Elevate Your Summer Hosting
May 8th, 2024
Summer is synonymous with sunshine, relaxation, and gathering with loved ones. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a poolside party, or an intimate dinner under the stars, hosting during the warmer months offers a plethora of opportunities to create unforgettable moments. To ensure your summer gatherings are a hit, here are some essential tips to elevate your hosting game!
Embrace the Outdoors
Take advantage of the beautiful weather by hosting your event outdoors! Set up tables and chairs in the garden, by the pool, or on the patio to create a welcoming atmosphere. Provide ample shade with umbrellas or canopy tents to ensure guests can stay cool and comfortable, especially during peak hours of sunshine!
Plan a Refreshing Menu
Beat the heat with a menu tailored to the season. Serve up fresh salads, grilled veggies, and barbeque favorites like burgers, hot dogs, and skewers. Incorporate seasonal fruits into refreshing salads or as standalone snacks. Don’t forget to offer a variety of beverages to keep everyone hydrated, including iced tea, lemonade, fruity cocktails, and infused water with slices of cucumber or citrus fruits.
Master the Grill
If you’re firing up the grill, make sure you’re prepared to handle it like a pro! Clean the grill grates thoroughly beforehand to prevent any unwanted flavors from previous cookouts. Experiment with different marinades, rubs, and sauces to add depth of flavor to your grilled creations! And remember to have a designated area for vegetarians and vegans or anyone with food allergies, offering plant-based options and foods that are safe for those with allergies.
Create Ambiance with Decor
Set the mood with festive decorations that reflect the vibrant energy of summer. Opt for bright and cheerful colors like yellow, orange, and turquoise for table linens, napkins, and centerpieces. Incorporate elements of nature such as fresh flowers, seashells, or driftwood to add a rustic charm to your outdoor space. And don’t forget to add some mood lighting with string lights, lanterns or candles as the sun sets!
Provide Entertainment
Keep your guests entertained with fun activities and games suitable for the outdoors. Set up a cornhole or horseshoe tournament for some friendly competition, or organize a scavenger hunt for the kids so they stay entertained while the adults sit back and relax! Consider creating a good playlist to keep the party going with upbeat tunes that everyone can enjoy. And for a more laid-back vibe, set up a cozy lounge area with cushions and blankets where guests can relax and socialize.
Offer Sun Protection!
Ensure the comfort and safety of your guests by providing ample sun protection! Set up sunscreen stations with SPF options for guests to reapply throughout the day. Offer umbrellas and areas of shade for those who need it. And if your event extends into the evening consider providing insect repellant or lighting a citronella candle to ward off those pesky bugs!
Stay Organized with a Timeline: To avoid last-minute stress, create a timeline outlining all the tasks that need to be completed leading up to the event. This includes shopping for groceries and supplies, prepping food, setting up decorations, and any other logistical details. Having a clear plan in place will help you stay organized and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event!
By incorporating these tips into your summer hosting repertoire, you’ll be well on your way to creating memorable gatherings that leave lasting impressions on your guests! So fire up the grill, dust off the patio furniture, and get ready to celebrate the best that the summer has to offer!