Although a lot of our activities have been on hold this year, you can still get excited about Summer entertaining. If you’re looking forward to casual gatherings outside and reconnecting, check out our tips for the best season ever.

It’s smart to keep safety in mind as we ease out of social isolation. The new normal means that hand sanitizer is in, and shared dishes might be out.

Designating one bathroom for guests is a good solution, and allows for quick disinfection, if needed. Make the switch to paper towels for gatherings, and keep everything as hands-free as possible. Now is also a great time to think about any updates you’d like to make in your hallway bath or powder room. Check out our guide for ideas!

Hand sanitizer isn’t particularly festive, but putting it into a decorative soap dispenser can make it fit your entertaining theme. Also fun and easy? Use disposable plates and cutlery. There’s a whole universe of designs out there, and even some eco-conscious versions like bamboo utensils.

If you’ve been cooking at home more in the past few months, you may have discovered that your existing kitchen is not as efficient as you thought! Kitchen design has continued to evolve in recent years, and there are some enticing new ideas to consider.

Adequate food prep space is always an issue. Today, kitchen islands are often multi-use spots, used for homework, miscellaneous projects, and more. We help homeowners find more room and make life simpler by adding storage, extending counters, and rethinking their existing space. The photo shown above is a great example. Great task lighting makes it a popular spot for the whole family to hang out.

Don’t feel that you have to compensate for those missed social events. Make more time for conversation and reconnecting by keeping the menu and activities simple and relaxed.

Prepare as much as you can in advance, and don’t worry about keeping it formal. Good food, lots of beverages, and some music will be plenty for your first gathering.

Many of us rediscovered the joys of non-electronic games this year, so why not keep those easygoing vibes for your event? Kick off a competitive cornhole match, set up the croquet game, and check out the giant versions of Jenga and Yahtzee that are available.

If this is your first event of the summer, don’t forget that night-time atmosphere is crucial! Before you invite everyone over, think about how things will look after dark.

Adding party lights are a guaranteed dose of entertaining magic, guaranteed. They can also help direct guests and illuminate gathering spots. Whether you go with solar stake lights or a variety of string lights, they’ll help create perfect selfies and the right mood.

Do a test run before your party to see where you’ll need to add extra lighting. Pay close attention to stairs, railings, and pathways. If you need to run extension cords, ensure that they are safely out of the way to avoid tripping hazards.

The infinite variety of decorative shapes and the long life of LED bulbs mean that you can continue using your festive lanterns and lights all summer long. With magic at your disposal, you may find that you’re using them just for casual nights at home!

From all of us here at J&J Construction: Enjoy your summer!