Summer is the perfect season to take advantage of the weather and host an outdoor gathering for friends or family. Whether dining al-fresco or lounging indoors, entertaining during the summer months involves a blend of creativity, comfort, and a keen eye for detail.
Here are our top tips to help you host an unforgettable event!
1. Extend your seating with an inviting outdoor space: Embrace the warmer weather and create more room for guests to enjoy. Invest in comfortable furniture options that encourage relaxation and conversation and add plenty of soft cushions and throws for the ultimate lounging experience. Create a magical ambiance when the sun sets with a mix of fairy lights, lanterns, and candles.
2. Ready your dining area for summer entertaining: Carefully consider the accessories and layout of your dining space. Create a seasonal tablescape with stylish placemats, elegant dinnerware, chic glassware, and fresh flowers or potted plants. Ensure a functional arrangement that promotes easy movement and interaction between guests, with enough space for people to move freely. We recommend the use of round tables when possible for a more intimate dining experience.
For indoor dining rooms, painting your walls can instantly uplift the space and make it look more polished. Some of our favourite summer dining room colours include Ivy Grey, Duck Egg, and Cross Stitch. These shades are the perfect mix of vibrance and versatility, making excellent options for the summer season, and beyond.
3. Perfect the Menu: Prepare a delightful summer menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Incorporate vibrant salads, grilled vegetables, and juicy fruits, with a mix of cold and warm dishes to suit all tastes. Consider creating a signature cocktail featuring refreshing flavours like citrus, mint, and berries, and provide a non-alcoholic version to ensure all guests can enjoy a delicious beverage. Opt for a buffet or family-style serving to make dining more relaxed and interactive. Letting guests serve themselves will help make sure everyone gets exactly what they want!
4. Don’t forget about climate control! If you’re entertaining outdoors, provide options for shade and cooling. Parasols, pergolas, and portable fans can help keep guests comfortable during hot summer days. Indoors, ensure your space is well-ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature. Open windows and sliding doors when appropriate to create a nice cross-breeze.
And remember—just because it’s summer doesn’t mean there won’t be cold spells! Have blankets on-hand for cooler evenings so people don’t have to go inside once the sun goes down.
5. Offer a few different forms of entertainment: Plan some light entertainment to keep guests engaged. A playlist of summer tunes, outdoor games, or even a small DIY craft station can add an extra layer of fun to your gathering. If children will be attending, be sure to have some age-appropriate options available.
Entertaining during the summer is all about creating an inviting and thoughtfully designed space for your guests. Every carefully curated detail will contribute to a memorable experience. By following the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to a fabulous soiree! If you’re looking to refresh your home before your next gathering, call into your local Crown Paints retailer for everything you’ll need to get the job done right. We’ve got you covered for every project, big or small and our friendly representatives are always on hand to help, so if you have any questions, please get in touch.
