Tips for Hosting A Summer Dinner Party
Home » CELEBRATE » Party Planning »A Summer Dinner Party is a great way to get together with friends and family and enjoy a beautiful evening outside. We’ll go over some tips and ideas for throwing a successful dinner party, including planning the menu, setting the scene, seating, and guest accommodations.
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Summer Dinner Party
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1. Plan Your Theme and Decorations
Choosing a theme for your summer dinner party will help you plan your decorations and set the mood for the evening. You could be as casual or formal as you like.
Why not theme your dinner party around a particular cuisine such as Mediterranean, Italian, Greek, or Spanish?
Or what about a Mexican Fiesta, Hawaiian Luau, All-American BBQ, or a Bohemian Backyard Picnic?
With a theme decided, you can then set the scene accordingly with flowers, bunting, lanterns, colorful tablecloths, and other decorative items to create a festive atmosphere.
2. Plan Your Menu
Your menu is one of the most important parts of your dinner party. And don’t forget any special dietary needs of your guests, such as plant-based eaters or those that need gluten-free or dairy-free options.
Consider serving light and refreshing dishes, such as salads or grilled vegetables.
For dessert, you can also serve summer fruits, like watermelon or berries. Or set up a dessert table with a variety of sweet treats like cookies, cupcakes, and ice cream.
Consider offering a variety of beverages, including cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options like iced tea and lemonade for the non-drinkers.
A signature cocktail is a fun way to add a personal touch to your dinner party. Why not create a drink that matches the theme of your party.
3. Set The Table
Creating a beautiful tablescape is essential for a successful dinner party. Use themed or decorative placemats, colorful plates, and unique glassware.
You can also add some flowers or greenery to the center of the table to create a focal point.
4. Consider Seating Options
Seating is an important consideration for your dinner party – you’ll want your guests to be comfortable and relaxed.
Garden chairs and benches are perfect for outdoor seating, and you can add cushions and pillows for extra comfort.
For a casual picnic-style dinner party, floor cushions and bean bags are a fun option.
If you have a large group of guests, you may want to consider renting additional seating.
5. Lighting
As the sun goes down, your dinner party can take on a magical ambiance with the right lighting.
You can use string lights, lanterns, or candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
If you’re using candles, make sure to use flameless options or keep them in secure holders to prevent any accidents.
6. Bug Control
Summer evenings can attract unwanted guests like mosquitoes and other bugs. Consider adding citronella candles or other bug-repellent measures to keep your guests comfortable.
7. Dinner Party Games
Adding games to your dinner party can be a great way to break the ice and get everyone involved.
Consider games that can be played around the dinner table, like trivia or conversation starters.
You can also set up lawn games or board games for guests to play after dinner.
Another fun idea is to set up a printable escape room or have a murder mystery game for guests to solve. This could be a whole theme of a dinner party in itself.
Just make sure to choose games that are appropriate for your guests and won’t interfere with the flow of the party.
With the right games, your dinner party is sure to be a night to remember!
If you have children attending the party, consider setting up a separate area for them with activities like a craft station or a selection of free summer printables. This will keep them entertained and allow the adults to socialize.
8. Play Some Music
Music can create a fun and lively atmosphere for your dinner party. Create a playlist that matches the theme of your party, or if budget allows, consider hiring a live musician to perform during the event.
9. Photo Booth
Capture the memories of your dinner party with a photo booth. You can set up a backdrop and provide props for your guests to use for fun and silly photos.
Keep it digital with your camera phones, or go old-school with a Polaroid camera!
10. Guest Accommodations
If you have out-of-town guests staying with you, make sure they have a comfortable place to sleep.
The best beds for guests are those that are clean, comfortable, and have fresh linens. Consider adding extra blankets and pillows to make their stay even more comfortable.
As a special extra touch, you can also provide your guests with toiletries like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste in case they forget to bring their own. This will make their stay more convenient and enjoyable.
And if you don’t have the space for overnight guests, make sure you have a list of local hotels and B&Bs.
11. Party Favors
Finally, don’t forget to send your guests home with a small token of appreciation.
You can create personalized party favors like seed packets, succulents, or something themed around your dinner party.
Hosting a summer dinner party can be a lot of work, but with the right planning and preparation, it can also be a lot of fun.
By following these tips, you can create an unforgettable evening for you and your guests. So go ahead and plan that perfect summer dinner party, and let the good times roll!