Send Fun, Informative Invites
Keep the size of your house and yard in mind when deciding who to invite. If you know many people, you can easily get carried away with the number of people you ask — but make sure you and your guests have some breathing room.
Whether you send invites virtually or with an old-fashioned card, make sure you are specific about the starting time, so guests know when most of the action will take place. You should be clear about what food and drinks you will serve. Also, give them an indication of whether they should expect a meal or snacks.
Make sure your partygoers know if the inside is available for food and mingling. Also, be clear if you have a specific dress code so guests don’t feel out of place.
Have your invitees RSVP so you know the number of people to expect and can appropriately plan seating, food and drinks. You’ll be able to prepare better if a guest needs accommodation and avoid prepping more than necessary.
Though you want to be informative, the invitations don’t have to be boring. Get creative with homemade cards or purchase invites with a summer splash to get your guests in the spirit before they arrive. If you plan a more elegant event, send out formal-looking invites. If you ask your guests virtually, add images or emojis to set the vibe early.
Create a Fun Summer Oasis
With good design, you can help your guests feel like they’re at an indoor party with a fun outdoor set-up. Utilize comfortable patio furniture to give them a place to relax. If you’re having an evening event, hang fun or elegant outdoor lights to create a lovely scene as the sun sets. You could also consider having a fire pit or an outdoor bar cart where guests can refill their beverages.
Have some fresh flowers on the patio edge or as centerpieces and remember to have a place for people to restock on cups and napkins. If you keep the food inside, ensure it is easy to find and access.
Create a Playlist
Whether you utilize an outdoor speaker, your phone or a computer, it’s nice to have some music playing — especially to help with any awkwardness when the first guests arrive. Choose fun, summer-themed songs or set the mood with more elegant or soulful music.
Choose music people can enjoy in the background of conversation. Playing a soundtrack that distracts guests from the moment can make mingling difficult.
Have a Variety of Drinks
It wouldn’t be a cocktail party without drinks, so you should make sure everyone has options.
Having a cocktail party doesn’t mean you have to empty your liquor cabinet. Instead, you could choose a signature cocktail or two you or your guests can make. Some good summer selections include margaritas, piña coladas and mojitos.
Once you’ve established your cocktail selection, you could also consider offering some sparkling wine or hard lemonade to suit guests who like something more straightforward. Also, be considerate of guests who may not want to or be able to drink alcohol. Soda, water and mocktails can help them feel included.
Include a Few Food Options
You might need to have a lot of options for guests to eat while indulging in their cocktails. Food is also an easy way to encourage mingling between guests, as food and snacks make great conversation starters.
Fruit and vegetable options are usually satisfying choices, so you could make fun trays or designs with these light snacks. You may also offer some sandwiches for a heartier option. A charcuterie board is a fan favorite and great for when you have a lot of guests. Also, consider having shrimp and other fun, easy-to-grab options.
You can create a cocktail party potluck by asking family or close friends to contribute with a tray or two while you provide the drinks.
If you have the funds, consider hiring a caterer so you have one less thing to worry about.
Encourage Mingling
Be prepared for guests to arrive early, so you aren’t rushing around too close to the start time. Once they come, be sure to greet them warmly and make introductions to guests who don’t know each other.
You can also initiate mingling by setting out games such as chess or checkers — or plan other interactive activities that encourage guests to break the ice with one another.
Grouping seats together can subtly influence your guests to gather naturally.
Remember the Inside of Your House
It’s easy to be so focused on your outdoor set-up that you forget your guests will need access to the interior of your house.
Attendees will need a place to put jackets or bags, apply sunscreen and use the restroom. You’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with the space your guests will be entering. You can also consider adding fun summer touches throughout your indoor area to keep the theme going.
Enjoy a Summer Cocktail Party
Food and drinks together can be a great way to catch up, relax and introduce the people closest to you. A summer cocktail party is a great way to get friends and family together for some fun time in the outdoors together. Use these tips to help create a fun event people will love.
About The Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.