Summer BBQs and get-togethers are finally happening. While we’re all loving the opportunity to spend more time together, it can feel like a lot of work when you’re hosting. Today, we're sharing 5 tips to make party clean up easier and more efficient, so you can put your energy towards enjoying the moment. Watch Kelsey share these tips on our local news station or read on below!
TIP 1: Use Craft Paper for Appetizers or Serving Stations
Craft paper is not only practical, it’s also very chic and lets your food stand out. You can create an entire grazing table without the need for tablecloths or platters. Enhance it by writing on the craft paper if you want to -- once you’re finished just wrap it up and throw it away.
TIP 2: Make Trash Cans Accessible
Make it convenient for guests to clean up after themselves with multiple pop-up trash cans placed around the main areas. You can buy these in 3 packs, I like the sturdier ones that can handle a bit more weight. It prevents that one main trash can from overflowing and encourages people to throw out their disposable items instead of leaving them around. Be sure to keep a spare bag at the bottom in case it fills up.
TIP 3: Always Do Your Dishes Before the Party
Having an empty dishwasher is ideal, but having an empty sink all you really need. The second trick here is to fill your sink with soapy water or put a basin in your sink with soapy water, this encourages guests to put dishes or empty serving platters right into the soaping bin. It will be super easy for you to do those hand washed dishes or load the dishwasher at the end of the night.
Tip 4: Assign Glasses
Assign glasses with cute markers or write on them with a sharpie. This cuts down on the number of cups you have floating around and makes for fewer dishes. Also, always put coasters in plain sight on all delicate surfaces. These are some of ours that dry instantly so you don’t have to worry about water marks on tables.
TIP 5: Don't Forget Take-Home Containers
Have take-home containers ready for guests at the end of the night. It helps you start the clean up and it’s a nice gesture. Towards the end of the party, I will put these out and as soon as people have cleared off a serving dish, it goes right into the soapy sink.
We love having a clean and tidy space and this helps us enjoy entertaining even more. Happy hosting!
