Summertime and the livin’s easy, and with Partytrick, the hostin’s easy as well. From al fresco dinner parties and heady late-night cocktail hours to chilled-out picnics and Euro-style aperitivos, when the sun comes out, our enthusiasm for hosting seems to grow as strong as the sun’s rays.

Here are 10 summer party trends to elevate your hosting game to heights as high as the predicted temperatures.

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Seasonal Fruit Centerpieces

Bring a new meaning to farm-to-table. Decorate your dining table with fresh, seasonal fruit used as centerpieces or floral stands. Use citrus fruits like tangerines, lemons, and limes for a bright, summery, fresh feel, or richer fruits like pomegranates and grapes for a more sumptuous, intimate, and sexy vibe. Use our farm-to-table dinner party template to get started planning.

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Vibrant Florals

Nothing adds joie de vier to a tablescape quite like a flower arrangement, and we’re calling it now, the florals of the season will be Icelandic poppies and anthurium, aka flamingo flowers. We love the look of fully bloomed poppies in bright oranges, yellows, pinks, and reds organically spread across the table standing in vintage, mismatched glass bottles amid subtly colored taper candles. But if you’re inclined to a more unexpected choice, we love the addition of a bold, anthurium flower to any tablescape or bouquet. The vibrant, tropical flower adds a touch of exoticism and originality to any space. We love combining them with orchids and hibiscus in a dynamic, lively bouquet to place as the centerpiece of our tables.

Bagel Boards

The perennial appeal of a decadent cheeseboard will never tire but sometimes it’s fun to swap out the classic baguette, brie, and jam for bagels, cream cheese, and lox. Upgrade your summer brunch party with a fully loaded bagel board, or if you’re feeling extra royal, a bagel tower! Pick up bagels from your favorite local bagel shop, various cream cheese flavors from scallion to strawberry, and all the toppings you could dream of— onions, tomatoes, capers, cucumbers, smoked salmon, and more!

Artistic Dinnerware

Regardless of the cuisine or company, this season, our penchant lies in adorning tables with dinnerware boasting hues reminiscent of the food on your table, crafted in abstract forms and translucent materials. This eclectic blend exudes sophistication and infuses your tablescape with an understated yet undeniable sense of style, devoid of any pretension. We particularly love these placemats from Gaetano Pesce and these plates, bowls, glasses, and flatware from Helle Mardahl.

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Doodle Decor

Remember those childhood dinner outings, where the highlight was not the gourmet cuisine but rather the simple joy found in crayons and paper? Well, your palate may have matured since then, but some things never change. And there's still an undeniable charm in a pristine white tablecloth adorned with whimsical doodles. Add a touch of nostalgia to your tablescape with hand-drawn place cards, menus, and decorations.

Punchbowls

When it comes to cocktails, we firmly believe in the motto "the bigger, the better." Why settle for a pitcher when you can elevate your drink game with a dazzling crystal punchbowl? Easily sourced from your neighborhood thrift, these bowls not only serve as vessels but also double as exquisite decor for your soirée. Picture it: your favorite large-format cocktail nestled within, adorned with an array of garnishes. Think sliced fruits, delicate dried flowers, or perhaps even a rubber ducky for a playful touch!

Foliage Frenzy

Foliage is the new florals if you ask us! Transform your space into a verdant wonderland by curating a lush tapestry of greenery, ranging from velvety moss to graceful ivy. This whimsical and decorative touch adds an enchanting dimension to your surroundings. Whether draped elegantly across tables or suspended artfully along the windows of your party venue, these verdant strands infuse your gathering with natural charm and organic beauty.

Sunny Palette

Summer evokes images of luscious fruits, refreshing bites, succulent seafood, and the tranquil embrace of the deep ocean. In homage to these cherished aspects of the season, we’re embracing the vibrant hues that characterize summertime. Embrace the warmth of the months ahead with a palette inspired by nature's bounty: think pistachio and Castelvetrano olive greens, buttery yellows reminiscent of sun-kissed fields, the soft glow of cantaloupe oranges, and the serene depths of cerulean blues. Let these colors infuse your space with the essence of summer's allure.

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Matcha Margaritas

As we bid adieu to winter's cozy espresso martinis, we eagerly welcome their brighter, funkier, and decidedly summerier counterpart: the matcha margarita! This vibrant cocktail is the perfect drink to serve to guests at any occasion but we especially love the idea of serving this at Garden Party or At-Home Wellness Retreat, because the green, earthy flavors make the cocktail almost feel as if you’re drinking a green juice! Watch Evie Negri-Albert, A.K.A. Drinks By Evie, craft the perfect matcha margarita, and follow along with the recipe below!

Matcha Margarita Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 bar spoon matcha
• ½ oz agave syrup
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• 2 oz tequila blanco
• garnish: salt rim + lime wheel

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, and matcha powder.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to ensure everything is well mixed and chilled.
3. Rim the glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the edge, then dipping it into salt.
4. Fill the glass with ice and strain the margarita mixture into the glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy your refreshing matcha margarita!

Embrace the spirit of summer with every sip of this invigorating concoction, as it captures the essence of the season in a glass.

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Spanish Summer

With their stunning beaches, delectable red prawns, leisurely siestas, and vibrant aperitivos, the Spaniards have perfected the art of summer living. Drawing inspiration from our European friends, this summer, we're adopting their laid-back lifestyle and celebrating with a tantalizing array of tapas. From the iconic patatas bravas and marinated olives to the delicate flavors of Boquerones en vinagre and the simplicity of Pan con tomate, our table will be a feast for the senses. Accompanied by cold, refreshing spirits and wines, and shared with great company, we aim to capture the essence of Spanish summer magic in every moment of our gatherings. Plan the perfect Euro-inspired party with Partytrick when you use our party template!