It’s a little-known fact that approximately 318 Americans die heat-related illnesses each year (Centers for Disease Control). It’s even lesser known that over 542 parties die yearly from the same complications. Here are five easy tips to keep your party guests cool and your gathering off the DOA charts.

·         Serve Cool Vegetables Instead Of A Hot Meal

When planning your menu, opt for items like watercress, cucumbers, fresh fruit and salads. Not only is watermelon delicious finger food, it also combats dehydration because, as implied by the title, it is full of water. Salads are often overlooked as a meal, instead becoming the often-overlooked appetizer. Serve a delicious strawberry and spinach salad as part of your main course and watch your guests lick their lips as they line up for a second helping. The only time we recommend hot food is when you:

·         Serve Spicy Food

It’s a common misconception that spicy food will make you warmer – in fact, the opposite is true. Spicy food makes us sweat, and sweat cools us down!

·         Shut The Blinds

The day of your party, close your blinds before it gets warm. Providing your blinds are a light color, they will reflect heat away from the house, keeping the inside cool.

·         Take a break from cutting your lawn

Move your party outside and invite your guests to lounge under the shade of umbrellas or a tree while cooling their bare feet in your long, lush grass.

·         Don’t Serve Alcohol or Coffee

Before you start booing me, remember that both caffeine and alcohol promote dehydration. During the hot hours of the day, opt for Shirley Temples, and then switch to martinis when the sun begins to set.

We don’t want to see your gathering on the list of DOA parties, so follow these tips and keep your guests from sticking to your leather furniture!