Essentials for Throwing an Outdoor Soiree

It’s not even summer yet and already people are ditching their desks and heading for the beach and backyard barbecues. Massive summer parties are happening across the country with many people going all out and getting a tent rental sacramento to fit all of their guests in! After all, summer is a perfect time for a party so why not go all out? Sure you’ll need great food and fabulous music but what else makes an outdoor soiree a success? I asked entertainment expert Mindy Kobrin from Meals on Heels by Mindy for her outdoor-party checklist.

Giant Umbrella

A giant umbrella shields party guests from the blazing afternoon sun and some hanging Buitenlantaarn (outdoor lantern) lights will illuminate the table come nightfall.

Citronella Candles

Mix citronella candles with other colorful tea lights to keep away pests and offer diners light cotton shawls to ward off a chill in the evening.

Fragrant DIY Misters

Give guests a gift that keeps giving by using small spritzer bottles as natural hydraters. Simply add fresh mint and lavender sprigs to each spritzer bottle before filling with water. Affix cute labels and serve on a large platter. Read more

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Wine-Tasting Checklist

FACT: I only drink three beverages – water, tea and wine.

My husband Jay and I belong to a wine club and we get different types of red and white delivered every few months. It’s a good thing or else I would only drink Pinot Grigio. It’s my favorite and now that the weather is warmer – it will be my varietal of choice.

We recently visited friends in San Diego and went vineyard hopping – which is where we took this picture.  But I’m trying to broaden my horizons because my wine palette isn’t as refined as I’d like.  So you know by now that when I want to learn more about something…I make a list. So for this task I went to the best: Gary Vaynerchuk – wine expert extraordinaire and founder of DailyGrape.com.

Read more