Summer parties mean late nights, great friends and plenty of memorable moments – but it also means ample planning and preparation. Even the savviest of party hosts ends up feeling stressed and slightly overwhelmed with a house full of people – especially when you want to ensure a fun-filled experience. When you’re throwing a party, you want to feel as thought everything is under control and, most of all, you want all of your guests to enjoy themselves.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a flawless outdoor occasion.

• Hope for sunshine, but prepare for rain. There’s nothing worse than planning a completely outdoor party only to become caught off guard by an unexpected thunderstorm. Even if the forecast shows a zero percent chance of showers, have a plan B in place. Add a little party flair to your screened in porch, basement or other covered area, such as a gazebo just in case you end up running for cover halfway into the day.

• Don’t spend all night playing bartender. Set up an outdoor wet bar for guests to make their own concoctions. Keep a cooler full of ice and leave out plenty of garnishes in small, decorative dishes. The last thing you want to be doing is searching through your refrigerator for cocktail olives when you should be enjoying the fruits of your labor.

• Supply plenty of insect repellant. While citronella candles are great for warding off mosquitoes, they still have a limited radius. Leave out a bucket full of various repellant options for your guests to use to protect themselves.

• If you’re planning to grill out, remember that not everyone eats meat. There’s nothing worse than being the lone vegetarian at a party munching on tortilla chips while everyone else scarfs down on hot dogs and burgers. Ensure you have at least one meatless entrée option for your vegetarian or health conscious friends.

Finally, make sure to relax and enjoy yourself. The great thing about outdoor summer parties is that everyone expects a casual atmosphere. Make yourself a cold drink, light a few candles and enjoy a night full of friendship and laughter.