Enjoying your own party can be more complicated than it sounds. Backyard barbecues are a high point of summer, but hosting one you enjoy with your guests requires planning. “If swimming is on the agenda, consider protecting new or light-colored indoor furniture with water-resistant covers so guests in wet swimsuits can sit wherever they want without stressing out their host,” says Calla Quinn, a TikTok influencer who recently posted tips on hosting up to 50 friends at your home. Another tip she shares is using portable misting fans in dry climates. These devices create a fine mist to refresh passersby in seconds, and they are especially popular on patios and decks. Grill and Chill Host a Summer Barbecue for Everyone
If attendees offer to bring something, don’t hesitate to accept, and be specific about what you want — from lawn chairs to beach towels. Martha Stewart recommends having a stain remover on hand to manage stains and cloth towels that guests can use to wipe up spills. Expert hosts also recommend a self-serve bar for casual summer gatherings. Consider filling several 3-gallon drink dispensers with popular options. Depending on your guest list, you might offer family fare such as lemonade, iced tea, ice water, or premixed cocktails like strawberry vodka lemonade or passion fruit margaritas. Martha Stewart suggests allowing amateur mixologists to concoct their own beverages by setting out bottled juices, artisanal sodas, and kombucha. A stylish yet simple way to serve hors d’oeuvres and side dishes to complement your grilled entree is to assemble or have catered a charcuterie board. These feature finger foods such as meats, cheeses, olives, spreads, fruits, nuts, chips, and crackers. A fully
stocked charcuterie board adds a decorative touch while keeping guests well-fed for hours, adding what Quinn calls “a real wow factor.” And to make sure your day ends well, look for disposable, compostable bamboo or wooden dishes. Searching for “eco-friendly tableware and cutlery” should turn up some good options. This one last detail can go a long way toward supporting sustainable living while ensuring you don’t spend any valuable party time cleaning up broken glass or washing dishes.
Paperwork Powerhouse Must-Have Documents for Every Small-Business Owner
WEBSITE TERMS AND CONDITIONS In today’s digital world, almost every business has an online component. Whether you are entirely virtual or use your website to drive traffic to your physical store, you need to have a formal set of rules for users on your site. The terms and conditions of your page will spell out who is allowed to access your website, what they can and can’t do there, the conditions for selling your products, and the copyright laws protecting your intellectual property. This document will help protect your rights online. LICENSES AND PERMITS You will need to apply for specific permits and licenses based on what type of business you own. Most companies need a business license from their city or county to operate. Specialized niches like salons, restaurants, and accountants also require specific service licenses. Businesses selling products and services with sales taxes need a sales tax license from the state tax authority office in all the states where they conduct sales. While paperwork might not be the most glamorous or exciting part of your entrepreneurial journey, it will protect you and allow you to grow with more focus. If you are in need of direction or core documents for your start-up or existing business, please contact our office at 901-388-5805 to set up a strategy session with one of our business lawyers.
In a small business, paperwork reigns supreme, and having the proper documentation for your company can make all the difference. From a business plan to operating agreements, businesses of any size must have their legal ducks in a row and all the correct legal documents. So, let’s delve into the essential paperwork every savvy small-business owner needs in their arsenal. BUSINESS PLAN A business plan is a guiding document that gives you and your teammates or business partners a road map to success. While it is not technically a legally required document, it is a critical part of your planning. With this, you can create forecasts to guide decision-making and keep track of your goals. It is an excellent tool for entrepreneurs and should always be part of your documents. OPERATING AGREEMENT AND BYLAWS Operating agreements and bylaws are crucial documents a business needs to run its daily operations. Operating agreements include essential details like an outline of the distribution of profits and losses and a formal list of roles and titles. This document establishes legal boundaries between the business (LLC) and the owner. Bylaws are for corporations and explain key details like shareholder rights, the corporation’s purpose, and the naming of board members.
2 • DouglassRunger.com
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