The sun in shining, the warm weather is upon us, the smell of barbequing is in the air – it must be summer. Have you noticed that people around you are starting to have friends over for summer sports watching gatherings – particularly for baseball games now that Strasburg is in the line up? Want to throw your own summer sports party?

Well, if you are in the Washington, D.C. region, the summer is a great time to root for the home baseball team – The Washington Nationals. And what a great time to have a Nationals game watching party! When living in apartment communities consider the following tips for your event:

1. Advise your property management staff that you are having a gathering to make sure this is acceptable at your community. They may even suggest renting out a room in the community clubhouse for it.
2. Decorate the room where the event will be watched in the colors of the team you are rooting for.
3. Invest in some foam “bad-call” baseballs for your guests to throw at the TV. This can be fun without causing damage to your home or the gathering area. An important tip — remove any fragile or breakable items from the room before the game begins.
4. If you have guests rooting for a different team, establish an imaginary line and decorate one side in the opposing team’s colors.
5. You may want to buy team branded plates, napkins, cups and utensils. This is definitely not a necessity, but can be fun. You can also buy these items in the team’s colors.
6. Consider the menu. If grilling or barbequing, consider timing it perfectly so the food is done right as the game starts. Hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken are all-time favorites during the summer. Also planning how to keep the food warm should be considered. Cold cut plates, vegetable platters or even pre-made sandwiches are also a viable option.  As always, consider the environment.  Regular plates, utensils, and glasses don’t cause waste, they can be washed.  If you use paper or plastic, please recycle.
7. Keep a cooler close buy to avoid anyone having to run to the refrigerator at exciting moments of the game. The cooler can be stocked with a variety of beverages such as sodas, beer, water, etc. (Be sure to have a designated driver on-hand in case your guests have too much fun).
8. Finally, enjoy the game with your guests and welcome Stephen Strasburg to the Washington Nationals.

Stephen Strasburg recently joined the Washington Nationals as a starting pitcher. Strasburg was selected by the team in the first rounds of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. He signed a record $15.1 million contract with the Nationals on August 17, 2009 and made his debut in the2010 season.

The coming of summer brings heat and the sounds of jazz and soul to the nation’s Capitol.  Start the summer off right with the 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest in Columbia, Maryland from June 4th – 6th.  When you attend the Capital Jazz Fest, you’ll enjoy multi-stage, multi-day entertainment featuring contemporary jazz and soul.  And the after-parties are not to be missed!  In addition, you’ll discover a great venue for people-watching, mingling, getting some sun time, and shopping!

And with a lineup including Kenny G, Laura Izibor, Rachelle Ferrell, Brian Simpson, Down to the Bone, Mint Condition, and appearances by Gladys Knight and Sinbad, you’ll never find a better opportunity to enjoy immersing yourself in the jazz experience.

At the Festival Marketplace, you’ll discover craftsmen, businesses, and food vendors waiting for you to find them.  Take your time to browse – you never know what treasures you may find!

The Capital Jazz Fest is held at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Located between Washington and Baltimore, Merriweather provides an unrivaled event venue combining theater-style seating and picnic-style seating for those so inclined.  Just make sure you’re aware of all the rules before you head out.

Don’t think you’ll be able to attend?  Don’t despair!  March your computer over to Capital Jazz Radio for an enticing mix of contemporary jazz, instrumental funk, and acid jazz.  Visit http://www.capitaljazz.com/radio for more info.

One of the benefits of living in the Washington DC metropolitan area is the opportunity to attend cultural events like these.

The Blairs is a green, pet-friendly apartment community located in Silver Spring, MD.  This convenient location provides easy access to the events and opportunities of the greater Washington DC area.