Entertaining tips to make the most of your summer gatherings

(BPT) – As the summer season heats up, many people are eager to line up their summer social schedules, some for the first time in a while. Whether hosting a gathering, headed out for a night on the town or meeting up with friends for an outdoor event, taking the initiative to organize a fun, successful get-together means spending time planning and making an investment in curating a memorable experience for you and your guests.For AARP members, a wide range of benefits and discounts can help your summer gatherings stay affordable without compromising on the fun. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind, whether you’re headed out for a night on the town or planning to host an event at home.Live entertainment If you are craving a return to live entertainment, there’s a wide range of events available to enjoy from comedy shows to concerts and sports, which can make for a perfect day or night out on the town and bring a nice change of scenery and sense of excitement for you and your friends. AARP members can take advantage of discounts when purchasing tickets to select events through Ticketmaster. Offers include 2-for-1 tickets, 4-packs and events with select tickets under $40 so you can save the most when planning an event for a group of friends or a family show. If the event is outdoors, check the venue website and see if bringing your own food and beverage is possible. Nothing beats a summer outing like a tailgate party or picnic. Keep in mind that there may still be some COVID-19 protocols in place, so be sure to check city and venue information sites before you go.Party planning at homeThere’s also a wonderful sense of pride and comfort in hosting a gathering at your own home. Barbecues, graduation parties, holiday festivities —they are back! Ahead of your party, put your best hosting foot forward by sprucing up your interior or freshening up your yard with home assistance from Porch. AARP members can save 5% on small jobs such as furniture assembly, TV wall mounting and more completed by a Porch handyman. You will also get enhanced property protection for both small tweaks and the more major home improvement projects. Plus, you get complimentary access to a dedicated Porch Home Assistant team that can help you book and manage your projects, assist with moving services and more.Before you commit to food, beverages and activities, finalize your guest list and tally your RSVPs by connecting with friends and family on the phone. With the AT&T Signature Unlimited PremiumSM plan, AARP members can save $10 per line per month, plus receive up to $45 in waived activation and upgrade fees.Once you have a headcount, plan a menu in advance and let Harry & David set your table, whether it’s a Fourth of July barbecue or a book club picnic with a charcuterie board, baked goods and more. Use the promo code AARP2 when checking out online for 20% off and AARP3 for $20 off purchases $79.99 or more. Or host a DIY Taco Tuesday night courtesy of Moe’s Southwest Grill and save 10% off meal kits when linking your AARP membership to a Moe Rewards account.Fun in the sun preparationHeaded out on a boat or a picnic hike? Stop at Walgreens to save on all your summer gathering supplies, including decorative items or supplies, and head to the beauty and personal care aisles for any products such as sunscreen, mosquito spray, and sanitizer. Linking AARP and myWalgreens® memberships will allow members to earn 10% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens-branded health and wellness products, 7% Walgreens Cash rewards on Walgreens-branded beauty products and 3% Walgreens Cash rewards on other eligible beauty purchases.Regardless of what you’re planning, don’t forget to optimize your hosting and excursion experiences by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP members. Learn more by visiting aarp.org/save.