Summer is a season full of excitement and long, hot days to have fun with family and friends.

It’s always nice to catch up with the ones you love at a summer party, but when you’re the one hosting, it can be quite stressful. Catering for a big party and planning everything to perfection can take time and effort, but when you see people enjoying themselves, it’s all worth it. If you’re looking to get your summer party off to a perfect start, here are seven suggestions!

Tip #1: Find An Outdoor Heating Source

Usually the last thing you think of when planning a summer party is outdoor heating, but once the sun goes down in the evening it can get chilly. Placing some heaters in the garden will save your guests from getting too cold. If you have a fire pit, along with keeping people warm, it can also encourage a relaxed atmosphere. You can even let your guests roast some marshmallows!

Tip #2: Choose Proper Lighting

Fairy lights are ideal for a summer party. You’ll need some light when the sun starts to go down so guests can see where they’re going as they walk to and from the house. Fairy lights give you enough light for everyone to walk around safely without it being too bright, and they can make any backyard look magical at night!

Tip #3: Use The Right Tools

If you’re planning to host a summer party, you’ll need the right tools for the job. For instance, if you’re going to have a BBQ, you’ll need proper cooking utensils to make life easier. And if you need to cook on the stove, try using the best copper cookware indoors. Copper is one of the easiest materials to clean, so you won’t have to worry so much about the mess you’re left with afterwards. Anything that can make cooking easier for you will mean you have more time to mingle when the party is in full swing.

Tip #4: Set Up Cozy Seating

Summer parties can go on for hours. With the warmth of the sun, good company, and a bit of entertainment, the guests may very well be there all day. If that’s the case, you’ll need some cozy and comfortable seating for everyone. You could splurge on extravagant outdoor sofas, or do something as simple as cushions on wooden deck chairs. Whatever you go with, your guests should be able to sit in the same spot for extended periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.

Tip #5: Add Color

A party isn’t a party without decoration. Summer is a time where all the colors pop out and life seems far more vibrant. Even if your backyard is covered in colorful blooms, you can still add touches of decor here and there. Think colored candles (preferably insect repellent ones!), colored glassware, and colored cushions. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and add all the colors of the rainbow! Summertime is the perfect time go to a bit wild.

Tip #6: Choose A Theme

If mixing and matching just isn’t your thing and you’re worried about styling your backyard, why not choose a party theme? Summertime favorites include Hawaii themed, ice cream themed, and beach themed. But the possibilities are endless! You can incorporate your theme into your party from something as simple as glass jars full of sand and shells, or asking guests to dress the part (think Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts). You could even add themed cocktails to the menu that your guests won’t be able to resist.

Tip #7: Over-buy To Prevent Shortage

When it comes to planning how much guests will eat or drink, it can be difficult. Not everyone will eat the same portion size, and some may drink more than others. That’s why it’s always best to over-buy instead of under-buy. Even if you have a few leftovers, you’ll have peace of mind that you can feed and water everyone for as long as they stay. And you can always send leftovers home with guests so they don’t go to waste! If there will be children attending, invest in some juice boxes and ice pops that don’t take too long to prepare so parents can grab them as needed.

Bonus Tip: Enlist Some Help

Serving everyone at a summer party is hard work and will be difficult to do alone. Ask someone to help you with food and drinks, and to keep people comfortable throughout the evening. And, if you want to be really extra, hire a caterer.

What tips do you have for throwing a summer bash? Share your ideas with us in the comments!