Summer is all about hot days and warm nights, and those warm nights are perfect backdrops for hosting dinner parties! Summer is the season in which you can take the traditional dinner party out into the garden or onto the patio. There aren’t many things better than basking in the glow of a hot evening with the people you love while eating a delicious meal.

So to ensure your summer garden party goes off without a hitch, we’ve curated a step-by-step guide to hosting the ultimate soiree, full of careful considerations, easy summer cocktails, ideas for your summer dinner party menu, and suave summer party themes.

Step 1: Prepare the furnishings

Every good dinner party starts with the right furnishings, no matter the season. And here at Taskers of Accrington, we know that better than anyone. It’s difficult to host a dinner party for 10 when your dining room table only seats 6 people, but don’t worry, the solutions are simple.

The most obvious and convenient solution is an extendable table. If you’re a fan of hosting on the regular, but you like to conserve space when you don’t have guests, an extendable table like our Calligaris Delta Extending Dining Table or our Calligaris Omnia Wood Extending Dining Table is the answer.

Or, if you’re planning on hosting your guests outside, why not consider an outdoor dining table like the Calligaris Outdoor Feel Dining Table? Pair with the Calligaris Outdoor Tuka Chairs for a sleek and stylish outdoor set up.

Step 2: Set the scene

Now you have your furniture ready, it’s time to set the scene. Creating an atmosphere is one of the most important elements of the entire evening. The level of execution and effort you put in beforehand is not only going to make your night less stressful as a host, it’s also going to make it a more memorable experience for your guests.

First, set the mood. This may include dressing the table, the garden or any room you plan on using and making it guest-ready. This doesn’t have to be overly extravagant. In fact, since it’s a summer dinner party, we suggest an au naturel theme. At this time of year, all the flowers and leaves of your garden will be in full bloom - make use of them! Forage for your bouquets and foliage and use them to bring a true sense of summer freshness to the table.

Lighting is another big player when it comes to setting the tone for an evening. Mood lighting in the form of lamps, fairy lights and candles should be used to your full advantage. For a soft summer glow, we’d opt for lighting with a more yellowish tint, as white lighting can be quite harsh and cold. And obviously no dinner party is complete without candles. Infuse your table with the smell of summer by using our Marmalade of London Glass Jar Candle Seville Orange & Clementine, or if you prefer something a little more traditional, why not opt for a candelabra? It’s up to you!

garden dining tableStep 3: Create the perfect menu

Your menu is the foundation that your dinner party rests upon, so it’s important to consider it carefully. Think about what your guests will like and plan a few light and summery courses that complement each other well. A great tip is to choose dishes that can be easily prepped beforehand, because after all, a good host doesn’t spend all evening in the kitchen!

When it comes to your menu then, preparation is key. Here’s some summer dinner party menu ideas you can serve:

Starter - A zingy summer salad made with seasonal fruit, fresh crunchy vegetables and a light dressing.

Main - A seafood pasta dish with juicy prawns, punchy garlic and fresh parsley.

Dessert - A traditional palate cleanser such as a zesty lemon sorbet.

All dishes above can either be prepared beforehand, or will take less than 20 minutes to whip up. This will help you strike the perfect balance between chef and host, and really impress your guests!

Now for the drinks. Another great dinner party tip is to serve your guests a drink upon entering your home. This could be whatever you like, but you can’t go wrong with a summer cocktail. A few of our favourites include:

  • Pink gin spritz - This delightfully refreshing and beautiful drink has just three ingredients and is perfect for an al fresco evening. Add ice to a glass, next add a shot of gin and a dash of lychee liqueur. Then top with some sparkling water, and voila!
  • Sea breeze - A classic. To make this, simply fill your glass halfway with ice, add a shot of vodka, a splash of grapefruit juice and top it off with cranberry juice, then garnish with a slice of lime.
  • Pimms - The taste of summer. Add around 200 ml of Pimms to a jug and top off with lemonade. Add in some fresh chopped strawberries, a few sprigs of mint and some cucumber slices and stir!

When considering the main meal, it’s important to select a drink that pairs well with your food - whether that’s a nice bottle of wine or a non-alcoholic drink. If you’re following our menu, opt for a mild and fresh white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Prosecco. Or if you’d prefer a non-alcoholic option, a fresh lemonade would be perfect. It’s always good to have a water jug and glasses on the table too so your guests can help themselves.

The final step is to remember to enjoy yourself too! Make sure you have the time to enjoy the fruits of your labour and to spend time with your honoured guests. These are just our summer dinner party ideas, feel free to use your own creativity and personality to make your night truly authentic and personal.

Here at Taskers of Accrington, we supply expertly crafted furnishings from many of the world’s most sought after and luxury brands, including Tetrad, Harrison Beds, Cattelan Italia and Calligaris furniture. If you have any questions about our stock or need any interior advice, our friendly team is always happy to help! Reach us on 01254 236262 or by popping in to our expansive showroom on Penny House Lane, Accrington.