Summer is the season for family cookouts, graduation parties, pool parties, birthdays – you name it. And the sunshine and warm weather is excuse enough to host your next home gathering. Hosting brings on a list of to-dos like deciding which dishes to prepare, ensuring your guests are entertained, and making sure the house is in order before everyone arrives. And we get it – being the "host with the most" can be pressuring. Follow the tips below to help create a safe space for your guests and reduce some of the stress that comes with hosting:
Styling for Safety:
Ensuring your home is a safe space for hosting doesn’t mean you have to compromise your décor. In fact, many interior design choices can be made with safety in mind. Flameless candles or candle warmers, for instance, can be a great alternative to open flame candles, which are a fire hazard. Wall plug-ins can be used inside to enhance the smell of your home.
To avoid slips, trips, and falls, its recommended that you secure any loose decorations and use non-slip rugs. A nasty fall can really dampen the mood of a party.
Finally, make sure to consider the size of your space when sending out invitations for larger gatherings. Too many guests can pose many possible safety risks. You may even consider rearranging the furniture to ensure there’s plenty of room for your guests to sit or stand comfortably.
Food and Beverage Safety:
When it comes to cooking for a large group – there’s a number of important safety precautions to follow. Specifically for summer parties, brushing up on your grill safety is key. Your grill should be set up in an open area away from buildings, tree branches, and other flammable materials.
It’s also important to consider any possible food allergies when deciding on which dishes to prepare. And ultimately, if you’re preparing a dish with a common allergy, be sure to label it. For a stress-free evening, you may even consider hiring professional caterers.
When leaving food out, be sure it’s kept at the proper temperature to avoid making anyone sick from spoilage.
In the case of alcohol consumption, its extremely important to limit the amount of alcohol available and keep an eye out to prevent anyone from drinking and driving.
Pet Safety:
We know that hosting can be overwhelming for you – and for your pets, too! Read more about what you can do to help prepare your pets for company.
Just remember, the key to being the "host with the most" is ensuring your guests can enjoy themselves in a safe environment. By following the tips above, you can reduce the stresses that come with hosting, and create a truly memorable night for your guests!
This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.
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