6 ways to keep guests cool at summer parties
**UPDATED JUNE 2019** In the UK it seems we’re forever complaining about the weather. Last year’s soaring temperatures have so far eluded us, but with forecasters promising sunshine on the horizon, we need to be prepared to face….the HEAT. In Britain we are invariably ill-prepared and ill-equipped to cope with a Mediterranean summer, and simply wilt. For an event planner, this can be a mixed blessing. The opportunity to take an event outside should be seized, but unless you want guests to retreat indoors to the comfort of air-conditioning, you’ll need to plan how to keep them cool as temperatures soar. Here are some of our favourite ideas with 6 ways to keep guests cool at summer parties:
1. Create shade
At outdoor parties you’ll often find people heading for the shade of the largest tree. Mature trees provide natural shaded areas but not all outdoor parties will be able to take advantage of this. Thankfully there are much more flexible ways to create a cool canopy. Gazebos come in a range of colours and sizes. But for a more bespoke look, we love brightly coloured shade sails, created simply by stretching material of your choice across firmly placed poles.
2. Misting area
If you can’t jump into a pool to cool down a misting area is the next best thing. Popular at music festivals, the misting machine cools the air using the natural cooling effect of water evaporating in warm air. Choose a fine mist setting. It should cool guests without the need for a towel. Another option is to offer small bottles of facial spritzer for an instant refresher. It nourishes and hydrates the skin, without removing make-up.
Related Topic: Hip Summer Cocktails
3. Hydration station
Stocking a good choice of enticing soft-drinks can often be overlooked when planning parties. But while you plan your frozen cocktails remember in hot weather guests will need to drink more soft drinks to keep hydrated. Adding cucumber, raspberries or melon to iced water stations. It not only makes it look more attractive, it adds a delicate flavour that makes drinking water more appealing too.
4. Hawaiian shave ice
Hawaii is no stranger to the sun. The island is the perfect place to look for inspiration for summer coolers. Say aloha to shave ice, an ice-based dessert served in a tub with fruit syrup and a scoop of vanilla ice-cream. Not only does this dessert hit all the right taste buds in hot weather, it looks fantastic too. Made by shaving a block of ice, to create a fine, snow-like texture, having the ice shaver on site is a terrific focal point.
5. Frozen foot baths
This one may sound crazy, but trust me, when guests’ feet start to swell they’ll thank you for the opportunity to retreat and soak their feet in bowls of iced water. It’s best to set-up this area away from the main swell of the party, and provide seats and towels for guest to dry off afterwards. Remember to replace the water after each use.
6. Hand-held fans
There is usually a good reason for traditional methods standing the test of time. Few things beat the simplicity and instant cooling of a hand-held fan. Fans can be custom printed to fit in with the theme and décor of your event. They can be used as an opportunity for branding or opened to reveal a photograph and memorable writing for guests to take away as a memento of the day.
I hope our 6 ways to keep guests cool at summer parties helps with your party plans. Enjoy the summer!