Your summertime party might look a little different this year, with coronavirus still stirring up trouble. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with a (carefully curated) group of friends or your family.

Have fun – safely.

1. Watch the fireworks

If you’ve got community fireworks, the best way to enjoy them is probably to pull up a chair and enjoy them from afar. 

Want to blast off your own (assuming you live in a place where it’s legal)? Take it one item at a time, always outside, and with plenty of space around it. Think social distancing from your fireworks too.

Pets don’t love the noise that fireworks make. Remember their hearing is much better than ours, so those fireworks are VERY loud to them. If you let them run around outside for the party, let them run around inside when you get to the explosions.

2. Booze responsibly

Serving alcohol? Have non-alcoholic drinks available as well. Water, soft drinks, or even mocktails. Stop serving about an hour and a half before you expect people to leave. This gives people time to sober up before getting back on the road.

Speaking of which, don’t let people who are obviously unfit to drive behind the wheel of a car! If ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft haven’t made it to your town yet, have the number for the taxi service available.

You might consider hiring a bartender. They’ll ensure they’re not overserving anyone. If you have heavy drinkers, mix the drinks yourself.

Summer parties are all about the food. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and for summer parties, the messier the better. Get out your fun seasonal napkins! 

Ladies and gentlemen, start your grills.

3. Save the backs – yours and anyone who’s helping

Is your catering staff standing around with their hands to their backs, wincing and flinching? Does your back hurt because you have to bend over too far to pour drinks for your guests? 

If you’ve got a folding table, you can lift it up to either kitchen counter height or bar height, in many cases. Then you and your helpers can get the drinks without strain.

Make sure that there are plenty of places to sit down too. Chairs help support everyone’s backs while they’re checking out the fireworks.

It’s a festive occasion, so make sure everyone is having a good time, no back pain or neck strain!

4. Kids and a pool? Name a lifeguard

Drowning accidents are unfortunately all too common when it comes to summer. It doesn’t matter how shallow the pool is, and taking your eyes off them for just a few seconds can lead to a catastrophe. 

Have someone, preferably an adult, in charge of the pool while the kids are in and near it. You can rotate this task to make sure everyone has time for a good time at the party, but always make sure that someone responsible is there and watching.

Are you planning a summer party full of fun? What’s on YOUR safety list? Let us know in the comments!