A Guide to Summer Hosting

Summer isn’t just a season - it’s a feeling. It’s the golden light that stretches into evening, the laughter echoing over shared meals, and the joy of gathering under open skies. It’s when our homes expand into gardens and patios, and every moment holds the promise of connection, celebration, and effortless beauty. There’s something magical about this time of year - the longer days, warm evenings, and the irresistible pull to gather with friends and family. Whether it’s a laid-back backyard barbecue, a sunset formal dinner, or a festive weekend brunch, summer is the perfect season to open your doors and create lasting memories.

This guide is your go-to resource for effortless and stylish summer hosting. You’ll find inspiring ideas, thoughtful details, and stress-free strategies to bring people together with warmth and ease. From planning and prepping to food, drinks, décor, and entertaining tips, feel inspired to throw gatherings that are as enjoyable for you as they are for your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just getting started, we have some practical advice, creative ideas, and plenty of summer spirit to make every hosting event a hit. So pour a glass of something cold, step outside, and let the season lead the way!

Welcoming Guests

When your guests arrive, welcome them with a thoughtfully prepared drink to set the tone for a relaxing visit. Whether it’s a refreshing summer cooler, or a classic summer spritz like an Aperol or a Hugo, these light, sparkling options offer the perfect blend of flavour and refreshment. Elevate your hospitality with simple, elegant drinks that complement the easygoing spirit of warm-weather gatherings.

Sound plays a vital role in setting the atmosphere for any summer gathering. Silence when guests arrive can feel cold, so having music gently playing in the background creates an inviting and warm environment. Jazz, especially from a record player (if you have one), brings a timeless and uplifting touch that enhances the mood without overwhelming conversation. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a stylish and relaxed summer evening.

The Menu

Having easy appetisers ready for a summer gathering is essential, especially as guests arrive and get settled. Simple yet elegant options such as a selection of artisanal cheeses, fresh seasonal fruit, and crisp crackers offer both convenience and sophistication. Cold dips like tzatziki or hummus paired with colourful vegetable crudités provide a refreshing and healthy choice. These effortless bites allow hosts to enjoy their company without spending excessive time in the kitchen, creating a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere from the outset. Having these appetisers presented in lovely ceramics elevates the entire experience, making hosting a summer event both easy and effortlessly stylish.

Sharing plates are perfect for a summer gathering, offering a relaxed and social dining experience. Mezze platters, in particular, are a favourite, allowing everyone to pick and choose from a variety of flavours and textures. This style of dining encourages inclusivity, as there’s something to suit every palate, and it creates a communal atmosphere around the table. Additionally, preparing a selection of dishes is often simpler and less time-consuming than cooking a full meal, giving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests.

This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the vibrant flavours of seasonal produce. Heirloom tomatoes offer a burst of colour and sweetness, making them ideal for fresh salads or simple bruschetta. Peaches bring a delicate addition of sweetness add a refreshing touch to desserts or savoury dishes (here is a peach salad recipe we love). Watermelon, with its crisp and hydrating qualities, shines as both a snack and as a base for a refreshing watermelon cooler, a drink that perfectly complements the warmth of the season.

An easy way to elevate the experience is by creating printed menus for the evening. Whether you design them by hand with a personal touch or use Canva for a more polished look, a simple menu adds a sense of intention and occasion to your table. It tells your guests you’ve thought about every detail, and it helps guide them through the meal with anticipation and delight. From signature cocktails to seasonal dishes, a menu sets the tone and brings a little extra magic to your summer soirée.

The Setting

Table setting is a fundamental aspect of hosting throughout the year, setting the tone and enhancing the dining experience. Incorporating elements of nature into the table design brings an organic warmth and a sense of calm to any gathering, making every meal feel more special and thoughtfully curated. Whether it’s a few elegant branches laid across the centre of the table or fresh flowers arranged as a striking statement piece or in several smaller vases spaced along the length, these natural touches create an inviting and harmonious atmosphere.

For hosting, I prefer to set the table using only natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials bring a subtle elegance and a tactile warmth that enhances the dining experience. Their softness and durability make them ideal for both casual and formal settings, while their understated texture complements any tableware or décor.

For a summer gathering, using a mix of candle heights and styles of containers creates such a cosy atmosphere - Tall taper candles paired with shorter tea lights or pillar candles can add depth and elegance to your table setting. Incorporating different container styles - such as glass jars, ceramic holders, or rustic vases - adds texture and complements the outdoor aesthetic. Having a specific fragrance creates an inviting atmosphere that lingers long after the evening ends, turning these moments into cherished memories. Choosing a particular signature scent for your candles, like lavender or citrus not only enhances the ambience but also helps guests associate the fragrance with warm summer memories. For alfresco dinners, citronella candles are particularly practical as they effectively ward off mosquitoes, allowing your guests to enjoy the outdoor evening comfortably.

Some of our hosting essentials for a summer gathering include our stripe aprons, which combine practicality with classic style, ensuring you remain neat and effortlessly chic while preparing or serving. To adorn the tablescape, these are our gingham napkins, adding a touch of timeless charm and soft comfort to your table setting. To complete the ensemble, the vintage green platter offers a rustic and an elegant element to present your culinary creations, making each dish both inviting and beautifully displayed.

One important element of hosting a summer gathering is to be present. Rather than spending the entire time stuck in the kitchen, it’s best to have as much prepared as possible before guests arrive. This allows you to fully engage with your friends and family, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Being present not only makes the experience great for you but also ensures your guests feel truly welcomed and valued throughout the event.

Evening Finale!

As the evening finale of your summer gathering unfolds, guests can linger comfortably with cups of freshly brewed coffee or soothing mint teas, playing a game at the table is always the perfect way to end the night, encouraging some light-hearted competition as the evening gently winds down. Set out classic card games or a game of Trivial Pursuit on a nearby table, ready to engage those in a joyful and playful mood. This blend of comfort, camaraderie, and timeless entertainment ensures a warm and memorable close to your summer event.

We hope you have a lovely time hosting this summer!

xo