the-cob grilling on the BBQ, the joyous sound of family and friends laughing, and the taste of a refreshing beverage. So what’s stopping you from inviting your friends over on a sunny afternoon? Is the thought of hauling straws, plastic-ware, plates, an ice chest, wine glasses and patio cushions from the garage too overwhelming? Your outdoor space should be a source of relaxation, not frustration.
Whether you live in an apartment with a small terrace or in a four-bedroom home with a spacious backyard, you can organize your outdoor entertaining gear with these low-cost, budget friendly tips. Your next party will be easy to set up and even easier to clean up.
Maximize storage space. Save space by storing chaise lounge and chair cushions, beach towels and outdoor blankets in a teak or faux-wicker box, which can double as a place to set drinks. In the off-season, use a Space Bag High Capacity Cube to store and protect these items from rain and bugs and maximize space in the storage bench.
Create a serving console. Having a place to serve drinks, store flatware, plates, plastic wine glasses, and extra party supplies will help streamline serving guests. Invest in a weather-resistant console table and a rack for holding stemware. Keep utensils, straws, and condiments safe from dirt and bugs by housing them in clear plastic storage containers with locking lids. You can also repurpose household items like buckets and watering cans to hold ice and serving utensils.
Prepare the splash zone. If swimming or other water-based activities are part of your entertaining plans, get supplies ready ahead of time. Line a row of hooks on an exterior wall or designate a fence to keep used towels, wet bathing suits and blankets off the ground and out of the dirt. Inflate pool toys ahead of time and make sure enough towels are handy for guests to grab as needed. Extra towels can be stored in a Space Bag Storage Pack when not in use.
Tidy up Garden Supplies. Hide the unsightly hose (and keep it handy) by storing it in a bronzed hose pot. It may be convenient to lean brooms and rakes against an outside wall, but they’re more likely to be eyesores and tripping hazards if left out during a party. Move extra gardening tools into the garage before festivities begin.
About Grace Brooke
Grace Brooke is a professional organizer and time management coach in the San Francisco Bay area and has been called “a superb organizer whose attention to detail is excellent.” She combines creativity, compassion and experience to help her clients bring order to their lives and businesses, reduce stress caused by physical and mental clutter, improve productivity, and ultimately save time and money. To learn more about Brooke, please visit www.gracebrooke.com.
