Summertime is here and that means summer gatherings with friends and family. If you love hosting, then you’ll want to make sure your home is all set for summer entertaining.

Both your indoor and outdoor spaces should be ready for guests. We’re covering how to prepare your home so you can host memorial events everyone will enjoy all summer long.

Assess and Prepare Your Outdoor Space

If most of your entertaining will take place outdoors in your yard, patio, deck, or balcony you’ll want to take stock of your existing space and see what updates you’ll need to make.

Evaluate the layout and functionality of your outdoor areas. No matter what type of space you have you’ll want to include dining and/or lounge areas while considering the flow and accessibility for guests.

Asses your outdoor kitchen, cooking, or grilling equipment. Make sure everything is clean and in good working order. Consider updating anything that requires an upgrade.

Create comfortable seating areas with outdoor furniture designed for relaxing and dining. Explore different seating arrangements to accommodate guests.

Enhance the ambiance so you can enjoy spending time outside well into the evening with thoughtful lighting. String lights, hanging pendants, sconces, and path lights are different options you can incorporate into your outdoor space.

Add greenery and decorative elements to create a space that’s inviting. Include plants, flowers, and landscaping features to beautify your outdoor space. Even just a few potted plants to frame your seating area can make a huge difference.

Ensure that you’ve taken measures for privacy and shade so that your guests are comfortable. Consider a pergola, trellis, awning, or umbrella so that you’re not frying in direct sunlight. Landscaping like hedges and trees also helps provide shade while shielding your yard from neighbors.

Prepare Your Indoor Spaces

Even if the bulk of your entertaining will take place outdoors, you don’t want to neglect your indoor spaces.

Think about optimizing the indoor-outdoor flow so you have a seamless transition for guests moving from inside to outside. Things like sliding doors, large windows, french doors, and open floor plans all help create this effect.

Depending on how many guests you need to accommodate, you may want to include extra seating and dining areas inside as well. If you love hosting dinner parties, investing in a dining table that can expand to fit more people is a great option. We love the Harper Extension Table which expands from 84 to 104 inches.

Stock up on Entertaining Essentials

Stock your kitchen and bar with all the essentials including flatware, serving dishes, drink dispensers, beverage tubs, dining ware, glassware, and leftover containers. That way you’ll have everything you need to serve delicious food and drinks.

For outdoor dining think about products that are durable and meant for outdoor use. Consider melamine plates and serving dishes and acrylic beverage glasses, rather than ceramic or glass, which can break.

Think about seasonal linens and table decor so your event stands out with beautiful table settings. If you plan on hosting pool parties make sure you have enough pool towels to keep everyone dry. Consider having some games on hand for both kids and adults that love to play.

Remember the Details

Don’t forget that it’s the thoughtful details that can make an event, gathering, or party memorable.

Beautifully printed menus are a fun touch your guests will appreciate. Consider adding decor that your guests can also take home as party gifts, like votive candles, flowers, or succulents.

Think about small things that will go a long way in making your guests feel more comfortable. Things like extra storage for jackets or purses and blankets if you’re in a location that cools off during the evenings. Don’t forget bug spray or bug-repelling candles if you live in an area prone to bugs.

Now you’re ready to start hosting! Need help transforming your indoor and outdoor spaces into an entertainer's dream? At AHG Interiors we create beautiful custom spaces specifically for your needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project.

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