How to Host the Perfect Summer Dinner Party
Here at Jackie, we love summer and everything that comes with it. From new additions to your wardrobe, and filling your calendar with exciting travels, to hosting meals with friends and family, there is so much to love about the summer season. In the last few years, we have all learned the importance of quality time with our loved ones. One of the best ways to stay committed to that this summer is by stepping into the role of hostess and curating an experience that your guests will be talking about long after the fact. Keep reading for our guide on how to host the perfect summer dinner party.
Choose Your Location
Before you get too deep in the planning process, determine where you will be hosting. It might be at your home, a friend’s house, or at a local event venue or park. Choose somewhere quiet and scenic so that you and your guests can truly unplug and spend quality time enjoying each other’s company. When weather permits, we love an outdoor garden party and so will your guests!
Consider details like place settings, how many people you will be seating, and what type of decor you are going to provide. We suggest using fresh, seasonal flowers to decorate the table. Create your own floral arrangement as a centerpiece, using flowers you’ve picked up from a local farmer’s market, or even cut from your own yard. Hosting a dinner party is the perfect excuse to upgrade things like placemats, table runners, silverware, and even wine glasses and dinnerware. At Jackie, we love choosing natural elements like woven placemats and bright, white ceramic plates. It’s versatile and timeless!
Prepare The Menu
Let’s get to the good part, curating the menu. We recommend setting a seasonally-appropriate menu, using local produce and fresh, seasonal ingredients. You don’t have to be an experienced chef to create some food offerings that your guests will be excited about.
Consider starting with a charcuterie board with a variety of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and crackers that your guests can munch on before the main course begins. Adding little touches to your board layout can take the presentation to the next level. Consider adding in some edible or food-safe flowers amongst the board, or topping soft cheeses with a bit of fresh honey.
If you live in a warm climate like we do here in Florida, we suggest choosing light, refreshing foods that aren’t too heavy. We highly suggest an arugula, watermelon, and feta salad. It can be topped with a balsamic drizzle and even a protein for a more substantial meal.
Promise us that you won’t forget dessert! If you are an experienced hostess who loves to bake, this is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and create a sweet summer cake topped with fresh berries. If baking isn’t for you, use this as an opportunity to support a local bakery and pick up something that you can place on a cake stand and add to your table decor. Your guests will be looking forward to dessert all night long!
Create a Signature Cocktail
We love a good summer cocktail and as we kick off summertime, we are loving a classic Aperol Spritz. We love to do three parts prosecco with two parts aperol and a splash of club soda to finish it off. Consider garnishing your spritz with a sprig of rosemary for an added touch of color and aromatic benefit with every sip!
If you are hosting a larger party, consider curating a select cocktail menu, offering different options to accommodate your guests. You can even offer mocktails for younger guests or those who prefer alcohol-free refreshments.
Pro Tip: Keep a few bottles of a smooth, buttery chardonnay on hand for the wine lovers. When you are choosing a distinct alcohol like Aperol, keep something on hand for those who prefer milder, sweeter flavors.
If you are planning a summer party or two and could use some new additions to your wardrobe for hosting, consider applying to join Jackie. Once accepted, you will be partnered with your very own personal stylist who will get to know all about you, your lifestyle, and most importantly, your event schedule. She will then curate a box of boutique brands to be delivered straight to your door. Keep the clothes you love and return the rest. Click here to apply to join today.