MAY/JUNE - 2012

Summer Soiree
Getting your backyard ready for the summer party season

By Laurie Fox

During the summer months, the backyard and deck turn into the favorite spot in the house.
But this outdoor oasis probably has suffered during the madcap months of spring and the rush of kids finishing the school year. Storms may have deposited leaves and limbs, chairs and tables likely are dusted with pollen. And you can’t look at the pool without cringing.
It may be hard to face your outdoor space, but it’s about to become a primary location to spend your summer. Whether hanging out by the grill or staging more elaborate dinner parties, the great outdoors offers great opportunity.

ALL HANDS ON DECK
Backyards and decks provide the ideal spot for entertaining, especially in the opening months of summer before the scorching Texas temperatures kick in. They encourage family time and getting everyone outside. Local experts say that families are not afraid to sink some money into their outdoor areas.

“People want an indoor environment outdoors,” says Marc Lynch, manager of the Backyard Store in Arlington. “They are putting in sound systems and televisions outside. If you spend a lot of time outside or have parties, you can really get your money out of your backyard area.”

He says his customers routinely spend around $3,000 on seasonal upgrades to their backyards and decks. But Lynch and other local vendors say that cleaning up your backyard is an important first step before you can enjoy entertaining outside. The pool, deck, concrete or bricks, chairs, chaises and tables and grass and flowers all need attention.

John Powers of Mansfield’s Pool Aid says that ensuring a clean pool takes a few maintenance steps. He recommends breaking down the filter and pump and replacing any necessary parts. Also brush down all sides of the pool, benches, steps and spa and vacuum and clean out debris and skimmer baskets.
Checking out the pool cleaner is important as well, he says, and he suggests paying careful attention to the chemical balance in the pool water. More chemicals are not always better.

Exposure to the harsh winter elements and spring rains likely has taken a toll on your deck and outdoor flooring. It’s a good time to consider staining the deck wood and cleaning off bricks and concrete.

Umbrellas and cushions should be shaken out and checked for damage or holes. A bright new umbrella or set of cushions is a great way to instantly change or perk up a color scheme. Outdoor chairs and tables likely need a good cleansing and possibly a new coat of paint. Lynch says that a coat of wax or acrylic paint can boost chipped or fading paint. Homeowners also can invest in new powder coating, a service that he says can add 10 years to outdoor furniture.

“Some of this furniture will last a lifetime if you take good care of it,” Lynch says.

PARTY PLANNING
When it comes time to throw your first outdoor party plan to spend ample time prepping your party canvas just as you would inside the house.

Fort Worth event planner Ashley Paz recommends making major repairs to decks, fences or landscaping - including looking out for any jagged backyard corners or places where children could be injured—and laying sod or planting flowers a few weeks before a big event. “Get it all out of the way early and keep a peaceful household during your preparations,” she advises.

Paz, who stages environmentally friendly weddings and events, also reminds party hosts to consider the unwelcome party visitors: bugs. “We had such a dry summer last year that I’ve almost forgotten what a mosquito is,” she says. “But believe me they are coming back with a vengeance. And if you don’t treat your yard, ribs and potato salad won’t be the only thing on the menu.”

She recommends using Repellex Organic Insect Repellent, which contains essential oils, to treat the backyard area. The treatment hooks on to the water hose and only takes about 15 minutes to apply to an average size yard. A treatment should be applied about two weeks before, then again the day before an event, she says. Paz also likes the All Terrain brand of organic insect repellent to spray on party guests. “It smells so good, works like a charm, and a bottle only costs about $4,” she says.

Once the stage is set, it’s time to think about planning those dinner parties and barbecues using fun themes for both adults and kids. A popular way to coast into summer is to host “The Pool is Open” or a similar summer kick-off party idea that can be filled with classic, throwback nods to a simpler time.
Party planner Julie Eastman, of Fort Worth’s Extraordinary Events and Design, suggests hiring a certified lifeguard to make sure the kids are safe in the pool. Then she says, load up on beach balls, and stringing lights and paper lanterns in trees. “Don’t forget some fun games in the yard, such as croquet, horseshoes and washers,” she says.

Paz, who owns Vera Green Productions in Fort Worth, recommends low-key kid activities such as hop scotch, sack races and a “whole basket of bubbles, balls, hula hoops and glow sticks.

I do try to stick with activities that are age appropriate and don’t require constant supervision,” she says.

COLD DRINKS & HOT DOGS
Making ice cream or renting a snow cone machine and making s’mores also lends an old-fashioned air to those first days of summer. Eastman says kids would love creating a party lemonade stand that they can decorate or make a banner for. She suggests offering flavorings and fresh berries for the lemonade and maybe adding adult beverages for the older crowd.

Another fun food option is a grilling station where everyone can choose their meat and build their own hamburger or hot dog. For a larger gathering, Eastman says, “a food truck can be a creative alternative to hiring a caterer or being stuck at the grill all day.”

Vernee’ Davis, who owns DogOn Good Catering in Fort Worth, can attest to the power of a hot dog stand at a backyard party. “It really is a piece of nostalgia,” she says. “I get a great response from people. It’s an All-American thing and it’s family-friendly. You can’t mess it up. Very few people don’t like hot dogs.” Because Davis prepares her food onsite, she says party hosts like that they don’t have to worry about keeping food safe in the summer heat.

Donna Sellers, of Mansfield’s Unique Catering, recommends serving simple foods during backyard events and keeping an eye on perishable items by nestling them inside larger ice-filled bowls. She says pasta salads without mayonnaise, cole slaw tossed with garlic vinegar dressing, spinach salad with strawberries and oranges along with other fresh fruits and compotes are popular side dishes to outdoor grilled items. She suggests serving sliders or hamburgers, brisket or chicken. Advance preparation using marinades brings out the best in any meat, she says.

“Simple really is better,” says Sellers. “A light marinade like Italian salad dressing for chicken or garlic and Worcestershire sauce for steak really is all you need. You want something that enhances the flavor of the food, not overwhelm it.”

When it comes to entertaining outdoors, keeping it simple and doing the hard work up front allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy.