by AINSLEY LAWRENCE
Summer is finally here, which means longer days, warmer weather, and more time for relaxation!
Even if your area stays pretty warm year-round, there’s something special about that summer air and the fact that it doesn’t get dark until well past your children’s bedtime. It’s the perfect season for hosting gatherings and parties, and if you want to become the go-to summer house for all things entertainment, there are a few easy ways to make it happen.
From graduation parties and family BBQs to pool parties and late nights on the lawn, let this be your guide to transform your house and create lasting memories that will make your family and friends want to come back again and again.
Create an Outdoor Party Paradise
One of the great things about summer is being able to spend more time outside. While people might still have to go into your home to use the restroom or bring out food, focusing on cleaning up your yard and getting it ready for guests is one of the easiest ways to prepare for summer entertainment.
You want your guests to feel comfortable when they’re outdoors. Think of what you’d like to see in someone’s backyard and consider how you can bring it to life in your own. Things like fire pits, green grass, shady trees, and a cozy hangout area are all big draws, but you don’t have to go that route if your space is limited or you don’t have the layout for it.
Instead, consider sprucing up your patio area. With a few simple upgrades, you can completely change the look and feel of your outdoor space. Some of the following updates and additions will make a big difference:
- New building materials
- Unique lighting
- Updated furniture
- A deck addition
The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your patio comfortable. Maybe you want to include an outdoor kitchen with a grill or smoker so your friends and family never go hungry (or thirsty!), or maybe you want a cozier, more intimate vibe, so a fire pit and some lounge chairs are the way to go. Choose upgrades that fit your personality while considering the kind of entertaining you want to do.
Have Themed Events
People tend to be busier in the summer as they try to fill their time with vacations, family get-togethers, and milestones like graduations and weddings. If you want to be the go-to house for summer entertainment, try switching up your events once in a while to pique people’s interest.
One of the easiest ways to do that is to have a specific theme for some of your gatherings. Trying something new is a great way to get your guests excited (as long as you’re prepared for it!), and you might even end up establishing a new hobby in the process. Not sure what to start with? Consider some of the following ideas:
- An outdoor movie night
- A potluck BBQ where everyone brings a side dish
- A decade-themed party
- Game night
You could even show off some of your interests or existing hobbies to your guests, like homebrewing. If you’ve decided to become a bonafide brewmaster, having a summer party is a perfect opportunity for those closest to you to taste your creations. Brewing your own beer is cost-effective, allows for customization, and with only a few ingredients and a lot of attention to detail, you’ll give your guests something to talk about long after the party is over.
Keep It Cool
Let’s face it, it gets hot in the south. Unless you have a backyard pool where everyone can take a dip, one of the most important things to do is find ways to keep your guests cool when you’re doing some summer entertaining.
Thankfully, coming up with those refreshing ideas can actually be a lot of fun.
One of the easiest ways to cool off your guests is by offering the right spread. Instead of traditional BBQ or hot dishes, invite people over for an ice cream sundae bar and ask everyone to bring one of their favorite toppings. If you do want to go with something more traditional, make sure you have plenty of hydrating, refreshing side dishes like watermelon and cool salads.
You can also keep your guests cool by opening up your home to anyone who might overheat quickly, using shade wisely, or hosting your get-together later in the evening when the sun isn’t so aggressive.
If you really want to become everyone’s favorite host for the summer, don’t be afraid to let your creativity come through. Any get-together on a beautiful summer day is going to be fun, but taking things one step further with interesting themes, unique offerings, and a comfortable setting will help to ensure your guests want to keep coming back. If you love entertaining, keep these tips in mind for an unforgettable summer, and enjoy the rewards of your hard work every day, even when you’re on your own.
