Our family has a bulk of our birthdays in the summer. One after another, July officially starts the birthday season for my clan. This August my oldest son celebrated his ninth birthday. We invited family to celebrate this momentous day and I made my plans as easy as possible. Some parents methodically arrange their children’s birthday parties. Everything is themed. I’ve been on Pinterest. I’ve seen the pictures. I am not that mom:) Not everything has to be elaborate. Sometimes celebrations can be special and simple, at least that is my objective.
My plan? Pizza, fruit, cut carrots, a pre-made cake, and Popsicles. My children were in seventh heaven. This is the feast of dreams of a nine year old boy. And a six year old boy. And a three year old boy:)
My boys were super excited at the possibility of getting to eat Popsicles and cake. Believe me, this isn’t a normal day occurrence. In fact, it has never happened before, but the boys had such fun picking out their preferred color Popsicle I am inclined to do this again for our next birthday celebration. And I love that I didn’t have to scoop out gobs of ice cream.
While our meal was a special birthday celebration, this feast could just as easily be an easy fit for any summer entertaining. Simply remove the cake and add in a salad or two and voilà~ you’ve got yourself a meal fit for a small crowd!
Our party was extra special this year as my Aunt Twila was visiting all the way from North Dakota and of course Nana came over too. We have become accustomed to our family parties only consisting of us, that it was a special treat to actually have multiple family members attend.
My secret trick to remove some of the mess involved with Popsicles indoors is to place a cupcake liner around the base. Any drips can be pooled here, rather than having them run down little hands.
With the end of August approaching I know our summer days are coming to end. I can’t wait to fit in a few more runs under the sprinkler and of course, a few more of these tasty treats!:)
And now it’s time to share the Popsicle goodness once again!
One lucky Mama Report reader will win a $25 Target gift card to purchase their own Popsicles! Woot!
Please use the Rafflecopter entry method provided.
Please note this contest is available to U.S. residents only. The winner will be selected at random using Rafflecopter and contacted via email. The winner has 48 hours (2 days) to respond. If the winner’s email is incorrect or they do not respond within 48 hours, another winner will be selected. If a winner is selected, and their entries are found to be fraudulent, they are automatically removed from the list and another winner will be selected.The winner will be announced on this page.
GOOD LUCK and don’t forget to enter to win another $25 Target gift card via Melanie at 2 Boys + 1 Girl = One Crazy Mom!
Don’t try and do to much, ending up going overboard.
And get your family to help out!
I simplify by planning things out as much as possible beforehnad.
I simplify with make ahead receipes
Looks like you guys had a fun party and I love the tip about the cupcake liner… sooo smart… LOVE it.. Thanks for sharing and I’m not THAT mom either… kids still love it… and Happy Birthday ….
Ask for help. Have others bring dishes if its a BBQ..just keep it simple
I like to use biodegradable plates and silverware. Easy clean up for me and better for the environment!
I keep everything simple, yet fun by not overdoing it.
Chinet paper plates and fancy plastic cups/wine glasses
Disposable plates and silverware to keep cleanup to a minimum
I prepare almost everything the day before so its easy to set up everything the next day
have friends/family help out and use disposables
I make some things ahead of time and freeze them. I love the cupcake paper around the Popsicle!! I gotta try that!
By having a simple bbq. We just have hamburgers or hot dog with some chips and ice cream for after. Thank you!
i simplify summer entertaining by having the gatherings outside which helps me with clean up!
i simplify summer entertaining by having BBQs
By doing things at home.
We keep things simple and prepare what I can ahead of entertaining.
If it is a casual get-together, like a BBQ, I ask guests to bring a dish to share and we provide the meat and drinks.
IK do lots of foods on the grill and potluck.
disposable everything and easy food dishes
I simplify by hosting potluck parties.
We invite our guests to bring a side dish.
we cook the main everyone else brings sides
Fresh friut. Easy to pack and healthy.
Plastic plates & plastic silverware are easy cleanup for no fuss entertaining.
I’m embarrassed to say but I’m a terrible hostess. I’m too easily overwhelmed. My solution? I recruit one of my more social friends or relatives to help me out.
