You never know when friends or family will stop in, so keep a supply of essential party supplies on-hand to turn an ordinary visit into a party in an instant.

• Movies and TV: Whether you are watching the big game or sharing a family favorite, movies and television are a great way to have fun or entertain chaperones, children and adults. Keep a variety of movies on-hand including animation and classics that appeal to all ages.
  
• Music: Think in terms of themes to make the most of every party: jazz or mood music for quiet get-togethers, trendy pop hits for the teens in your life and maybe a little mambo or salsa for a sizzling summer dance set.
  
• Games: Keep the kids entertained with a selection of indoor and outdoor fun including popular video or board games and outdoor activities like basketball or lawn bowling.

• Picnic Blankets: This summer stand-by never goes out of style! Simple yet sophisticated, spreading out a few picnic blankets is a quick way to create a beautiful setting with the use of vibrant colors and textures. 
• Folding Tables and Chairs: You never know when a folding table and chairs will come in handy. Keep one or more on-hand to use as a serving area or to seat unexpected guests in a matter of minutes. Combine with a decorative yet easy-to-clean table cloth and voila — you are instantly prepared for every occasion. Solid tablecloth colors such as green, white, red or gold tend to match any color scheme making them a great standby selection.
• Umbrellas: Use in combination with picnic blankets, patio furniture or serving centers to create a stylish and protected setting in just a matter of minutes. Umbrellas are also a great alternative for elderly guests who need to stay out of the sun.
• Lights, Camera, Action! A few well-placed candles, festive flowers and strings of lights can transform an ordinary setting into an extraordinary scene that sets the mood for the entire evening. Create a “party box” with candles or LED lighting, dried flowers and other small favors that can be set up on short notice.

• BBQ Grill: Take the party outside while keeping the house clean simply by adding a BBQ grill to the back yard. Store charcoal and lighter fluid, or propane for gas grills, to have a roaring fire ready to go in just minutes.
• Disposable Dinnerware: From paper plates to plastic bowls, disposable dishes come in a wide array of shapes, sizes and colors suitable for any occasion. Keep it environmentally friendly by purchasing those made from recycled materials. Popular choices include:

• Drinks: Stock up on a few tried-and-true beverages that will appeal to any guest including bottled water, soda, iced tea and coffee. Be sure to keep a little sugar, honey and sugar substitutes available for those on restricted diets.
• Snacks: Impromptu parties require snacks, so it is a good idea to keep a variety on-hand. In addition to cookies, chips and sweet treats, popular low-fat alternatives everyone will enjoy include popcorn and pretzels or a bowl of fresh fruit containing apples, bananas and other seasonal varieties. 
• Dessert: Ice cream never goes out of style, so stock up on traditional favorites and healthy alternatives like frozen yogurt with fresh fruit served on top.
• Food: From frozen pizza to a fresh salad with grilled salmon, these easy-to-prepare standbys make great party selections in less than 30 minutes:
  • Frozen Pizza: From freezer to oven in just minutes, keep a selection of frozen pizza on-hand to feed the guys or the entire gang.
  • Grill in Style: Need a quick but elegant dinner selection? Grilled fish or steak with a fresh salad and baked potato are the perfect complement to any dinner party.
  • Quick and Easy: For a casual get-together, chicken, hot dogs and burger patties can feed a hungry crowd. Combine with baked beans, corn-on-the-cob and chips for a summer feast without the fuss.

• Digital Camera or Camcorder: Make the memories last a lifetime or just share the fun with family and friends by keeping a digital camera or camcorder ready to go. It’s a fun way to catch those spontaneous moments and add a little laughter to any get-together. Or stock up on disposable cameras and let kids and adults capture the fun from their own unique perspectives, then upload or scan, print and distribute your favorite photos later.

Don't interrupt the fun with worries about spending the next day cleaning. Keep it simple and straightforward by using disposable dishes and keeping the following quick clean-up solutions on-hand.

• Trash Cans: Place an assortment around the party area to help you — and your guests — clean as you go.
• Disinfectant Wipes: Clean-up is a breeze with disposable wipes. Use on hands, tables, chairs and any other surface that needs a quick touch-up.
• Stain Remover: Great for those accidental spills on rugs, furniture or clothing.

Transform a dull, boring visit into an occasion to remember with just a few simple steps. It’s a great way to make friends and family feel appreciated while keeping the clutter and clean-up to a minimum.