Summer Hosting Tips

I always love having people over and hosting parties or small gatherings. I think it’s so fun when everyone comes together for a fun day or evening together to celebrate an occasion or even just to enjoy each other’s company! I recently hosted my first 4th of July and my family came into town to celebrate the holiday at our house. We had so much fun, and hosting the holiday reminded me of a few important hosting do’s that I think are totally relevant regardless of the occasion! Summer is the time for parties and get-togethers, so I wrote up my best summer hosting tips. Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small at-home happy hour, keeping these tips in mind have been so crucial when I’ve hosted anything. 

#1: Give Your Guests Something to Do

Chatting with friends and soaking up each other’s company is always a good time, but sometimes you need something to spice things up and keep the get-together fun and fresh. I think adding an activity is the perfect way to ensure your guests keep having fun and are engaged! Depending on what type of gathering you’re hosting, there are so many different fun activity ideas. If you’re hosting a larger party, add a dance floor so your guests can get up and moving! If it’s something a little smaller, or you want to also add this to a larger party, I think games are the way to go. Table tennis and corn hole are some of my favorites and even if guests are just watching, it’s still entertaining and brings on a little friendly competition. Figure out what activity is best for your event and run with it!

#2: Music Matters

Have you ever been to a party or gathering with zero music, and something feels missing? Don’t forget to play music! Music sets the overall vibe of a gathering and is great to allow people to loosen up and feel comfortable. It keeps things light and lively in the best way! I love curating or finding a playlist in advance so that all I have to do the day or night of is hook up to my Bluetooth speaker. Make sure it’s fully charged!

#3: Put the Food Where You Want Everyone to Be

I can safely say that after hosting a few get-togethers, I have learned that where the food is located is where everyone will gather. Meaning, if you want people to hang out and spend time in a certain area, place the food there. This is especially true if you’re hosting a larger party. For example, if you’re putting together a charcuterie board, put it by tables or a place where everyone can sit. I’m sure a lot of us have experienced having food in the kitchen leading to everyone clustering in the kitchen to eat. Let your guests enjoy the space you’ve set up and put the food in an open, communal area. 

#4: Create a Solid Set Up (of Drinks)

When I say solid setup, I’m talking drinks. I love to have chilled wine ready or make fun cocktails for my guests to enjoy! It’s always great when we can relax, catch up, and enjoy each other’s company over a yummy drink. My favorite thing is creating a complete happy hour set up for a little weeknight hang out. Check out all of my happy hour essentials here!

I also love having a table with everything ready and available so guests feel comfortable to self-serve and refill. Regardless if you’re drinking alcoholic drinks or not, this is true for whatever drinks you are serving! Setting up a space where guests can easily get things themselves is always a win for both parties involved.

What are your go-to summer hosting tips? Let me know in the comments!