Summer soirée: a guide to hosting as the weather warms up

Who doesn’t love a good old barbeque in the bright warm Australian summer? Outdoor parties with the mates are finally back on the menu as the weather is warming up. If you have been itching to host one yourself, we’ve got you covered. 

This is our guide for hosting the perfect summer bash, from what to serve to how to keep your guests comfortable during the muggy weather. It’s time to bring out those lawn chairs and crack open an ice cold bev. 

Here are some top tips to keep in mind:

Set a theme

Themed parties are always a ton of fun (yes, even if it's not for children). It’s an easy way to spice up a bland old summer party. 

The possibilities are endless - from Arabian Nights to Pirates of the Caribbean, let your imagination run wild for what theme would be perfect for you and your mates.

Everyone enjoys a little bit of dress up and themed décor, but keep the weather in mind when choosing the theme as we certainly don’t want our guests burning up in their costumes.

Plan in advance

Hosting can be a pain (trust us, we know), but planning really helps.

If you’re hosting the party at a venue other than your house, book it in advance so it’ll be available on your preferred date instead of waiting till the last minute. 

Make a checklist to keep track of things like decorations and invitations so you don’t get overwhelmed or forget anything.

Serve food that’s easy to store and eat

Choosing the right food for your party is important. Prioritise food that is easy to serve and eat (maybe the butter chicken can wait for one of the indoor parties).

Your guests will want to get up and mingle, so don’t serve them overly complicated food that takes time to eat.

Plus, you probably won’t have many tables around. Stick to “grab and go” foods like burgers and sandwiches. Appetisers like crudites or a charcuterie board are also a good idea.

Avoid serving food that will spoil quickly in the hot weather like egg salad or sushi. Keep all food items covered for maximum food safety. 

Bring durable tableware

Avoid bringing glass or ceramic plates and glasses. You’ll probably be carrying these around with you from and to your home and guests may have accidents at the venue.

The last thing you want is sharp shards that could hurt someone. Disposable plates, glasses and cutlery are your best friends for an outdoor party. 

Food and drinks for everyone

It’s essential that you have enough food and beverages for all your guests. After all, you don’t want people to go hungry because you ran out.

Try to confirm the guest list asap so you can plan out how much you need.

Remember that it’s better to have too much than too little. You can even give guests doggy bags to get rid of leftovers

Keep it cool  

Make sure your guests are comfortable and protected from the heat.

Plan your party at an appropriate time, like 5pm, when the sun and heat have weakened. You can put up a canopy to provide shade.

Feature refreshing drinks and foods on your menu to keep your guests hydrated. You can also serve popsicles and other refreshing treats.

Give out face sprays or paper hand fans that guests can use to cool themselves off throughout the event - these can also double as cute party favours. 

Setting the ambiance

Get the mood just right with the perfect decor. Create the perfect summer vibes with fairy lights and tea candles.

Throw some pillows and blankets on the ground for guests to lounge and chat. Leverage the nature around you by incorporating flowers, leaves and berries into your space and turning them into centrepieces, bouquets and arches.

Choosing a summery scent can help to set the right mood at a party. Wax melts last hours, so they’re perfect for a party that’s going to last all night long.

Sneak these wax melts into goodie bags so that guests get reminded of your party whenever they light one up.

Keep the critters away

Unfortunately, outdoor parties can lead to the presence of unwanted guests like bugs or birds.

In the days leading to the party, try to remove any still water in the area. You can also put up netting to prevent any mosquitoes or other bugs from entering.

Use lemon eucalyptus candles as a natural mosquito repellant. Not only does the smoke and odour keep them away but they also provide a pleasant scent. 

Make sure the food is always covered and sheltered to prevent any pesky crows from swooping in and stealing it.

The more colours, the better

Fill your party with pops of bright colour. Use vibrant shades of complimentary colours to make your party look fun and extra instagramable.

Use patterns like stripes, dots or animal prints to add variety and contrast. You can play with textures like leather, wood, rope and cloth to add gravity and ground the bright colours. 

Organise games and activities

Encourage friendly competition among your guests by arranging small games like darts, water gun or water balloon fights, or casual matches of pickleball or badminton.

It’s a great way to make your guests mingle while creating fun memories.

You can also set up a photo zone so that guests can have a memento to remember that you hosted the party of the century.  

At the end of the day, the true measure of a fantastic summer soirée is the joy on your guests' faces and the memories you've made together.

So amidst all the hosting, remember to pour your heart out and celebrate the simple joys of connection, laughter, and love. Good luck!