Houzz Call: Share Your Tips for a Laid-Back Summer Party
Do you have advice for easygoing decor, food and prep? Share your summer entertaining ideas with the Houzz community
Annie Thornton
July 22, 2016
Houzz Editorial Staff
Summer is the season for entertaining and gathering with friends and family at pool parties, barbecues and outdoor birthday bashes. If you like to play host or know someone who does it well, what are some tricks and tips you can share to keep things casual, fun and running smoothly?
What’s your entertaining style? Do you set up distinct zones to show friends where they can comfortably sit and gather in smaller groups? Is the party typically inside, outside or both? This backyard in New York has an outdoor dining table, fire pit seating and a lounging area. Adirondack chairs and a sectional sofa give guests places to relax and chill out.
Show us: How have you set up your summer entertaining spots at home? Upload your photos and tell us about them in the Comments below.
Show us: How have you set up your summer entertaining spots at home? Upload your photos and tell us about them in the Comments below.
What do you serve? It’s not a summer party without food. Though some hosts like to go all-out with meal prep, keeping the menu simple can be just as fun. For a casual lunch spread, charcuterie served on attractive dishes is tasty, good-looking and easy to prepare.
Your turn: Tell us in the Comments how you handle the food and drinks.
Your turn: Tell us in the Comments how you handle the food and drinks.
How do you make it special? A little surprise makes for a memorable party, whether it’s providing the ultimate personalized playlist or inviting everyone to a backyard bocce tournament. In this backyard in Culver City, California, a blank garden wall has been transformed into a movie screen for the neighborhood. Neighbors gather to watch movies in the open air.
Homeowners and designers: What is your go-to trick for an easy, fun summer bash? Please tell us in the Comments below. And if you have a photo, please share it with us!
Homeowners and designers: What is your go-to trick for an easy, fun summer bash? Please tell us in the Comments below. And if you have a photo, please share it with us!
Related Stories
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Trending Now
The Top 10 Home Bars of 2023
See the drinks fridges, custom cabinetry and other bells and whistles in these most-saved home bars on Houzz
Full Story
Monthly Home Checklists
Your Checklist for Quick Houseguest Prep
Follow these steps to get your home ready in a hurry for overnight visitors
Full Story
Decorating Guides
14 Easy Last-Minute Holiday Decorating Ideas
These festive decorations for doors, windows, stairs and tables can be created quickly
Full Story
Decorating Guides
25 Awesome Home Bars
From secret niches to sprawling lounges, these home bars on Houzz are filled to the brim with inspiring design details
Full Story
Holidays
Your Post-Thanksgiving Game Plan
By Becky Harris
Once you’ve recovered from the big day, take these steps to make welcoming the next round of holiday guests easier
Full Story
Houzz TV
5 Design Ideas Pros Recommend to Create a Home for Entertaining
Pros say you should consider these elements when looking to create a party-friendly home atmosphere
Full Story
Holidays
10 Host and Hostess Gifts Just Right for Holiday Parties
Arrive at your next gathering with a thoughtful item for the home. Here are some unexpected ideas
Full Story
Holidays
Make Your Checklist for Entertaining Season
Tailor this master list to help you set the scene — and table — for the holidays
Full Story
Living Rooms
10 Steps to Pull Together Your Living Room Before the Holidays
Boost comfort, flow and visual appeal in your main entertaining room to make guests feel more welcome
Full Story
Comfortable seating that includes a porch swing and a papasan chair that everyone crowds into, strings of little lights, good outdoor speakers, drinks in a tub of ice, and frogmore stew.