Throwing a party for your friends and family is an excellent way to socialize and celebrate, but it can quickly become a costly affair if you don't plan ahead. There are usually several details to consider, and when you have pets, you'll also want to factor in their fun and safety. Hosting a party can be a great time, but it typically means having your attention divided for several hours between guests and duties, and this can lead to problems if you aren't prepared ahead of time.
One of your biggest concerns should be safety for everyone, especially if you have a swimming pool. Think about the best ways to ensure that children and pets will be able to avoid accidents in and around the water, and make sure any
safety equipment you have is in good shape, especially if you haven't used it in a while. Since saving money during your preparations will be important, you can look for deals online when it comes to replacement gear or buying new items.
Here are a few things to consider when you're throwing a party on a budget.
- Keep the Pool Safe - Everyone loves a pool party, but it's imperative to make sure you keep safety in mind the entire time. Accidents can happen very quickly around the water, especially when pets and small children are involved, so making preparations is essential. First, make sure you have all the right safety equipment and that it's in good working order. Life vests and other floatation devices should be checked thoroughly. If you want to limit pool activities to a certain time of day, consider buying a heavy-duty net that will fit over the water and prevent anyone from accidentally falling in. This is especially helpful for people with small pets, as they can sometimes be easily overlooked in a crowd of people.
- Plan a Pet-Friendly Menu - The food you serve at your party should be budget-friendly, but it should also be easy to eat whether standing or sitting, and you'll want to stay away from anything that your pet can't have. Even if your guests heed your request not to feed him from their plates, he could still sneak scraps and leftovers when plates are unattended. Grapes, chocolate, and avocados are just a few foods that can be toxic to dogs, so stick with burgers and hot dogs, chips and dip, and veggie platters. These are items that pretty much everyone loves and will be easy on your wallet.
If you're concerned about your dog going after the food, or maybe you have guests who aren't super excited about spending time with your pet, consider using a dog walking service. Boogie N Pals can care for your pet until the party winds down, which will allow you to focus on the festivities instead of wondering if your dog is snacking on all the grub.
- Clean Up Before the Party Begins - Backyard barbeques are common party ideas for parties, so you'll want to clean up the lawn before everyone arrives. Making sure the grass is free of dog waste or toys will help to create a neat and worry-free area for everyone to have fun, and it will go a long way towards making things look nice, so you don't have to spend a ton of money on decorations. There are several cute ideas online for DIY party decor; add some American flags, some streamers, and balloons and you'll have a wonderful space for a party.
Last but not least, consider hiring someone to clean your furniture to ensure that everything looks fantastic. This way, you won't have to worry about anyone sitting or using furniture that hasn't been cleaned in a while. Use sites like Angi to find "furniture cleaning near me," and check reviews to ensure you're hiring someone capable of doing the job well.
- Keep It Contained - Part of keeping everyone safe at a busy party is making sure everything is contained. If the core of your event will be in the backyard, keep the gate to your fence closed so that everyone has to use one entrance and exit. This will ensure that kids stay within view and that your pet doesn't slip out. If your dog is nervous around new people, consider having him stay in the house, away from the noise. Just make sure he has plenty of water, favorite toys, and a comfy place to rest.
Throwing a party is a great way to get together with your friends and loved ones, but when you have a pet, it's essential to make sure you plan ahead for any contingency. With a little planning, you can stick to a budget, keep everyone safe, and have fun at the same time.
Article by,
Cindy Aldridge
