There’s something about entertaining in the summer that calls us to slow down and savor the moment—to step outside, gather with friends, and let the long, golden days stretch into breezy, laughter-filled nights. The season reveals a slower pace of life.
Summer entertaining is all about simplicity and good company. With a thoughtful menu, a few well-placed details, and a welcoming atmosphere, you provide a space where guests feel at home the moment they arrive. When we choose to relish the slowness of summer and live in the moment, the adventures that follow can create some of our most rewarding and favorite memories. We hope these tips make space for more of just that.
Step 01: Pick the Place
Start by considering the space where your gathering will take place. Summer invites boundlessness, trying new things, and embracing every moment—your gathering’s location can be the ideal space to embody this idea. There are always things to think about: the weather, the hour, and which guests are coming over, but also make space to incorporate something new you’ve been hoping to try. Whether it's trying a new cuisine in your backyard or tapas in the dining room, don’t be afraid to switch it up. The most important thing is that your space feels inviting and comfortable to you and your guests.
Tip: Consider setting a theme for the evening. A thoughtful theme—like a garden party or a charcuterie night—gives guests something to gather around and can help tie the night together.
Step 02: Plan the Menu
Planning a menu doesn’t have to result in a four-course meal. Instead, it can be a time to make a friend’s favorite appetizer or complement the season with your ingredients. With flavors at their peak (think: fresh, ripe cherries and soft, pink peaches), welcome the opportunity to let summer’s bounty lead. Whether firing up the grill or saving room for dessert, here are some of our favorite recipes—the ones we gladly return to, year after year...
Step 03: Set the Space
On the day of a gathering, it can be helpful to give yourself the space to slowly set the table. As much as summer can be a season to welcome unexpected moments, giving yourself plenty of time allows you to be fully present in the evening, embracing the joyfully unexpected. For styling, think about the details that can serve the meal and time together well: stacking plates, layering linens, balancing patterns. Be inspired by what you love. Whether you’re drawn to a neatly arranged scene or prefer a more organic, thrown-together aesthetic, decorate the table in a way that feels authentic and inviting to you. From serveware to decor, sometimes the smallest flourishes can be reminders of how life is beautiful and worth celebrating.
The details of a gathering can also stretch beyond the table. If you’re hosting outdoors and your evening begins earlier in the afternoon, consider how the space will change as night falls. Soft lighting, whether from flickering candles, string lights, or lanterns, adds warmth and invites guests to linger a little longer.
Don’t forget to think about the tone of the evening, as well. A well-planned playlistOpens in new tab can shape the rhythm of the evening, filling the air with something light and familiar. Place a speaker where it can reach every corner of your gathering, letting the music hum in the background. And if you're looking for inspiration to tie it all together, take a look at our Magnolia Workshop on Designing a Beautiful TablescapeOpens in new tab. The right touches, from lighting to music, create an atmosphere that feels effortless—so you can spend less time adjusting and more time enjoying.
Tip: If you’re planning on using place cards, write guests' names on both sides of the card. If someone doesn’t know the person across from them, now they have a starting point.
Step 04: Tidy Up
The dishes cleared, the conversations lingering, and the kids playing out back—now begins the process of cleaning your space, a ritual all its own. Let this moment be one you can enjoy. Light a fresh scent on the kitchen sill and let it set the tone. Ease into a flow, the gentle rhythm of rinsing and resetting. Reframe this time as yours, allowing the evening to sink in with gratitude. And if a few stray crumbs linger until morning? That’s just proof of a night well spent.
The best summer memories are made when we take the time to truly enjoy them. To help enhance the little moments, discover some of our summer favorites.
