Taking the time to catch up with friends over drinks and food is a form of self-care, which makes for the perfect excuse to host a summer dinner party! The longer days and warmer weather call for slowing down and appreciating good company. From drinks to music, and everything in between, here’s a guide for hosting the perfect summer dinner party:   

Drinks

Sipping on a cool and refreshing drink is a necessity all summer, especially at a dinner party. Whether your dinner is in a dining room or backyard patio, transport to a tropical resort with a coconut-flavored drink.  

Coconut Margarita (1 serving)

2.5 oz creme of coconut 

2 oz tequila 

1 oz orange liqueur

1 oz fresh lime juice 

Coconut Fizz (2 servings)

½ cup coconut milk 

¼ cup pineapple juice 

1 can sparkling water

Juice from 1 lime

Food

Summer is the perfect time for a barbecue-style dinner party. Chatting with friends while the smell of food cooking on the grill lingers in the air brings out a sense of nostalgia. For a simple and youthful party, ask friends to bring dishes and exchange recipes. Try watermelon salad for a seasonal dish that pairs well with BBQ. 

Watermelon Salad (4 servings)

3 cups of cubed watermelon 

1 cucumber chopped 

½ red onion chopped 

¾ cup crumbled feta 

¼ cup olive oil 

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar 

¼ cup finely chopped mint 

Mix all ingredients together & serve!

Decor 

Summer colors are lively, so the decor should be too! Picking up flowers from a local market is a simple way to bring in color and impress guests. Dahlias, hydrangeas, and lilies are among some of the colorful in-season flowers. For outside gatherings, add citronella candles to the decor. Not only will the candles set the mood, but the citronella scent will keep bugs away.  

Music 

What’s a party without music? For a relaxed summer evening mood, add these songs to your party playlist:

• “Beige” – Yoke Lore
• “Dreams” – Fleetwood Mac 
• “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae 
• “Past Lives” – Børns 
• “Skin” – Dijon 
• “Late Night Talking” – Harry Styles 

Start listening here.

Written by Brooke Baker.