I simplify summer entertainment by inviting family over for cookouts. Each guest brings a dish and the kids all love playing together!
make it fun but not over the top which will bring lots of stress
Fresh cut up fruits and veggies, easy clean up to the main dish.
I simplify by asking guests to bring snacks or drinks
Work is always divided
I have it help your self pot luck dinners
All of our recent “entertaining” has been playdates. Those are pretty simple.
We simplify with using reusable plastic ware so we have very little trash clean-up and it all goes into the dishwasher.
I like things that can be grilled and then if possible, depends on how hungry my visitors (usually my boys and their families) are have enough left over for a second meal.
We simplify by having by Bf help me the day before with food prep and table set up. Day of hubby mans the BBQ and I sip on a margarita.
by asking family or friends to bring one item even if its just the cups
kport207 at gmail dot com
I simplify by prepping the night before.
We have a lot of extended family get togethers and everyone brings something so it is easy for the person who is hosting.
I try to make mostly cold dishes so I don’t have to slave over the heat cooking.
I use disposable plates, napkins and table cloths.
We have all of our celebrations at my sisters house. She’s a wiz at throwing parties. I bring drinks and that’s it. Lol
I simplify summer entertaining by having a BBQ, it’s less set up , cooking and cleaning afterwards.
By not doing them lol. In reality, I don’t, but IF I did, I would plan a potluck one.
We BBQ, and make simple foods. We love to hang out outdoors…
Everyone brings food and drinks – no one has to pay for a lot or spend all the party time in the kitchen.
We bbq a lot, use paper plates and if I am really out of time I will buy the pre made salads from the deli.
make is simple and don’t go overboard
Cook ahead – have other bring a side dish – paper plates and cups etc.
i simplify by having potlucks where everybody pitches in…..and we have a variety and everybody has a great time
I simplify by planning things out as much as possible
I simplify by using a buffet – taco buffet, hot dog buffet, etc.
Paper plates are a must! And you always need an alternate indoor location in case it’s too hot or rainy.
We simplify summer entertaining by doing a lot of potlucks (or else doing all the grilling and asking guests to bring sides and desserts), having guests make or suggest their own music playlists, and prep ahead as much as possible!
We serve easy to prepare appetizers and grill hamburgers and hot dogs. Ice cream is always on the dessert menu
Thanks!
I like doing meatballs which are quick
We take care of all the big main stuff in the potluck, plan ahead and use disposable paper goods!
go to the movies!! food, funn and A/C are all in one place! thanks
i make as many dishes ahead as i can
I simplify summer entertaining by preparing foods ahead of time or hosting a potluck where everyone brings something.
Keep it super simple… or make something and take it to a neighbor’s party!
we have light food and out at the fire
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I dont, the bigger the better
It doesn’t get much simplier than hosting a BBQ. There’s usually something that everyone likes included.
Have everyone bring something that we can all share!
we love to have cookouts where everyone brings food!
I like to use fresh fruit in season. Keep as much of the entertaining outside as possible.
We do everything outside with disposable everything….table cloths, plates, cups, etc. Makes for easy clean up AND I didn’t have to clean the house to have a party 🙂
Paper plates, and disposable cups and flatware!
by having BBQs.. they are super easy.
Doing as much as I can beforehand and asking for help from friends.
do what I can before the party, and if someone offers help, take it.
Entertaining outdoors is simple and I do make ahead recipes.
just always grill!
by doing potlucks!
I try to get some items premade so I have more time with everyone.
We always, always throw something easy on the grill. Open a few bag of chips and that is it!
stay outside to minimize messes
sometimes we just pack a quick lunch and take it to the park and all the mess is there so nothing to clean up
We try to have folks bring a dish to share!
If it is for a big family gathering we simply all work together and spend even more time with each other that way. If guests are coming then usually everyone brings something to contribute. Less work = more fun!
I Simplify By Planning Ahead, Making List’s That Keep Me Organized.
bbq evenings are simple cooking on the grill, everyone loves the food!
