With this free printable 4th of July scavenger hunt, a garage stocked full of essentials, and these impromptu party planning tips, you’ll be ready to host the best bash of the summer with very little notice!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of P&G at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.
There is just something about the summer that shouts spontaneity, doing things on a whim, and getting together with friends and family. And having unexpected visitors drop by who just wanted to say “hi” on their way driving across the country.
This doesn’t seem to happen nearly as much during the year when people are in school, schedules are strict, and kids aren’t playing together all day long. And it’s wonderful.
Summer parties are some of my favorites. But they’re much better when I’m prepared for said spontaneous summer soirees. So I’ve put together some of my best tips and tricks for being ready anytime someone says “hey, let’s have a last-minute barbecue” or a college roommate calls and asks if they can stay the night because they happen to be passing through.
Tips for Always Being Prepared to Host Guests
This list isn’t going to say keep your house spotless all the time. I live in my house; it’s not going to be spotless. This list is full of easy things you can do so it appears that you have it all together even if you don’t. And a couple of things that will make throwing that last-minute party or just inviting the neighborhood kids to stay for a movie night a little easier.
#1 – Stock Up on Essentials
Any time I see my essentials (things I buy all the time anyway) on sale at Walmart, I stock up and put them on the shelves in my garage. Three that I recommend always having on hand for hosting guests are Bounty Select-A-Size paper towels (whoever invented Select-A-Size is a genius!) Charmin Ultra Strong Toilet Paper and Dawn Original Dishwashing Liquid.
If there is one thing I can guarantee about having guests over for whatever reason – there will be food, dishes, and bathroom breaks.
#2 – Keep a Full Guest Chest
Along the same lines as stocking up on essentials, keeping a chest or basket of supplies is an easy way to make hosting guests less stressful for you AND make your guests feel more welcome.
I typically make sure to include toothpaste (just grab a tube of this Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean Toothpaste), hair products (Pantene Daily Moisture Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner are my current favorites), extra toilet paper, body wash like this Old Spice High Endurance Sport Body (my husband’s favorite scent!), and sometimes a razor or extra toothbrush.
Toss in a load of towels (Tide PODS Ultra Oxi Laundry Detergent are another one of my essentials) if you don’t have any clean already (not that I’ve ever had that happen) and add those towels to the basket and you’re done. No reason to say no to that friend that wants to stop by on their way out of town or even a friend who drives in for a party and wants to stay the night instead of driving home late.
#3 – Keep Empty Storage Containers on Hand
This is one of my dirty secrets, but it works. Have one or two large empty storage containers on hand at all times. As soon as you find out someone is coming over last-minute or your child tells you all of his neighbor friends are coming over to play some outdoor games, here’s what you do. Take those storage containers and use five minutes to put any clutter, mess, or things you don’t want destroyed or seen in them.
Put on a lid and pop it in your bedroom closet or somewhere else people aren’t going to go. House looks clean, you can go through and put away the things in the storage container later, and nothing gets broken by your guests.
#4 – Keep Games & Activities On Hand
If you’ve read my blog for long, you know I’m a big fan of games. Games, family nights, pretty much anything fun. So I’m a big advocate for having options for fun on hand for when these impromptu gatherings happen. Whether it’s one of these board games for adults, supplies for these minute to win it games, or something else, just have some ideas of things you can do if people get bored and need to be entertained.
Printable 4th of July Scavenger Hunt
To help you out, I made a 4th of July scavenger hunt that is print and play. And 4th of July bingo cards, but you can get those over here!
I did this with my son, and he absolutely loved it. It’s simple to set up in just a few minutes and will make kids happy. And best of all – if you put a small prize like a puzzle or bubbles or something at the end, it’ll also keep kids entertained for a while!
To set up the scavenger hunt, simply print out the clues, then hide them around the house either leaving little prizes along the way or at the end like I did with my son’s stuffed animals. I also love to make my clue locations a little festive depending on the theme – just adds to the element of fun!
Get the Free Printable
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<<Download the 4th of July Hunt printables>>
#5 – Just Say No
No matter how prepared you might be, sometimes you just need to say no. There’s a time for yes and there’s a time for no. Learn when the right times are and compromise if necessary. If your kids want to have friends over for a movie night tonight but you don’t have time to entertain the entire neighborhood (or just don’t want to), offer to have everyone over tomorrow instead.
And because you’ve already stocked up and prepared ahead of time, you’ll be able to do tomorrow!
Speaking of stocking up, here’s my being ready for impromptu summer parties shopping list! Get everything on this list, a few drinks and snacks and you’re golden!
Don’t forget to pin this 4th of July scavenger hunt for later!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of P&G at Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.
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