Host an Unforgettable Fiesta de Verano

Whether you’re throwing an indoor or outdoor party this season, the key is to plan for all of the details. That’s why we filled our guide with expert tips to make your verano party comfortable and fun for all.

The Invitation
“Invitations should be sent out two weeks in advance,” says Lucy Tamayo, co-owner at Sonoma Latina Grill. Prepare invitations easily online or customize them at your local stationery store.

El Menú
Keep the menu simple. “One way is to have a paella party. It’s an easy way to entertain a large or small group,” says Tamayo, and you’ll impress guests.

Cleanup and Setup
Make your home comfortable and open by removing any indoor or outdoor clutter, such as withered plants, and by rearranging the furniture. Next, wipe down any dust or dirt that has accumulated. “The night before your party, set the tables and display special touches,” says Tamayo. To save time and money, rent linen, flatware and dinnerware from a party rental store.

Party Theme
Summer themes include “red, white and blue” or “mariachi” parties. Incorporate bold colors -- like turquoise, magenta and tangerine -- into your tablescapes and decorations to lend a lively splash to the ambiance.

Entertainment
If hiring a band or a DJ is not in your budget, then get the party started with your own tunes. Make a playlist ahead of time, or find an Internet music station that matches the mood you want to set. If kids are invited, set up a juice bar along with healthy snacks, such as celery, fruits and low-fat cottage cheese. Create a kiddie activity corner with arts and crafts, such as chalk, markers, construction paper and paper punchers.

La Luz
A sure way to add insta-glamour to your space is to brighten it with a string of white lights or multicolored Christmas bulbs. Wrap them around outdoor furniture, fences, doors or trees. To keep the bugs at bay, light citronella tiki torches in areas that are safe.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/Juanmonino

Tango Tangerine: Un Color for All Seasons

Each year, Pantone, the authority on all things color, designates a hue to inspire designers to create everything from lipstick to pencil skirts and more. This year, they chose Tangerine Tango -- a reddish-orange shade -- to recharge the nation. Now you too can add a dash of tang to your home with help from these top design experts.

Add Some Detalles
Small accents and pops of this radiant color are a great way to freshen up your décor. “Incorporate simple naranjada-toned pieces like throw pillows and blankets or lacquer trays and vases in your living room or bedroom,” says Sabrina Soto, host of HGTV’s “The High/Low Project.” “Small appliances in tangerine, such as toasters, teakettles or coffeemakers are fun touches for the kitchen; and adding towels in this shade is a simple solution in the bathroom.”

Mix It In

“To make this trendy color timeless, bring in neutral hues to pair with it,” says Michelle Dunbar, owner of Fashion House Interior Design Co. “Go for a Sedona-inspired palette with deep rust, plus brown, tan or cream along with muted orange. If gray is your neutral, play it up with tangerine and white.”

Make a Permanent Statement
“Custom upholstery is a perfect way to tie Tangerine Tango in for good,” says Soto. Cover a pair of matching chairs or a large ottoman in a solid or patterned fabric for your living room, or order a tufted headboard for your bedroom. “Another great way to add this color is to purchase a few pieces of accent furniture or accessories, such as poufs, side tables, small area rugs and table lamps. “Go bold by painting one wall in your living room this shade,” says Dunbar. “It will really liven up a neutral-toned sofa.”

Skip the Splurge
“An inexpensive way of incorporating orange and tangerine tones in a big way is by using jersey slipcovers on your existing chairs or sofa,” says Dunbar. They cost about $40 and come in a variety of sizes. “Check out vintage and consignment stores, as well as weekend flea markets, for surprising finds,” says Soto.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/yulkapopkova

Limpieza de Primavera

With our hectic schedules, it’s unlikely that we’ll be treating our homes to a full-on session of squeaky-cleaning this spring. But experts say that we can actually shave time from long hours of cleaning if we scrub the grime right away.

For example, if we reassess our rutina de limpieza, we may discover that some of our habits actually keep things dirty, merely spreading around el polvo, according to Debra Johnson, an expert and training manager with the nationwide house-cleaning service Merry Maids.

And if we divvy up the work into several steps by “setting aside a couple of days a month to focus on cleaning,” says Johnson, our casitas will stay cleaner for longer. Here are some more easy-to-implement steps you can try.

1. Dispose of clutter. Before you start cleaning, get rid of whatever you can’t put away, says Johnson. Divide your clutter into three groups: “junk,” which you will simply toss; “charity,” which you will give away; and “undecided,” which will be put away in a box until a later date.

2. Use appropriate amounts of cleaning product. “Most people use too much,” which leaves residue behind, says Johnson. Any dirt will then cling to the residue.

3. Swipe the dust. “Microfiber is the best tool for removing dust, and not as much product is needed,” says Johnson. Start by wiping and see how clean the surface will get before applying product. “Make sure to use a plush, rather than thin, cloth.”

4. Steam-clean. Use a high-temperature canister steam-cleaner to quickly bust grease and grime on the more challenging surfaces, such as oven grill trays, windows and mattresses. To avoid water residue, use the least amount of steam.

5. Clean your gadgets. Remote controls, game stations, DVD players and telephones are often overlooked. All-purpose cleaners dredge out the dirt that easily accumulates in the nooks from constant touching.

6. Dust first, vacuum last. Clean each room or piece of furniture from the top down. Start by dusting higher surfaces or furniture. Finish by wiping lower items and vacuuming the floors.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/fatihhoca