Inspiration

How to Host a Summer Soirée

DEC 13|3 min read

No more boring BBQs — all the tips and tricks you need to entertain outdoors.  

Celebrate the better weather and have your next party al fresco.

Send out the group text to your friends and family – it's time you hosted a backyard barbie. Whether it’s for Christmas, New Year's, a summer birthday, or just to enjoy the glorious sunshine, there’s nothing better than getting everyone together outside.

We love hosting - and love summer soirées even more - so you could say we’re experts when it comes to entertaining outdoors. From menu planning and keeping your dishes safe to tablescapes and outdoor drinkware, we’ve rounded up our top hosting tips. With our handy guide, your next event will go off without a hitch. All that’s left to do is buy some Aerogard and try not to drop the pavlova.

Proper planning

Yep, just like your mum told you, our best piece of advice is to get prepped ahead of time. Take the stress out of hosting by getting your entertaining space - and as much of your food as possible - ready the day before. Aim for fridge-able dishes like cold salads and chilled desserts, to take one thing off your plate for the big day. Make ready to take in our assorted melanine container sets. While you’re at it, make sure to check your gas bottle the day before – there's nothing worse than having to race off to the Swap ‘n Go halfway through your event.

Lots of foods are tasty at room temp, which will help take the pressure off, but it’s best to keep them safe with al fresco accessories like our Aparri Outdoor Food Cover to keep bugs away. We like to keep our drinks cold and our wine chilled with our Positano Blue & Pink Ice Server - so, an extra bag of ice isn’t a bad idea!

Feast and be merry

Outdoor Entertaining Essentials:

La Sirena Palms Melamine Round PlatterLa Sirena Palms Melamine Round Platter

Out of stock for delivery

La Sirena Palms Melamine Round Platter

La Sirena Assorted Melamine Containers Set of 3La Sirena Assorted Melamine Containers Set of 3

Out of stock for delivery

La Sirena Assorted Melamine Containers Set of 3

Hanoi White & Natural Rectangle Food Cover  Hanoi White & Natural Rectangle Food Cover

Out of stock for delivery

Hanoi White & Natural Rectangle Food Cover

Positano Purple & Orange Ice ServerPositano Purple & Orange Ice Server

Positano Purple & Orange Ice Server

Capri Pink Bamboo ServingwareCapri Pink Bamboo Servingware

Capri Pink Bamboo Servingware

Keep them comfy

Entertaining outdoors comes with a unique set of considerations – and none more so than keeping your guests comfortable. Unlike throwing a dinner party indoors, you’ll need to work a little harder to put your loved ones at ease. Your first priority should always be seating; it’s okay if your chairs aren’t the same (the mismatched look is part of the charm) but do make sure every guest has somewhere to sit. Bring your dining chairs outside to supplement your outdoor setting, add chair pads to bench seats, and scatter outdoor rugs around your yard for casual conversation circles. You might find uninvited guests arriving as the sun goes down, so make sure to have plenty of insect repellent on hand. You can help prevent mosquitoes by removing any standing water from your entertaining space in the days before the event. We also like to have throws and blankets ready in case the evening comes with a bit of a chill.

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Insider Tip:

It’s not the citronella in insect-repelling candles that drives the mosquitoes away, but the smoke. Give your next outdoor soirée a luxury feel by burning your favourite scented candles, and keep your guests un-bitten at the same time.

Sip in style

There’s no shame in the plastic game! Drinkware made from non-breakable materials is essential when entertaining outdoors, as glasses have a way of getting broken more easily at BBQs. If you’ve got a pool or there’s a chance your guests will be barefoot, opt for our plastic Positano drinkware - which features everything from wine glasses to jugs in stylish colours. We love to keep drinks simple when entertaining and opt for one custom cocktail with plenty of matching glasses to serve. For example, a G&T suits highball glasses while an Aperol spritz is traditionally served in a large wine glass. Keep everyone hydrated with a large carafe of water on the table - and make sure to refill it regularly. Our Chelsea Rose Carafe comes with matching styling tumbler.

Set a table to remember

C'est La Vie Red TableclothC'est La Vie Red Tablecloth

Out of stock for delivery

C'est La Vie Red Tablecloth

La Sirena Lobster Melamine Oval TrayLa Sirena Lobster Melamine Oval Tray

Out of stock for delivery

La Sirena Lobster Melamine Oval Tray

Seville Bright Green Stripe Napkins Pack of 2Seville Bright Green Stripe Napkins Pack of 2

Out of stock for delivery

Seville Bright Green Stripe Napkins Pack of 2

Seagrass Knot Natural Napkin Ring Pack of 4Seagrass Knot Natural Napkin Ring Pack of 4

Out of stock for delivery

Seagrass Knot Natural Napkin Ring Pack of 4

La Sirena TableclothLa Sirena Tablecloth

Out of stock for delivery

La Sirena Tablecloth

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Discover our huge range of bold outdoor tableware and accessories, for a summer party that’s sure to impress.

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