Ahhhh, summertime—the season of long days, warm nights, and memorable gatherings with friends and family. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a poolside party, or a casual get-together, hosting during the summer months calls for some extra fun! Memorial Day Long Weekend is coming up (aka the unofficial kickoff to summer), so I wanna share my favorite hosting tips to help y’all create unforgettable memories! Let’s dive in!

Embrace the Great Outdoors

One of the greatest joys of summer hosting is the opportunity to take the party OUTSIDE. Utilize your backyard, patio, or even a nearby park to create a festive atmosphere. Set up comfortable seating areas (POLYWOOD has my heart in this department), decorate with vibrant flowers and plants, and hang lights to add a magical touch as the sun sets. Embrace the natural beauty around you and let the summer vibes flow.

Another pro tip that I’ve picked up over the year is to keep your guests comfortable. In the summer, that means providing shaded areas with umbrellas or canopies. Set up a designated lounge area with cozy seating and throw blankets for when the evening gets cooler. Sometimes I even have a basket with bug spray, sunscreen, and hand fans readily available for guests to use. Small thoughtful gestures go a long way in ensuring everyone has a memorable and comfortable time!

Serve Refreshing Summer Beverages

Beat the heat with an array of refreshing and colorful beverages. Create a DIY drink station with a variety of fruit-infused water, iced teas, lemonades, and spritzers. Add fresh fruit slices to make them visually appealing. Don’t forget to offer a selection of chilled wines, beers, and mocktails to cater to different preferences. Keeping your guests hydrated and happy is key!! Check out my Rosé Sorbet Spritz recipe, it is seriously to dieeeee for.

Plan a Summery Menu

When it comes to food, keep it light, fresh, and deliciously seasonal. Incorporate seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs into your menu. I LOVE going to my garden and picking out fresh veggies and herbs for a summery salad. And then of course I fire up my Traeger to cook up the protein. No one wants to cook inside in the summer heat, and BBQing offers a quick, and mess-free way to cook. Some of my go-to recipes include elk burgers, jalapeno poppers, and beer-can chicken!

Create an Atmosphere of Fun and Games

Summer gatherings are aaaall about fun and relaxation. Set up some engaging outdoor games like cornhole, bocce ball, or volleyball to keep your guests entertained. If you have a pool like me, provide floats and pool games for both kids and adults to enjoy. Music is another essential element of summer fun—create a lively playlist that sets the mood and encourages guests to dance to party!

Use Bright & Stylish Servingware

Last, but certainly not least in my books, is KITCHEN AND SERVING WARE! One of the main reasons why I started Eva & Co. was so that I could create my own line of functional and stylish home goods such as table linens, serving platters, pottery & more! I rounded up my favorite Eva & Co. products that I use for hosting below.

With these summer hosting tips & products, you’re well on your way to throwing the most unforgettable gatherings of the season. Embrace the outdoors, serve refreshing beverages and fresh food, and create an atmosphere of fun and relaxation!

Keep everyone in the loop by sharing this post: