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How to Host the Perfect Summer Dinner Party

3 min read

Sitting down to share a meal with loved ones is one of the best ways to spend a summer evening. By hosting a backyard dinner party, you have the perfect excuse to enjoy delicious food, reminisce on fond memories, and strengthen your relationships with the ones you love most. While throwing a backyard dinner party seems like a daunting task, with a little planning, you can host a wonderful event that your friends and family will remember for a lifetime! 

What You Should Know Before You Host

Before hosting a dinner party, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

How to Host the Best Dinner Party of the Summer

For a successful backyard dinner party, you’ll need to plan and prepare beforehand. If you’re having trouble getting started, don’t fret! We’ve outlined a few steps that will help you plan and spark your creativity. 

Before Your Dinner Party

Host the dinner party of the season with an inviting atmosphere, mouth-watering menu and joyful fun. 

Create a Fresh, Summer-Themed Menu

The summer months are filled with fresh fruits, crunchy salads and delectable desserts. Stick to an arrangement of hors d’oeuvres, or spice things up with a casual 3-course meal. Keep in mind any dietary restrictions your guests may have and plan your menu accordingly. As the host, it’s your job to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. 

Curate a Speciality Cocktail or Mocktail 

Nothing beats a refreshing summer cocktail (or mocktail!) in tandem with good friends and a tasty meal. Based on your menu, craft one or two specialty cocktails to go along with your meal. Utilize drink recipes that incorporate fresh ingredients like mint, citrus and floral notes. Whether you feature a mango jalapeño margarita or mint blackberry mojíto, remember to have a non-alcoholic version available too. 

Plan For a Post-Dinner Activity

The fun doesn’t have to end after the plates are cleared. Pair your dinner with an activity like painting funky glassware, roasting marshmallows or taking a post-dinner walk. If your budget allows, purchase disposable film cameras so you can capture every moment without the distraction of your phone. 

The Day of Your Dinner Party

The day has finally come! After plenty of time spent preparing, it’s time to put your dinner plans into action. 

Set Up Your Backyard for Guests

Arrange the dinner table and chairs in a designated spot in your backyard. Be sure to lay out placemats, dinnerware, utensils and cups before your guests arrive. If you’ve planned any post-dinner activities, have a designated space separate from the dinner table prepared. 

Make DIY Decorations

A quick visit to the farmer’s market can beautify your tablescape in an instant with DIY flower arrangements. For a personal touch, outline the dinner table’s seating chart with hand-written place cards for each of your guests. Get creative with your decor and don’t be afraid to embrace a full spectrum of bright summer colors. 

Bug-Proof Your Outdoor Space

Warm weather unfortunately brings out bugs that can interfere with your backyard dining experience. Prep your yard beforehand by mowing your lawn, draining pools of standing water and setting up bug lanterns. Citronella candles and tiki torches light your dining space and add ambiance while simultaneously repelling bugs. 

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