Outdoor Entertaining Made Taking the party outdoors is an easy way to expand a guest list and create space for guests. Outdoor events also may be less taxing on home decor, and hosts may find there’s less cleanup after outdoor parties than indoor affairs. The following are a handful of ways to make outdoor entertaining even easier. Create a space that can handle the elements. Keep in mind that Mother Nature can be fickle, and you will have to prepare for different scenarios if you will be hosting outdoors. Much of the stress involving outdoor events revolves around the weather ruining the festivities. This stress can be removed by having a contingency plan. Give guests a spot where they can escape the elements. Renting a tent or a canopy is an easy solution. A tent or canopy will offer shade in bright sunlight and keep guests dry if clouds roll in. When the weather is cold, a tent with side flaps can serve as a buffer against the chill. Ensure there’s enough seating. Keep guests comfortable with adequate seating. This may involve a little creativity. Takes seats from inside the house out to the patio, or use stools or benches. 3 easy You can even lay blankets picnic-style for added seating. Another idea is to rent chairs from a party supply retailer. Some chair rentals can be as low as $2 per chair. Do not leave food sitting out. Inform guests when the food and other refreshments will be served so they can plan accordingly. This maximizes efficiency and prevents food from spoiling. Have nonperishable snacks available for late arrivals. Make foods and beverages self-service. Running in and out of the house to cater to each individual guest can be tiring. Set up a drink and food station outdoors so guests can help themselves to whatever they like. If you’d like to offer some more specialized attention, use a rolling cart to push around a signature drink service and let guests grab a spritzer or another cocktail. Bring the music outdoors. Wireless Bluetooth speakers have made it easier to listen to music outdoors. Simply create a playlist and relax. Keep guests comfortable. Make bug spray, light blankets, wraps, sunglasses, and other courtesy items easily accessible to guests. v MetroCreative Connection Potential Trouble Signs For Driveways Though they are often easy to overlook, thought may want to start looking for potential trouble signs that indicate a need for some driveway maintenance. According to the online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of a driveway installation in 2015 was just under $3,700. Those costs are influenced by a host of factors, including the size of the driveway and the material it’s made of. Damaged driveways do not necessarily need to be replaced, as some may just 2404 Broadway Ave. need minor repairs. Yankton 605-260-2453 But homeowners who see any of the driveways are durable parts of a home that can greatly impact a home’s curb appeal. Driveways endure quite a bit of wear and tear over their lifespans, and homeowners who have not given their driveways much WHEN YOU BRING THE AD INTO KOPESKEY’S ACE HARDWARE GET A FREE PINT OF VALSPAR® PAINT IN THE COLOR OF YOUR CHOICE 6• TODAY’S HOME - Spring 2017 following trouble signs in their driveways may want to consult a professional contractor to determine what their next steps should be. 1. Potholes Potholes might be most often associated with heavily trafficked roadways, but even driveways are susceptible to potholes. As the ground beneath the driveway expands and contracts, the pavement above that ground weakens and becomes more susceptible to damage. That damage may ultimately lead to large chunks of the driveway breaking down, creating holes as a result. Homeowners who live in areas that experience heavy snowfall may see their driveways develop potholes after they are shoveled or plowed. Potholes that are not vDriveways continued on page 22