Everything your need to know to secure a flyaway tablecloth and prevent bugs from diving into drinks.
Amplify music outside
No need to rent or borrow expensive sound equipment. Simply position your iPod doc or home speakers so that the speaker points toward the wall of your house (as opposed to facing out toward the yard). The sound will bounce off the wall and amplify to the perfect volume.
Find enough seating
If your patio furniture alone won't cut it, bring kitchen stools and dining room chairs outside. You might also consider renting furniture; folding chairs and tables can run between $1 and $6 a piece. For a cheaper option, ask neighbors if they would lend you their weatherproof furniture for the day. (Don't forget to invite them to the party and help them move the items you borrow.) Check out these tips to clean your patio and lawn furniture.
Let there be light
When the sun goes down, don't leave guests in the dark. Try stringing holiday twinkle lights in a straight line, X- or V-shape for an elegant look, or drape them across tree branches for a more whimsical feel. To prevent guests from tripping on extension cords, secure them the the ground. Bend a six-inch piece of wire into a U-shape, position it over the extension cord, and push the wire into the ground. Tiki torches and candles are other great ways to add light and create a warm atmosphere.
Secure a flyaway tablecloth
Don't let a little wind dictate how you set the table. Use a sewing machine (or even a few concealed safety pins) to add small pocket pouches to the inside corners of your tablecloth. Fill the pockets with stones to keep the tablecloth weighted down (see full instructions on Curbly). Another option: Stick Velcro onto the legs of your table and the corners of your tablecloth.
Keep bugs out of drinks
Don't let glasses of sangria become swimming pools for pests. Try this trick: place a cupcake liner over the top of a glass and poke a straw through the center. Keep things looking fresh by choosing a patterned liner and a pretty straw (see full instructions at Martha Stewart). Avoid cup chaos by placing a magic marker at your bar station. Guests can write their names on drinks.
Prevent full bellies before dinner
While everyone loves an amazing spread of appetizers, you also want guests to still be hungry come dinner. Let partygoers know what time you plan to serve the main course and remove appetizers approximately a half hour before. Replacing finger food with condiments and other toppings will send a subtle cue that the party is entering a new phase. Perfect your grilling technique with these expert tips.