6 Wholesome Tips for Hosting this Summer

With the 250th celebration of American freedom, celestial alignments, and many more goings-on there are so many reasons to host this summer. I’m one who will use any excuse to have a little party. I dive headfirst into party planning and, in the process, I dig my own grave by taking on too much, putting too much emphasis on the things that don’t matter, and not leaving enough time for what does matter. It can be easy to be caught up in the entertaining of gathering people together when life's simple practices are often what leave people with that sense of inclusion and longing for the next get-together. If we can foster these feelings in the people we bring into our home, we can create the best atmosphere for conversation and togetherness that I’m sure we all hope for when we envision each and every little party. That is my goal every time, I just get a little distracted. And with that I curated some thoughtful and wholesome tips for hosting that might just steer you away from hyper-fixating on too many details and bring you back to the goal of intentionality. 

1. Welcome any guests before they get to the door. This may require some foresight by carving out that extra couple minutes on the back end of preparation to take a breather and greet your people with a friendly openness rather than an otherwise disheveled, rushed character that I’ve been too many a time. There was a family I read about once that would stand on their porch, kids in tow, and wait for their guests to arrive, greeting them with energy and a receptiveness that would surely make the grumpiest soften a bit.

   

   
   

2. Implement a device-free hour. Grab a cute basket dedicated for holding all the phones & gadgets. Encourage every guest to turn off. People crave, strike that - need connection, but by default start scrolling away during awkward pauses. Turn this time into a game or start a conversation card deck! An hour free of distraction can go a long way in fostering intentionality. It’s a sure-fire way to grow people closer.

   

3. Make that summer playlist filled with your best feeling songs. Have it playing while you’re prepping everything or when your people arrive. It really sets the tone and forces you to finally make that perfect playlist that you don’t have to skip through.

4. Set the table. Actually set it. China, flatware, anything that makes you feel special and elevates your simplest of gatherings. A seasonal fruit or veggie tablescape shakes things up a bit but is a stunning way to style your table. It makes the ordinary beautiful and lets nature do its thing by decorating for you!

   

5. Serve one signature drink or staple food throughout the whole summer. This takes the headache out of decision fatigue. You can keep those ingredients rotated and on-hand, ready to go for even a last minute get-together. Here are some yummy ideas:

   • Pineapple Coconut Refresher

   • Frozen Lemonade

   • Strawberry Basil Spritzer

   • Strawberry Balsamic Bruschetta

   • Cowboy Corn Dip

     

6. A small take home gift is an extra special way to leave a guest remembering your time together and makes them feel special. It can even be as simple as a handwritten recipe from the dish you made or a baked good you had already made days prior. Wrap it with a cute bow and send them on their way!

Taking the time to be intentional with fostering a welcoming atmosphere is truly a tell-tale sign of a wonderful host and selfless person. Let's host this summer with the goal of gathering, not just entertaining!

If the thought of making your ordinary gathering table beautiful is too overwhelming, reach out and we can talk about hiring us to create a gorgeous tablescape and set-up so you can get back to showing up in the way you want to as a host!

Happy Hosting,

Alexis Louise

Al Fresco