The Guide to Summer Entertaining Ideas You Need Now!

Get Summer Entertaining Ideas for backyard bbq’s, cookouts, theme parties, potlucks, and more. We’ve compiled recipes, tips, and ideas for outdoor tablescapes and party decor, plus awesome ideas for 4th of July parties too. Find everything in our guide here.

Summer Entertaining Ideas & Recipes

It’s time to start planning outdoor summer parties. Whether you’re looking for tips for backyard cookouts, sit down dinners, or casual cocktail parties, you’ll find it here plus all the recipes to pull them together.

Invite family and friends to join you for fun in the sun because I’ve compiled everything you need for a great gathering. So go ahead and send out those invitations and start planning with my summer party guide.

Start with these Summer Entertaining Tips

To help you get started you can check out my top 7 tools for summer grilling. And if a group party is on the agenda, here’s everything you need to know to host a potluck party. 

I’ve also put together 5 easy backyard BBQ ideas to help you pull it all together with less effort. You can even get the kids involved by setting up a Lemonade Stand. Get ready to browse some fun ideas for summer entertaining!

Summer Party Themes 

Everyone loves a theme party don’t they? It gives you a solid direction to follow when planning. Here are some themes that you and your guests will love.

• This summer cocktail party puts a spin on the classic style you’re used to.
• Host a wine tasting with diy sandwich bar for a unique spin on a tasting party.
• Have a hot dog roast for the kids or the entire family.
• These tropical themed party ideas are a reader favorite! Don’t miss this for luau or island themes.
• Host a peach theme garden party to celebrate summer or a special occasion. Includes FREE printable signs.
• What’s more summery than a Wimbledon themed brunch? Host indoors or out, but make sure to add plenty of tennis paraphernalia. 
• Welcome the summer with a backyard BBQ & free printables.
• Set up a fun dessert station with a build your own shortcakes bar & free Printables
• Everyone knows entertaining with appetizers & sangria al fresco is a proven winner!
• See how to host a Ladies Night In set up in your back yard for summer.
• Nothing says summer in the South quite like a shrimp boil! Get these shrimp boil dinner party ideas & menu.
• Host a casual cookout with easy condiment recipes to top your hot dogs. 
• This Havana Nights party is an oldie but a goodie.

Summer Dinner Party Menu Ideas & Table Settings

Never get stumped by the question, “what should I serve” again! I’ve done all the thinking for you already. Here are some tried and true dinner party & menu plans to follow.

• This green dinner party has a tranquil and relaxing vibe.
• Host a dinner party with iced tea bar for a fun interactive soiree.
• Anyone can host a laid back dinner party with these 6 easy steps, including a simple but delicious menu.
• You’re friends won’t want to leave this dinner party with mini cheese boards. It’s just so gorgeous and inviting!
• Set up a lovely table and menu by following these ideas for a garden party soiree.
• This sunset supper party is the perfect way to enjoy great food and company at dusk.
• This al fresco dinner party menu is a no-fail choice for hosts.
• Host a last minute summer cookout.
• This red, white, and aqua blue summer dinner party can also work for a July 4th celebration.
• This al fresco dinner party has neutral colors but lots of great details.
• Set a rustic nature inspired tabletop for a guys birthday or for casual entertaining.
• This light & rustic dinner party menu will take you all the way into fall with it’s fresh flavors.

Best Grilling Recipes for BBQ Entertaining

When the party is outside there’s no better way to cook than on the grill. Here are some entree recipes that span several flavor profiles. Just pick your favorite!

• Best juicy burger I’ve ever had!
• This bbq brushed plank grilled salmon is great for dinner parties or family supper.
• Italian sun dried tomato burgers pack a lot of flavor with a bit of an Italian twist.
• Go Greek with these delicious Greek burgers with tzatziki sauce. 
• Asian Burger are simple and flavorful with an unexpected touch.

Best Summer Side Dishes 

So many side dishes, so little time. Sides are always my favorite part of the meal. Pick one or three of these recipes to serve at your party.

• Find my favorite tried & true summer side dish recipes and choose 1 or 2 to make.
• This easy pesto pasta salad is what I reach for when I’m short on time but want to add a lot of flavor.
• This basil infused summer corn salad packs a lot of delicious flavor.
• Make this Mediterranean chickpea salad for a hearty flavorful side.
• You can make this Thai noodles with shrimp recipe for an entree or a side dish.
• This watermelon basil salad is a fantastic starter or side dish. Nothing says “summer” like watermelon!
• Add a light and nutritional punch with this marinated green bean salad.
• This pasta salad with broccoli and peanuts if full of delicious Thai flavor.
• Asian style peanut noodle salad has been making the rounds for years! And the bowl always comes back clean!

Best Desserts for Summer Parties

• Red, white & Blue Trifle to celebrate the July 4th holiday.
• Strawberry Angel Food Dessert is red and white and delicious all over!
• This Four Layer Orange Cake is light and refreshing, and makes a pretty centerpiece to your dessert table.
• These glazed lemon bars recipe never fails. Everyone love them!
• Make lemon & lime tartlets for a delightful party dessert. They’re small for individual portions and they have cheesecake filling on a cookie crust.
• When you want something easy to pick up and eat, these lemon tartlets bite size desserts are delicious!
• Set up an Ice cream bar to make your own ice cream sandwiches & floats.
• Make this rich & creamy easy ice cream to serve with pie, to make cookie & ice cream sandwiches, or to eat on its own.
• Speaking of ice cream and pie, combine the two into this amazing Biscoff spread ice cream pie. It’s SOOO good!

Try one of these Refreshing Summer Cocktails

Get the party started with a delicious cold cocktail. You can’t lose when you serve one of these recipes.

• A sparkling peach margarita
• Tasty blackberry moonshine cocktail recipe
• Delicious light mezcal margarita recipe
• Best sparkling mojito recipe ever!
• This summer blue cocktail is perfect for the 4th of July party.
• Make a pitcher full of pomegranate peach lemonade to serve everyone in the family.
• Yummy blackberry lemonade iced tea. 
• Adults like lemonade too. When it’s a bourbon ginger lemonade cocktail that is!

Decorate your outdoor living space for summer entertaining

One of the first things to do when you host a party outside is to set up the space for entertaining. Get inspired by any of these outdoor living areas that are all set for hosting guests.

• Create a neutral, nature inspired space with this black & tan patio decor with greenery
• My favorite patio decor with subtle color and a casual, inviting feel.
• Use flowers & plant to create cozy outdoor entertaining space.
• Have a drink to enjoy this small deck decorating

Easy DIY’s to make your Summer party “Extra”

When you want to add a little extra detail try one of these ideas. There are ideas using balloons for a very festive celebration. There’s also a fun favor idea, and a way to protect drinks from pesky bugs.

• Welcome guest with this outdoor party decor for special celebrations.
• These s’mores kit favors are fantastic for summer entertaining!
• These red, white & blue balloon decorations are easy and festive for Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Labor Day parties.
• Check out 4 ways to top your drink to keep out the bugs.

Check back periodically for even more summer entertaining ideas as we keep creating more parties. If you’re not convince to entertain by now, read up on how summer entertaining can benefit you here.