ART & ARTICLE BY KRISTIANA MORELL PUBLISHED: JULY 16, 2024
Summer is the season for enjoying the sun, gathering with friends, and drinking Aperol spritz. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or a dinner party, the devil is in the details. Here are some tips and tricks to make your summer parties shine.
CHOOSE YOUR THEME
Start by creating a Pinterest board for inspiration, then narrow it down to a specific “Summer Soirée” theme. For a lively barbecue, incorporate pops of summery colors. For an elegant dinner, opt for a sophisticated theme with neutral tones accented by gold or silver.
INVITE ONLY
Nothing feels better than receiving a letter in the mail. Tie in the color of your event to create a cohesive look. And don’t forget to include a dress code and a rain date if your party is outdoors.
SPARKLING TABLE SETTINGS
A beautiful table setting sets the tone for your celebration. Ensure your table setting reflects your theme, incorporating coordinated colors and details.
Table Linens and Place Settings: Linen tablecloths are quintessentially summer. Start with high-quality table linens and coordinate your place settings, including chargers, plates and flatware for a polished look.
Glassware and Dinnerware: Opt for elegant glassware and dinnerware to elevate your dining experience. Mixing and matching dinnerware can add visual interest – try combining plain and patterned plates in the same or complementing colorways.
Centerpieces and Table Decor: Centerpieces are the focal point of your table. For a summer feel, think of how to incorporate natural elements like fresh flowers, wildflowers and greenery. A garland of eucalyptus leaves and white flowers makes a beautiful, natural table runner. Adding in candles creates a warm, inviting ambiance, and you can get creative with candle holders. Fresh fruit and vegetables from the local farmers market, such as lemons, oranges, melons and squashes, add color, texture, and a fresh scent to your centerpiece.
OUTDOOR TIPS
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the right mood. Use a mix of string lights, lanterns, and candles to create a warm and inviting environment.
Pro tip: Citronella candles not only add to the ambiance but also fend off insects. If you’re not a fan of citronella, mix lavender, lemon balm, basil, rosemary, and thyme to scare off bugs but not guests.
Consider putting a paper fan at each place setting to help guests cool off. As the night cools, provide extra throws and blankets to keep guests cozy.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Family-style meals encourage sharing and create a fun atmosphere. Food is the perfect conversation starter as guests try different things and pass plates. In the heat, it helps to keep things light, simple, and focused on seasonal ingredients. Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and refreshing desserts are always crowd-pleasers. For drinks, consider a signature cocktail or a refreshing punch to keep guests cool and hydrated.
ENTERTAINMENT
Curate different Spotify playlists for your event. Start with an upbeat playlist as guests arrive, then switch to a calmer, acoustic playlist when serving food.
A DIY cocktail station is the perfect conversation starter and helps guests ease into the party. A welcome drink is always a good idea and it's fun to get your guests involved.
Set up a dance floor and summer games like volleyball, bocce ball, and even board games like Scrabble to keep the fun going.
The most important tip is to embrace the season, take in the sun, enjoy the company, and make unforgettable memories.
SUMMER CELEBRATION ESSENTIALS:
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