Get things made ahead of time and have guests bring dishes.
I usually use my freezer to store stuff that I can serve later.
always let other guest bring a dish, so it is easy on every one as every one has a good time….
We like to do potluck – easier and loads of fun.
Thank you.
i start everything days in advance …that’s whats easy for me
I simplify summer entertaining by planning and cooking as much as I can ahead of time.
I use recipes that I know work and everyone loves 🙂
I make everybody bring a dish when I entertain during the summer.
I like to keep a lot of fresh fruits and veggies on hand!
I make a lot of things ahead of time.
Great tip about the cupcake liners.
organizing and list making!
I try to make things simple and fun by making like a buffet of kid friendly food that they can assemble.
I try to make everything ahead and have pick up foods so less time is spent on the meal.
I make summer entertaining more simple by having everything clean and the food set out before the guests show up. I also try to keep up on the mess as the party goes to make clean up easier.
using paper plates instead of real plates! Makes things go easier!
I simplify by using disposable tableware and buying most of the food from a restaurant
what a great idea to use cupcake liners to catch drips!
i love make ahead dishes so that you can enjoy your company instead of running around prepping and cooking!
We keep entertaining simple by asking everyone to bring a little something! Entered the rafflecopter as “Wild orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I like to have a theme and let everyone bring a dish.
I would recruit my sister in laws help. She is a “Martha stewart”, where as I am clueless.
I try to keep the menu simple so I don’t have to worry about the food and can concentrate on having fun!
I make simple meals like salads and grilled foods.
I use paper plates and plastic utensils so everything can just go straight into the trash.
I use paper products and ask people to bring a small something
I simplify by using paper products and ask people to bring a dish. We supply most of the meat.
We have pool parties and grill simple hot dogs and burgers.
I simply get everything I need at Target. :]
I do as much as I can the day before
I simplify summer by sending them outside to explore the great outdoors.
We take our summer entertaining outside to a playground or park 🙂
Maureen
maureen.tenney@gmail.com
We usually just grab drinks and hang out at the pool! Can’t get much simpler than that.
we use lots of paper plates, cups spoons so there aren’t so many dishes to wash
We use paper plates,cups etc… for easy clean up!
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
its not always easy to simplify in our house, but we try to plan out activities and meals and we always like to spend alot of time outside, thanks so much.
karenb834atyahoo.com
Disposable plates and silverware
I stick to picnics so I don’t have to worry about cleaning up my house.
We ask everyone to bring a dish.
I use more paper plates in the summer and with company.
Actually I do very little entertaining at home. I find it much easier to meet people out at a restaurant, bar or at the park. If I do entertain I prefer to do a picnic away from home, say at a local park or beach. I find that much simpler. Thanks for the giveaway.
Getting everything ready the night before!
I simplify it by making things ahead of time if possible.
I try to do all the prep work the day before!
We had a pool party for my son’s birthday in May. We just had pizza delivered so all I had to do was supply drinks and cake! Super easy and everyone had a blast!
I set things up in advance.
Looks good
We use plastic plates & plastic silverware for easy cleanup.
Make some food the night before.
I have everyone bring a dish to pass.
I have potlock dinners so I don’t have to cook as much
I like to do BBQ’s
By having the party OUTDOORS and preparing as much food as possible a couple days before
We simplify in the summer by using paper plates whenever we can love them.
BBQ’s or potlucks.
Paper plates and plastic spoons or forks. I’m not cleaning up tons of dishes, lol.
Summer potlucks!
I try to get as much prepped and ready to serve before guests arrive.
I have everyone bring something that way I don’t have to do all the cooking and there is something for everyone !!!
shebebes@yahoo.com
Have everyone bring a dish
I use lots of snacks and cold food.
We simplify it by asking people to bring side dishes. Make the work way easier for me. 🙂
I try to make things up ahead of time so it will be simple and easy
Cook ahead and have simple recipes.
I do prep work for several day and put it all together the day before.
We use disposable plates and utensils.
Simplify it by having things outdoors.
i plan weeks in advance., write everything on paper and check it off as i go.
