Designers Share the 12 Summer Party Ideas They're Using to Host This Season

“When it comes to summer entertaining, I always return to a Latin-fusion theme. There’s something incredibly joyful and sensorial about the colors, flavors, and rhythms that naturally come alive in this kind of celebration. From the vibrant ingredients to the laid-back elegance of the setting, it’s a feast for all five senses—and that’s the magic I try to create whether I’m designing a room or hosting a gathering.

To set the mood, I rely on a few atmospheric elements that never fail: citronella candles (both practical and pretty), a bubble machine for a little unexpected whimsy, and warm twinkle lights that softly illuminate the night. Come summer, I also love to fill my porch with greenery—lush hanging plants, potted herbs, and fresh-cut flowers in vases that I swap out when entertaining. It makes the entrance feel like a warm, living welcome.”

—Dane Austin, Dane Austin Design

“When the garden is in full bloom, we can’t resist leaning into the classic garden party theme for a summer soirée. Dress up your table with fresh flowers from your garden (for us, that means cosmos and hollyhocks) and pair them with vibrant table linens and a chilled rosé. We love serving a classic meal of homemade spaghetti and meatballs, followed by a cup of butterfly pea tea. For a more intimate gathering, we’ll move the table out onto the lawn and light it with rechargeable lamps as the sun sets. There are so many great cordless options available right now, but we’re especially fond of the selection from Mrs. Alice, which features a variety of mix-and-match bases and shades.”

—Heather French, French & French Interiors

Tour the Entire Home

“For summer parties, I like to bring the inside out by setting a table with real ceramic tableware, glassware, and linens rather than paper or plastic. I think there's something so luxurious about using your indoor finery outside. For this table in the Hamptons, we used dishes from Carolina Irving & Daughters and linens from Furbish Studio. The glasses are vintage that I found at Brimfield. For summer, use juicy colors and lots of pretty textures such as tortoise flatware, wicker baskets, wood salt cellars, and concrete tables. Of course, fresh flowers are a must, and I like to put them in pretty glass vases.”

—Kerri Pilchik, Kerri Pilchik Design

“For a summer party theme, instead of something that might get packed up and stacked in bins in storage for most of the year, consider something more permanent, that's a fun reflection of you and a frequent reminder of all of the fun that happens in the space, and a reminder of all the fun to come.

Here in Atlanta, mural art commissioned by the city energizes the sides of buildings in every neighborhood. It's a lively backdrop to events all summer long, from dance parties and live music to dog park festivities, cookouts, farmers' markets, block parties, and more. When I got to bring that lively energy into a client's home and up onto their roof terrace for all of their summer entertaining, I was so excited. This mural was custom-designed just for them as a backdrop to family game nights and larger parties that spill out from their third-floor bar onto the terrace.”

—Leah Alexander, Beauty is Abundant

“In Texas, where summer nights stretch on, one of my favorite themes is an indoor-outdoor movie night. For my Whole Home Texas project with House Beautiful, we imagined a setup where you can watch classic '80s and '90s movies like 'The Goonies' or 'Father of the Bride' under the stars while making cocktails or snacks at the outdoor kitchen just steps away. You can even play a round of pool and still keep up with the movie playing on the outdoor screen; it’s all connected, and that’s what makes it so fun.”

—Linda Hayslett, LH.Designs Inc.

Tour the Entire Space

“This summer party theme is all about relaxed elegance in a compact space, think wine night meets elevated backyard BBQ. For my Laurel Grove project, the setup is designed to feel casual but pulled together, with cozy seating, a small floral arrangement that looks like it was freshly snipped from the garden, and the grill taking center stage. I love a setting where guests can pour a glass of wine, grab a plate, and enjoy the evening without formality.”

—Linda Hayslett, LH.Designs Inc.

“Some of my favorite summer memories begin just as the sun slips below the horizon and the air turns cool enough to light the fire pit. Our Ember Evenings theme is all about celebrating that in-between moment—when the day slows, guests draw closer, and a soft flicker of flame transforms the atmosphere. It’s a little ritual we return to every summer: gathering around a custom fire pit or fireplace with cocktails, small bites, and the kind of conversation that only happens when no one’s in a rush.”

—Melissa Gerstle, Melissa Gerstle Design

“Every July 4th, we host a long-weekend summer party for a small group of our friends at our cabin in Lake Tahoe, where the 'theme' is America. Sometimes I think that we interior designers are expected to host only elevated, chic parties—nay nay. July 4th at our home is a relaxed, playful family-style event that's centered around food, being outside, and doing right by the American Flag.

Someday, I'll upgrade to my-design-standard versions of patriotic buntings, tablecloths, and napkins, but I think there's something very nostalgic Americana about a paper plate BBQ dinner hosted outside. But whether the decor goes more kitsch or gets upgraded, my main prerogative is that our July 4th parties set the tone for relaxation and casual outdoor fun.”

—Noz Nozawa, Noz Design

“Come summer I always start to incorporate fresh flowers from my garden or anything that is in season at the moment that I can forage. The tabletop really comes alive with a colorful assortment of differentiating buds. I like to line them up and create a layered look through varying heights, species, and colors.”

—Sasha Bikoff, Sasha Bikoff

“I hosted an 'End of Summer' recently, and it was such a wonderful way to welcome everyone back to town after a long summer of travels. I used early late summer/early fall flowers and colors, and held the party on the most glorious sunny afternoon, where the chardonnay sparkled and the warm flowers seemed to smile at the guests. This particular event was about 40 women hosted on my porch. Bill Restivo did the catering, a New York favorite. We served a warm shrimp bisque to start, which was perfect because of the end-of-summer seafood flavors, and even the soft orange hue of the soup seemed to complement the tablescape!”

—Ashley Sharpe, Sharpe Development & Design