COOKTOP COVE
For trash, line and label a cheap popup hamper
Guests have a way of going through plenty of paper plates, cups and napkins during the course of a summer party. Finding enough trash cans to take care of all the leftovers can be a hassle. There’s no need to go out and buy additional bins when a laundry basket and garbage bag will do the trick. Put pop-up clothes hampers to work as makeshift trash cans by fitting a black garbage bag over the rim. Place the hampers around the party to be filled as your friends enjoy food, drinks and more. Using hampers in this way also adds a splash of color or fabric design to your party decor.
COOKTOP COVE
Place tea lights in mason jars for fast, easy mood lighting
When there just isn’t time to hang those romantic strings of bistro lights through the trees, incorporate the mood lighting at a summer party with mason jars and tea lights instead. It won’t take you much time to design a collection of simple, yet elegant lights that you can place along tabletops or patio edging. Place a single tea light inside a mason jar or fill the jar with water first and let the lit candle float for a unique effect. Consider adding a doily below the jars for some texture and sophistication.
COOKTOP COVE
Secure a tablecloth so it doesn’t blow away
Setting a picturesque outdoor table for a summer party is fine as long as everything stays in place. While you can decide all the decorative details in advance, there’s no guarantee that the wind will cooperate with your party plans. Eliminate the stress of worrying about a flyaway tablecloth by securing the cloth to the table with a length of charming accent ribbon.
COOKTOP COVE
Burn an empty egg carton on the grill to repel bugs
Nothing brings a party down faster than a swarm of mosquitoes and a lack of resources to keep them away. Instead of purchasing pricey repellent oils and coils, keep the pests at bay with nothing more than a cardboard egg carton and the grill. Heat the cartoon up so it catches on fire, then quickly blow it out and let it smolder on the fire-safe grill top. The burning cardboard releases a pleasant aroma for guests while the smoke works to repel mosquitoes.