One of our favorite things to do (especially in the summer) is host family and friends for dinner and game night! As much as I am a planner, I’ll admit that the invitation happens on a whim more often than not! There are a few things that we have found are great to have so we can prepare to host on short notice. Imagine you’re in your backyard while the sun sets, surrounded by the people you love most. Sounds perfect, right? But how do you get there without a week of planning? This blog is dedicated to our tips for hosting an impromptu yet delightful dinner party. From pantry staples to ambiance-enhancing tricks, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a seasoned host or new to the game, these ideas will help you create the perfect party without stress.
Finding time to connect with our loved ones can be challenging in today’s busy world. That’s why hosting is so essential—hosting on short notice allows you to seize unexpected opportunities to bring people together and create memories. So, let’s dive into the essentials that will make your next impromptu gathering a hit!
The Essentials:
In the summer, we love spending time and eating dinner on the back patio. Because we live in the country, sometimes our patio gets a little dusty and needs a quick clean-up! We love the Green Works Blower (I showcased this on a reel last year). I love that it’s lightweight, easy to use, and super powerful. We’ll blow off any debris from the back patio.
I also hate mosquitos, so I anchored these tiki torches into planters (we have a total of 4). The tiki torches are filled with mosquito-repellent fuel and add a nice touch when lit in the evening. Then we also have bug zappers hanging, but the tiki torches add a nice ambiance in the evening. On top of that, I highly recommend these Bug Fans to have on tables. They are also great for eating and sitting outside to keep bugs away!
We love to play lawn games! Our favorites are corn hole, ladder ball (you can play this for hours), spike ball, and giant Connect 4. If we set them up ahead of time, almost in ‘stations’ or zones, people will gravitate towards different games and play while food grills, etc. It keeps our guests mingling while I prepare the meal for the night. Everyone loves a good outdoor game!
When it comes to dining, I have special plates/bowls designated for our outdoor dining use. These plates are eco-friendly, and I love the bright, fun colors. They’re super easy to clean after the night is finished. I also have these cute ‘picnic’ or outdoor eating basket caddy filled with plates and cutlery so we can pop it outside. The caddy makes everything so much easier to transport!
And I love this snack tackle box. It’s fantastic for picnics and even road trips or traveling, but I especially love hosting in the summer because of how portable it is to bring out toppings, snacks, etc. The tackle box is so convenient for everyone to grab the desired snacks. It’s fantastic because it keeps everything fresh with its airtight seal.
Without fail, my kids almost always ask if we can roast s’mores, so it’s a given that we keep supplies on hand all summer long! I’ve tried a few different roasting sticks over the years, and these marshmallow roasting sticks are our favorites! They’re extremely durable and perfect for the kids to use. S’mores with the kids are simple and fun – you only need three ingredients!
As I wrap up my guide on summer hosting essentials, I hope these tips and tricks help you effortlessly create a memorable gathering with your friends and family. From quickly cleaning your patio with a reliable blower to setting the perfect ambiance with mosquito-repellent tiki torches, these simple yet effective tips will transform your backyard into an inviting space. Lastly, remember the s’mores! Keeping supplies on hand ensures that every gathering ends on a sweet note. Below are some more hosting favorites to shop!
Hosting on short notice doesn’t have to be stressful. With these essentials, you can seize those spontaneous moments to bring people together and celebrate summer. Here’s to many more summer evenings filled with laughter, good food, and great company!