Make everything disposable for easy clean up. Paper plates, plastic or Styrofoam cups, plastic forks / spoons, etc. Quick and easy and no dishes to wash!
We all eat outside…I set up a picnic table & lots of fresh fruit in big self serve platters & it’s as simple as summer gets!lol
I try to use items that I can throw away after so that it is easy to clean up after
I go out to eat instead. It’s too much work unless everyone brings something
It was the simplest summer ever, no entertaining!! So much happening I didn’t have tine!
We love to let our teens have their friends over to swim. It’s nice to have instant entertainment for them without having to do a lot.
I order food from a local BBQ place so I just have to worry about plates, utensils, napkins and drinks.
I make things ahead of time and get as much prep done as I can beforehand. Make light dishes that can sit overnight (or even things like pasta salad that can get better with a day). Of course delegate- let someone control the grilling, making cocktails, refilling ice, stuff like that.
bbq outside is cheep and ez 🙂
I like to bring a cake and have a party at the food court in the mall. It’s easy and affordable and they clean up for you afterwards!
Plastic plates and cups make for less broken dishes.
prep as much as you can before the actual event
I try to cook everything on the grill and make salads also
Ok so my kids loved the ice cream truck, but he wanted at least $3 for one ice cream. So I used to stash at least 10 ice cream bars in the freezer and when I heard those horrible bells I would give the kids an ice cream before they had chance to see the truck and ask for one of it. I saved so much money that way!!!!
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time.
I simplify by planning things out as much as possible beforehnad.
I use a lot of paper products that are easily disposed off and use tried and true recipes.
backyard poool
help the person out that is doing the entertaining
firing up the grill! and camp fires of course 🙂 Thanks
EASY DISHES
I have make ahead dishes!
Love crockpot sides!
Using disposable plates and silverware
We like to have pot luck get togethers which makes it easy on everyone.
I prepare as much as I can ahead of time, and always make a list of things I need to do!
Make it a potluck at the park 🙂 Nice scenery, plenty of room for the kids to run around, variety of goodies that you don’t have to make all yourself and minimal cleanup 🙂
Disposable plates and cups. I don’t want to do dishes
I try to get everyone to help and give them a chore.
Grilling the food makes for easy cleanup and doesn’t heat up the kitchen
Fire up the grill..
bbq, and mini swimming pool, for the kids
We love to have BBQ’s
I don’t worry about the details but about family and food so you’re not stuck thinking about what is missing; also just for it to be as fun as possible cooking and setting the table (making it a game rather than feel a chore)
I love making cake pops! simple and it makes cake less messy, plus, kids love it!
I try to avoid it…lol
I used disposable plates and silverware.
We do a lot of easy entertaining like barbeques.
easy, fast recipes, plan ahead, have the kids “help” to keep them busy and out of the way and get family to help too
have summer BBQ where everyone brings a dish
We usually do more finger foods and make sure the dishwasher is empty before the “party” begins.
Paper Plates are my friend!
I keep meals simple during summer get togethers; bbqs are great because most of my friends are happy with hot dogs, hamburgers, and a few easy salad side dishes.
outside grilling and paper goods!
I simplify things by having everyone bring a dish — popluck all the way!
eating outside makes cleanup more simple – and “assemble yourself” meals (like taco bars/baked potato bars) makes meal prep simple.
OTHER PEOPLE bring stuff
I simplify by entertaining outdoors.
To simplify summer entertaining I stick to plastic plates, cups, and utensils, and I stay out of the kitchen as much as I can by buying already made salads and things from the local deli.
I simplify summer with potluck dinners.
We spend a lot of time outdoors entertaining in the summer by having cookouts.
It also allows me to make a lot of the sides such as potato salad, macaroni salad and cole slaw ahead of time. And it can also be used for several meals.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
make everything ahead of time and beverage dispensers
lots of cookouts!
When it’s hot, I make a large bowl of potato or pasta salad and use it along with lots of good quality cold cuts and fresh raw veggies for dinners several days a week. It’s a cool meal and no cooking.
we plan ahead and prepare for everything.
