Summer is one of the best times to throw a party. The weather, the food, the vibe—it all makes for a great time. But going to a party and throwing one yourself are two very different things, and there’s no denying that hosting the perfect summer party can feel like an overwhelming and monumental task.
Unsurprisingly, this feeling can turn many people away from hosting a party. The cons—stress, cleaning, getting everything organized, etc.—tend to outweigh the pros—making memories that will last a lifetime with the people you care about, all with good food and drinks in-hand, and embracing the summer vibe and all it has to offer.
We shouldn’t let the negative connotations with hosting a party steer us away from doing it, though. With the right tips and a little bit of preparation, you can throw an epic bash, totally stress-free. Keep on reading to learn the 8 tips for hosting the perfect summer party.
Tips for hosting the perfect summer party:
1. Know your guests
The first thing you should do is get your guest list in order and get to know your guests. Find out what they like and if they have any food or drink allergies, or even dietary preferences. Making all your guests feel welcome is a major key in throwing the perfect summer party, and if there’s a guest who can’t eat or drink anything they definitely won’t feel welcome. Once you’ve gotten to know all your guests, you can then start planning accordingly.
2. Plan the menu
After you’ve gotten to know your guests, it’s time to start planning the menu. Naturally, the food you decide on will depend on the guests’ preferences and/or restrictions and the vibe you’re going for. If you’re throwing a baby shower for your BFF, you’re probably going to opt for more lighter foods and sweets instead of grilling burgers and hot dogs like you would on the Fourth of July. Some things to keep in mind when menu planning:
- One good rule of thumb to stick to is to always have at least a few appetizers, main meal options, and dessert options
- Always have at least 1 salad with a variety of dressings on the side to go with it. Serve the salad without dressing
- Chips with guac and salsa, pigs in a blanket, shrimp cocktail, and chicken tenders are all some examples of appetizers/finger foods that work well
- If you need an extra main course option, pizza is always a winner
Related: 2 Ridiculously Easy Pizza Recipes
3. Have a variety of drinks
Having a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is essential to any good party. If you have a specific theme you’re going for, try making some drinks that go with it. If you don’t have a theme, just stick to the basics: water, different regular or diet sodas, iced tea or lemonade, etc. These all work as good mixers for any alcoholic drinks as well. As for the alcohol, some basics to stock up on include: beer (usually 1-3 different kinds), vodka, hard seltzer, tequila, and wine or prosecco/champagne.
Related: Cocktail Recipes: Sour Strips Slushy
4. Get seating organized
Another crucial element of hosting is making sure there’s enough seating for everyone. Get your tables and chairs organized ahead of time so you can double check and make sure you’re good to go. The last thing you want is your guests standing around because there’s no place for them to sit. If you’re doing place settings for your guests, this would also be the time to get that in order.
5. Set it up buffet style
Setting everything up buffet style is the way to go for a summer event. Keep everything neat, organized, and in order. Have all your plates and cutlery in one section, then the appetizers and main course in another, and so on and so forth. Having stations where guests can serve themselves will give off a more relaxed vibe, and it’s also ideal for an outdoor party.
It’s also important to make sure that you’re keeping all your food at the proper temperatures; everything should be safe to eat. If you need to, keep certain foods on ice or in the fridge (just remove it once it’s time to be served), or serve food right from the grill or keep warm over a Bunsen burner. If it’s very hot and humid out, you can also cover the food in plastic wrap to protect it from wilting, getting soggy, or bugs.
6. Have summer amenities ready to go
Sunscreen, bug spray, and citronella candles go hand in hand with summertime. Make sure you’re stocked up on the basic amenities for the season in case one of your guests needs something. If you’re hosting a party with a pool or by the water, make sure you have clean towels at the ready.
7. Get your home ready beforehand
The last thing you want to do is run around the house on the day of the party trying to get everything cleaned up. Instead, clean your house throughout the week leading up to the party. Spot clean certain areas, dust, put away any clutter, etc. Keeping your home neat and organized won’t be difficult because it won’t be for a long period of time, so do yourself the favor and get your home ready beforehand. Your future hosting self will thank you.
8. Relax
At the end of the day, everyone just wants to have a good time. So set the vibe as the host and relax; your guests will pick up on your energy and reflect it back outward. If something goes wrong or isn’t exactly the way you pictured it, just roll with it. Life happens, and there’s only so much we can control. Enjoy yourself and have a good time, and your guests will enjoy themselves and have a good time as well.
