pool party! (Photo credit: BellaLago)

With the warm weather, school being let out, and summer vacations being planned you’ll find the guests are arriving, but what do we feed them? No matter how long they stay they’ll want breakfast, lunch, and dinner while they’re here. How do you keep yummy things in your fridge or cabinets that they can enjoy?

Think outside the box. In this case, outside your home. Your backyard can be a wonderful place to feed and entertain your guests. No matter the size of your yard with a comfortable table and chair set, a grill, and a cooler you can create a heavenly respite. If the weather is pleasant eat outside and keep things easy with colorful paper plates and plastic wear. When grilling make sure to make extra so that there are leftovers. Left over chicken can be used a multitude of ways.

If your guests are using your home as a base to go and see local sights and attractions, then you can make salads from the leftover grilled chicken. Corn cooked during your bar-b-que makes a cool and delicious salad they can take along with them on their daily jaunts. Have an extra cooler so your guests can bring their food with them and save money.

Since you know when your guest will be arriving you can cook meals ahead of time and freeze them. Items like lasagna, quiche, or strata’s make wonderful foods to heat up and will probably leave you with extra to have again. Keep cold cuts and cheese in the refrigerator for snacks, quick sandwiches, and appetizers. Stock up on olives, dried fruits, and nuts for quick pick me up snacks that will please any picky eater.

Have a variety of soda, waters, and make a big pitcher of sun tea to refresh your guests. Chilled wine and beer can be kept in a cooler left outside, just replenish the ice. Some nice touches with their drinks is use colored plastic cups. Chill raspberries or blackberries in ice cubes to have a sweet twist on water.

Making sure your guests have a good time does not have to be a chore. Make sure to tell them that your kitchen is open for them to use at anytime. This will alleviate you having to constantly serve them. Having small packages of yogurt and fruit washed and ready to eat will allow them to eat without feeling they are inconveniencing you.

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