Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time for outdoor entertaining! There’s no better season to gather your friends and family, hangout in the backyard, and enjoy life to the fullest. So why not put your event planning skills to the test and host a backyard soiree your loved ones will remember for years to come?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to share my top tips for hosting summer gatherings. From table settings to seating arrangements, food options to back-up plans—I’ve got the only checklist you’ll need to hit your party out of the park.
Let’s get to it!
7 Tips to Host the Perfect Summer Party
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1. Invite Your Guests
This is always one of the first party planning organization tips to consider, regardless of when or where you host your event. I highly recommend starting with a guest list. Not only does it allow you to better understand how much food and other party essentials you’ll need, but it’s the best way to control the number of people who show up to your party.
Make sure to finish your list, then think about any key details you want to include in your invitations. For example, you may want to mention:
- Your party theme
- Your address
- Start and end times
- Whether or not guests can bring a plus one
- Dress codes or costume requirements
- Whether or not an RSVP is required
- What guests are expected to bring (if anything)
I also recommend simplifying your invitation process to reduce unnecessary clutter or wasted materials. You can send virtual invitations to cut down on paper usage, for instance, or request that guests send their RSVPs via email.
2. Plan Your Menu
Food is arguably the most important aspect of any party. It’s also one that tends to cause a lot of stress—which is why early planning and preparation is key!
To host the perfect summer party, decide on your menu well in advance. The sooner you make a decision, the sooner you can stock up on necessities and put a plan in place for serving your guests.
Popular summer party menu ideas include:
- BBQ (Guests can bring their own meat to grill or you can provide the entire meal)
- Potluck
- Wine and cheese
- Seafood boil
- Tacos and margaritas
- Skewers and sticks (Corn dogs, steak kebabs, popsicles, fruit skewers, caesars, etc)
- Picnic party (sandwiches, pasta salads, deviled eggs, etc)
Next, think about how you can conveniently and easily serve your guests. The key is to minimize the amount of back-and-forth you’ll need to do as a host.
My top hassle-free serving recommendations include:
- Setting up a condiment station where guests can dress their meals themselves
- Displaying food on a single buffet table and having guests dish up their own plates
- Serving dishes family-style (in the middle of each outdoor table)
- Creating a clear path where guests can line up for food from the grill (hamburgers, hotdogs, etc)
- Cook and prepare as much as possible before the day of the party. Dishes like casseroles, salads, and desserts can all be made in advance.
3. Opt for Self-Serve Drinks
By the time you organize your home for a party and do everything else on your to-do list, you’ll likely want to relax rather than play bartender. Fortunately, there’s a way to make things easier for yourself—mixing big batch drinks ahead of time!
I recommend trying this 2-gallon beverage dispenser. It has a steel leak proof spigot to prevent messes and it’s made from durable, high-quality glass. (You can even put it in the dishwasher!) You can fill one or multiple dispensers with fresh, pre-made cocktails and then sit back while your guests pour to their heart’s delight.
4. Decide on a Decor Theme
Decorations are often the difference between an “okay” party and an “OMG, you had to be there!” party. They set the tone and put people in a celebratory mood. And no, decorating doesn’t have to be a painstaking process. There are ways to create ambiance without spending hours stringing lights or hand making centerpieces!
Here are a few simple decor themes that look fantastic:
WESTERN-STYLE BBQ
This no-fuss theme is always a crowd pleaser! Table settings are easy as pie—just add checkered tablecloths, bandanas as napkins, and rustic lanterns for lighting. You can also take it to the next level by using hay bales or wooden barrels for seating. Scatter some cowboy hats and boots around for extra flair and voila! You’re all set to boot, scoot, and boogie!
MERMAID POOL PARTY
All the fun of a magical under-the-sea experience, but with minimal effort! All you need are pastel-coloured tablecloths, seashells for centerpieces, and clear balloons to mimic underwater bubbles. Add a few mermaid inflatables to your pool to pull it all together and you’re done!
PAJAMA PARTY BRUNCH
Create a cozy atmosphere with low tables, plush cushions, and blankets for seating. Set your table with oversized mugs and mismatched plates for a relaxed, at-home feel. Then create a DIY mimosa bar by placing chilled champagne or sparkling wine, a variety of fruit juices (such as orange, peach, mango), and fresh fruit slices (like oranges, strawberries, and raspberries) on a large table. Encourage your guests to wear their favorite PJs and you’re all set!
5. Have a Backup Plan for Bad Weather
You can spend days on backyard organization, but if it rains on the day of your party, you’ll be back to square one. For this reason, I recommend preparing a suitable indoor alternative, like a spacious living room or even a nearby rented event space, just in case.
If it isn’t possible to secure another location, you can also set up a large canopy in your yard to keep guests dry or provide extra umbrellas and patio heaters for comfort.
6. Create Comfortable Seating Areas
When your guests aren’t playing lawn games or dishing up a plate of something delicious, they’ll likely want to rest their legs. Having enough seating for everyone to relax comfortably is super important.
Even adding a few stools can make a major difference, providing a much-needed break from standing for your guests throughout the night. This set of 4 stools features a foldable design for convenient storage, as well as built-in handles for easy carrying. Plus, they’re super affordable. Definitely worth the investment if you’re aiming to host the perfect summer party.
7. Don’t Forget About Waste Management
This is my last tip on how to organize your home before a party, and it’s a critical one! If you don’t tell people where to put their trash they’ll likely leave it in the most inconvenient places—leaving you on a garbage scavenger hunt when your guests are all gone.
My advice? Place separate, clearly-labeled bins for recycling and garbage where guests can easily see them. You can even send out a friendly message before the party, letting guests know about your waste management plan, where to find the appropriate bins, and who to ask for extra bags or supplies.
And there you have it—a step-by-step guide to help you host the perfect summer party!
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