Here are a few tips to make entertaining this summer a total breeze!
One of the best parts of summer is all the wonderful opportunities for entertaining. Whether it’s for an official holiday like the 4th of July or Labor Day, or family events like graduations, birthdays, anniversaries or weddings, there’s no denying the warmer months are the perfect time to party. Even if you don’t have a specific reason to entertain, it can just be great fun to have some of your closest friends and family together to spend some quality time outdoors, share some great food and toast over some tasty beverages.
While entertaining and party planning comes naturally to some, to others, just the thought can hit the panic button. Entertaining doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In fact, it can be really easy.
1. Pick a Theme
To begin planning your summer party it can help to simplify things by picking a theme. Do you want to have a backyard BBQ pool party, a Hawaiian luau, a summer seafood extravaganza, a vegetarian potluck, a taco and tequila tasting or maybe a sangria and tapas party? Choosing a theme will help you narrow down the decor options, menu items and beverages you would like to serve. Whatever you choose, be sure to keep things light, fun and casual. It is summer after all.
2. Decore
There’s nothing that can set the vibe of a party like a little decor. But just because you want to set the mood doesn’t mean you need to spend a lot of money. Sometimes just a few blooms or snips of greenery from your garden is all you need. If you don’t have a garden, you may be surprised at what your local grocery store has to offer. I’ve found gorgeous bunches of mix and match flowers and greenery at my local supermarket between $4 – $10. Trader Joe’s is another great spot to hit for a wide selection of flowers on the cheap. And there’s no need to go crazy. Sometimes just one bud with a little greenery here and there is all you need.
If flower arranging isn’t your thing, simply set out bowls of limes, oranges, lemons or seasonal fruits. Pineapples would make great centerpieces in the summer as would small lanterns or scattered seashells. String a few strands of outdoor lights around the party area and scattering a few candles here and there can finish off your look and set a magical atmosphere for the night ahead.
3. Beverages
What’s a party without some refreshing drinks and cocktails? Keep your guests happy and easily refreshed by setting up a designated beverage station. This way your guests can easily fill up while staying cool, hydrated and happy.
For a lovely presentation buy decorative buckets or coolers and fill them with plenty of ice. Then fill them with cans of sparkling water, sodas, spiked seltzers or local beers so guests can grab and go. Don’t forget to keep a batch of ice in a cooler on the side
The summer months also make the perfect time to fill glass beverage dispensers with batches of homemade lemonade, iced tea or water gently flavored with slices of in-season fruit like watermelon, peaches, lemons, limes, berries and/or mint. A super nice touch on a beverage bar in the summer months would include a signature cocktail or beverage for your party. Party favorites are sangria, margaritas, mojitos or daiquiris.
4. Plan a No-Fuss Menu
The great thing about entertaining in the summer months is that the menu doesn’t have to be complicated. We all enjoy lighter food options in the summer so thinking about serving in-season salads, cool dips with veggies, and light appetizers for picking to keep your guests satiated. In the summer you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and besides firing up the grill one of my favorite things to serve is a board with a selection of cheeses, meats, olives, nuts, fruits, and jams. Opt to serve selections solely from a specific country like Italy, Spain or France for the themed board and pair with wines from the same region. You can even use this approach and serve locally crafted cheeses and foods made and grown by farms in your area or state. If you don’t have access to farms or farmers markets be sure to check your local grocery store as more and more are supporting local products.
5. Mason Jars
There’s really nothing you can serve in a mason jar that doesn’t somehow make it instantly better. They’re charming, adorable and super functional. Not only can you serve a refreshing summer drink in them but they also make a great vase for flowers or a unique way to store your utensils and napkins on a buffet table.
6. Keep Your Guests Comfortable And Make Sure They’re Having Fun
This tip may differ depending on what region of the country you live in but it’s important to keep your guests comfortable if you want everyone to have a nice time. It’s kind of the point, right? This means doing things like stocking up on citronella candles and bug spray if you live in a buggy area, having blankets available if it gets cold at night and making sure that there’s plenty of umbrellas or covered areas if there is a lot of sun or rain. Of course, always make sure there is plenty of seating and areas to eat comfortably. To keep your guests occupied while they mingle set up lawn games like croquet, badminton, horseshoes or corn hole for a super fun time.
My Go To Summertime Batch Cocktail Recipe
Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Prep Time: 5 mins
Refrigerate: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
Strawberry Basil Margaritas have FOUR ingredients and are amazingly delicious! This easy cocktail is perfect for any event! I sometimes like to add Jalapeno to mine for Garnish.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (12 ounces each) frozen limeade concentrate
- 5 cans (or 60 ounces) of water
- 15 strawberries (give or take)
- handful of basil leaves
- 4-5 cups tequila (gold or silver), depending on how strong you want it
- ice
