Mastering the Art of Stylish Summer Entertaining

by Corcoran McEnearney

Summer is officially here, which means lots of time spent gathering with friends and family al fresco. If you’re in need of a few pointers as we get back into the swing of entertaining large groups, you’re in luck. Keep reading for four top hosting tips that will serve you well this season.

1) Keep Drink Offerings Limited

Your friends certainly don’t need to be treated to an open bar the next time they stop by for burgers. Serving just a few summer inspired beverages can actually make the occasion feel more festive and intentional than if you simply empty your liquor cabinet and set everything up outside. And as a bonus, fewer drink options = less prep and less stress. We suggest whipping up a seasonal sangria (perhaps with a rosé base), setting out a favorite summer beer, and offering a flavored sparkling water for guests who prefer to abstain from alcohol. Hosting kiddos? Place juice pouches in a cooler for an easy grab and go option for active little ones.

Photo courtesy of: Sticky Fingers Sweets & Treats

2) Play To Your Strengths

Maybe you’re a fabulous cook but not so strong in the baking department. Well, there’s no need to panic if Aunt Sally is coming over and expects dessert—it’s more than ok to mix and match homemade and store bought offerings when entertaining. Summer is all about casual get togethers and enjoying time outdoors with loved ones, anyway. Not sure what to serve that doesn’t scream grocery store? Grab some fruit tarts from your favorite local bakery or pick out ice creams, sorbets, and a variety of toppings and offer a make-your-own sundae station. Your guests won’t care where your dessert offerings came from as long as they’re festive looking and delicious.

Photo courtesy of: Sur La Table

3) Update Your Servingware

There’s no need to bring all of your nice glass pieces outside. Melamine pieces are excellent for outdoor dining and can be quite stylish. If you’re a grandmillennial, take a peek at these bamboo plates, which are available for purchase online via DC based boutique Tuckernuck. We’re also loving these blue and white beauties from Sur La Table.

4) Create A Playlist

The best part about hosting is that you get to choose the tunes! Scroll through Spotify and find one that inspires you, or task your spouse or teenager with making a seasonal (yet appropriate!) playlist. Then make sure to pick up a portable speaker that you can station outside; this one easily connects to Bluetooth and is aesthetically pleasing to boot.

Feeling ready to host? We bet you are! Send out that mass text and invite everyone over for a simple yet stylish backyard get together that will surely be the talk of the neighborhood.

Sarah Lyon is a New York City-based freelance writer, originally from Bethesda, MD. She contributes to a number of national design and lifestyle publications like Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, and more. Sarah also works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots. Find more shelfies on her Instagram page, @sarahlyon9