Hey Hosting Queen,

It was a Saturday in July after a week of storms. The date had been set for a month. Anticipation was building, and everyone was silently praying the rain would finally give us a break.

Then — as if on cue — the day dawned sunny and bright.

Guests were set to arrive at 4 PM. Live music was already warming up. A big tent stretched across the yard with four long tables ready for food. Lawn games were scattered around the property. People arrived old and young alike, grateful to be outside after days of rain — and for many, it was their first time in a quiet country backyard far from the city.

About 50 people came. And a good time was had by all.

That was the scene.
But here’s what went on behind the scenes:

• Party invitations sent out 4 weeks in advance
  
  

• Lists… lists… and more lists
  
  

• Chose an easy, crowd-pleasing menu (pulled pork with all the fixings, three salads, cut veggies + dip, chips, trays of cookies and squares, watermelon, lemonade, punch, water, canned drinks) I homemade everything, but Queen, you DO NOT need to this!
  
  

• Made cookies and squares several weeks in advance and froze them
  
  

• Shopped for all food 3 days before
  
  

• Gathered and labeled all serving dishes, utensils, tongs, signs, and trays
  
  

• Cooked the pork + chopped all salad veggies on Friday
  
  

• Made several rounds of ice every day for a week and stored in freezer bags
  
  

• Used camping coolers to chill salads and restock veggies on party day
  
  

• Set up tents, chairs, umbrellas, lawn games, bubble station, and bug spray on Saturday
  
  

• Chilled drinks
  
  

• Planned ahead to eat my own dinner early so I could fully focus on my guests
  
  

Everyone said it was the best party they’d ever been to — and I truly loved planning it.
It brought me so much joy to prepare something beautiful, welcoming, and thoughtful for so many people.

A realistic timeline and a solid checklist made this party calm, organized, and completely stress-free — for both me and my guests.

And the final magic of the evening?
A campfire with s’mores — a first for many attending. People still talk about that night and ask when the next one will be. (Maybe this summer?)

I loved every minute of hosting this.
Would you love to throw your own backyard bash this year?
I offer two levels of in-person support here in the Ottawa area, designed to make your celebration just as joyful and memorable.

Less Stress, More Magic ~ Always

With Love,

Krista

P.S. I even asked a couple of friends ahead of time if they could help with dishes and cleanup — and they were happy to say yes.