Summer brings plans for long evenings outdoors, good food and relaxed garden entertaining. But while a summer BBQ or garden party should feel effortless, the reality of hosting one can often feel a little overwhelming.
Wingerworth-based Jasmine Savery, caterer and founder of Savery Grazing, has tried-and-tested tips for hosting a relaxed and memorable summer party or al-fresco gathering at home.
She says: “Summer entertaining should feel easy and enjoyable, especially for you as the host! With a bit of forward planning and the right set-up, you can create a BBQ or garden party that feels beautiful, impressive, and completely relaxed.”
Jasmine shares her insider tips from years of catering weddings, garden parties and outdoor events across Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
Make the most of the space you already have
You absolutely do not need a big, grand garden for hosting a great party.
A simple outdoor set-up can be transformed with thoughtful styling. Think plenty of seating areas, festoon lights, cushions and throws for later in the evening, plus a few thoughtful decorations – like bunting, potted herbs or bud vases of flowers.
Don’t shy away from a fun theme
People really lean into it and it makes the whole experience feel so much more memorable.
Last year we catered an ‘Italian pizza party’ – think tomato decorations and fresh basil in pots, with pizza as the main meal. The year before that, we did an ‘Amalfi Coast’ theme with blue and yellow flowers, lemon prints – and we even asked everyone to wear lemon-themed outfits!
Keep the menu simple, seasonal, and shareable
When it comes to food – be it a BBQ, pizza oven or sit-down meal, people tend to overcomplicate it.
The best food ideas are those that are equally social and delicious – and easy for you to make ahead of time!
Rather than juggling lots of complex dishes, lean into what’s in season and let the ingredients do the work.
Ingredients like citrus, peaches, tomatoes, fresh herbs and leafy greens really shine in summer.
Make-ahead prep
This is key to a stress-free hosting experience. Focus on dishes you can build in advance, such as salads, pre-marinated meats and homemade dressings that only need assembling on the day.
Desserts are one of the easiest things to get ahead of time. Think tiramisu, cheesecake or lemon possets – all perfect served straight from the fridge so you’re not thinking about them on the day.
Family-style serving
Serve your food on big, beautiful ceramic platters in the middle of the table and let people help themselves. It feels more relaxed, more social, and it saves you from serving every plate!
Create a self-serve drinks station
One of the biggest mistakes I see is the host constantly topping up drinks. You should be enjoying your own party.
Take a step back and let guests help themselves. A self-serve drinks station is so much more relaxed. It also means guests don’t feel awkward about asking for another drink.
This might include:
- A spritz station – soda water, Prosecco and a mix of liqueurs like Aperol, Sarti, Campari, or Lemoncello
- Chilled wine or beer in ice buckets
- Non-alcoholic options like a homemade lemonade or sparkling elderflower
- Plenty of ice, straws, garnishes and glassware – don’t forget a bottle opener or corkscrew!
Always have a weather plan
Even in summer, the UK weather will do what it wants.
Whether you have a gazebo, a covered patio space or could simply move the party inside, having flexibility built in removes stress should the weather take a turn. To prepare for practical hosting realities, make sure you have:
- Extra seating if more guests arrive than expected
- An indoor space that still feels styled if the party moves inside
- Warm blankets or patio heaters for later on in the evening