As much as we might hate to think about it, summer is coming to a close. School will soon be back in session, and the month of August, along with the amazing warm weather, will leave us too.

Before the summer curtains are drawn however, get all of your friends and family together for a great night in the yard. Drink, eat, be happy and enjoy the company of your favorite people before everyone’s schedule becomes really busy with school and work.

Below are some tips for making it a very special night:

The Lighter, the Better

Two things to keep in mind when setting the backyard buffet table: nothing too heavy and nothing too fancy. Lightly dressed salads and slaws complement an easy menu of burgers and sandwiches.

Here are a couple of serving tips:

  • Use plastic squirt bottles for condiments.
  • A terra-cotta pot lined with napkins makes a handy serving bowl for potato chips.

Serve Not-So-Sweet Desserts

Forgo a lineup of rich, buttery desserts in favor of fruit and good store-bought cookies (the ones that come prettily nested in their own paper cups are especially easy). What’s more refreshing on a hot night than a bowl of ripe strawberries?

Plus, serving fruits means zero prep time, what a relief!

Be Smart with the Buffet Table

Make plating up and cleaning up easier by using disposable plates and napkins and conscripting a few household tools for unexpected duty. For example, try these quick tips to make the night smoother:

  • Use a wire-mesh colander to keep bugs away from fruits and vegetables.
  • Use a loaf pan to stack hamburger buns.
  • Use popsicle-stick labels to distinguish meat variety.

Keep Mosquitoes Away

Encircle your patio or deck with citronella candles or incense sticks so the smoke and fragrance that the bugs hate will always waft toward you.

Or, try fans. Mosquitoes are weak flyers, so even a fan set on low will create enough airflow to keep them away. This works best in a small area, like a deck, where you can set up two or three box fans around your guests. It’s also a good idea to put a tabletop fan near the food.