I buy party platters for summer events
Do a lot of the preparing of some foods the day before!!
We like to grill in the summer if we are entertaining, nothing fancy and accompany the burger and dogs with different types of fruits salads or macaroni salads, and everyone ends up happy.
I look online for recipes that have 5 ingredients or less
Cook outdoors and use paper plates and cups – saves a lot of time from doing dishes
annabella @ centurytel dot net
Using paper plates.
i bbq a lot- fast nn casual!
by making simples
lots of quick meals form the store
We host pot lucks and BBQ’s to make things easier
I have everyone bring a dish to cut down on one person doing all the cooking.
I love to grill up stuff
We grill and use the fire pit as much as possible.
I definitely plan in advance. I make lists of things. I make sure I have all like items together. I also make sure all ingredients are ready to go before starting to cook or bake anything.
Don’t feel that everything has to be homemade!
We cook a ,or of meals on the grill to keep it simple
It may not be “green” but we use a lot of paper and plastic products to keep it simple.
campfire
always having chips and soda in my pantry for quick bbqs
I make easy to make and clean up snacks for parties.
we entertain outside so that the mess is cleaned up by the chickens and the dog!
I everything that I can ahead of time
^Should say I make everything that I can ahead of time.
I ask family to bring something when we get together.
I do cookouts or other stuff I enjoy doing that involves everyone! Swimming is awesome and a great summer workout.
Keep the cooking on the grill
It’s easier to have a party at the park! No pre-cleaning and no after cleaning required!
I like to cook everything on the grill to limit using to much kitchen equipment!
I keep the menu simple and serve buffet style including drinks so I can spend more time with my guests.
i do everything the night before.. and simple drinks. just pop it in the oven for a few minutes and done
We ask that guest bring a dish to pass.
I don’t know how I really simplify stuff, I plan stuff to a T. but I think it’s brilliant you used cupcake liners to catch spills!
i’ll make dishes I know will turn out well–no experimentation for a big group party!
I simplify summer entertaining by having everything laid out with a help yourself type day.
A bbq is very simple for us.
I let hubby smoke a lot of the food so I don’t have to do as much, plus everyone loves it!
i get ready the night before
Have a potluck so I don’t have as much to prep.
To make entertaining easy I try to prepare as much as possible in advance
I simplify by hosting potluck parties.
we go pot luck everyone brings something lot less work and it’s terrific
Pot luck and Bring your own drinks
Have guests bring things
I use paper plates, etc. I have everyone bring a dish. Plus, I make as much as I can ahead of time.
I make lists when I’m entertaining so I don’t forget anything!!
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time and use plastic plates and utensils
Stick with cold foods that don’t have to be cooked. It’s hot, so no one minds having cooler foods
thanks
we simply summer entertaining by using disposable plates and utensils, so little clean up afterwards
We try to do as much as possible outside.
Picnic family style outside – makes prep and cleanup so much easier
By buying easy summer food items like hotdogs and cheeseburgers
I usually prepare everthing the night before when the house is cooler.
We do so much grilling in the summertime– it’s so easy, and the kids can play in the backyard while we do it!
I ask evrryone to bring a dish and that helps everyone
Paper plates.
I try to prepare by doing ahead of time and using easy to prepare cold foods, thanks!
make carousels and crock-pot foods!
Ask people to bring something even if its cutlery, less dishes!
I have everyone in the faamily help out so everything isnt just on one person
I go to someone else’s house!
simple is better sometimes and i love potlucks!
Simple & no-bake summer dishes.
I usually just order pizza and have lots of drinks.
We order pizza and buy snacks at the store.
cook on the weekend to use during the week
Do it at the park.
Prepare ahead of time and use paper plates so there are no dishes to clean after.
I try not to overdo it. I would rather enjoy the company than spending the whole day cooking.
I do potlucks.
We cook lots of meat on the grill so we can eat for several days without cooking!
Everybody in the pool!
I simplify by having my daughters onhand to help in everyway possible 🙂 more hands
keep meals simple
Have it outside so spills can be hosed off