Outdoor Gatherings: Our Guide to Casual Yet Elevated Summer Entertaining

On the spectrum of outdoor entertaining, most parties fall somewhere between a luxury tented wedding and a traditional, on-the-grass picnic. These are the warm-weather dinners, graduation celebrations, block parties, and poolside gatherings that fill calendars from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and that offer hosts the chance to perfect an elevated-casual aesthetic, leaning into the laid-back vibe of backyard entertaining without skimping on the details that make a get-together feel like an event.

But while outdoor entertaining is beloved for its dreamy, sun-drenched atmosphere, it also presents a few hosting complications (like uninvited bugs, heat waves, and food-prep logistics). This collection of expert guides will help you anticipate and conquer every challenge, from setting up your backyard for a season of festive affairs to setting the prettiest table in the neighborhood.

Level up your outdoor game options with old classics and new favorites, take inspiration from Martha's best summer party details, and beat the heat with smart cool-down solutions. Then toast to all your hard work with a refreshing summer cocktail as you savor your summer celebration with family and friends.

12 Ways to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer Entertaining

Gear up for summer parties by making your outdoor space as clean, cozy, and welcoming as your indoor space. Capital improvements, like lighting, additional shade, and upgraded dining furniture, increase your backyard's comfort level, while smaller-scale preparations—making sure the pool floats still inflate, restocking serving pieces and napkins—allow you to extend last-minute invitations without a hint of hosting stress.

How to Host and Plan a Summer Party the Martha Way

Martha is the ultimate party planner no matter the season, but her warm-weather hosting techniques are truly top-notch. Get inspired by her favorite summer party details, from icy desserts made with just-picked berries to themed menus, and from colorful tablescapes to the ultimate Martha shout-out: a pitcher of refreshing (and strong) Martha-Ritas.

How to Host a Casual Outdoor Dinner Party That Still Feels Elevated

Hosting an al fresco party doesn't have to mean paper plates and an eat-with-your-hands menu: You can savor the sunshine and fresh air while hosting an event that's still fancier than your average picnic. Create an upscale ambience, curate a cohesive menu, and set a pretty table to turn your backyard into a dining spot that feels as special as any outdoor venue.

20 Essentials That Make Outdoor Entertaining More Comfortable for Your Guests 

The idea of an outdoor party—lounging by the pool, sipping a cold drink, watching the sun go down—can sometimes sound better than the actual reality (sunburn on your shoulders, flies circling your margarita, regret that you forgot a sweatshirt). Prepare for every up and down of outdoor hosting with essentials large and small, from bug-proofing equipment and shatterproof dishware to lightweight blankets and a soothing daybed swing.

7 Ways to Keep Guests Cool at an Outdoor Party

Experienced event planners know that every event needs a Plan B, whether you're in the season of snowstorms or summer heat. Be ready for rising temperatures with shade, fans, ice-cold drinks, and other suggestions for helping your guests chill out.

14 Outdoor Games and Activities for Your Best Summer Ever

Whether you're hosting the swim team championship party or a multigenerational family reunion, make your backyard the place to be with a lineup of fun, all-ages outdoor games. From old-school classics, like croquet and badminton, to new must-haves (like spikeball and Kingdoms), you'll find activities that help you create priceless memories while spurring a little bit of friendly competition.

How to Choose the Right Food Service Style for Your Outdoor Summer Dinner Party

From graduations and promotions to college reunions and sports banquets, summer calls for all types of celebrations. Find the food service style that's the best match for your guests, menu, and hosting personality with these expert event planning tips, so you can put together an event that's perfectly planned, perfectly suited to your guest list, and perfectly you.

How to Set Up an Outdoor Buffet Table the Right Way

One thing you can count on as a host is that guests will find their way to a full plate of food, whether you spend time planning the layout of your buffet or not. But thinking through the details of how you lay out the food, where you place the plates and flatware, and how guests can move smoothly through serve-yourself stations guarantees that everyone goes home well-fed and happy.

Tips for Setting Your Outdoor Table

Welcome your guests to an al fresco dining experience with a thoughtfully curated table designed for outdoor dining. Small tweaks to your typical serving pieces—like shatterproof dishware and stemless wine glasses—take the danger out of accidental drops, while other mindful details (a shaded spot for your table, a separate bar station, food covers) provide practical solutions for sun, heat, and bugs.

25 Refreshing Big-Batch Cocktails That Make Serving a Crowd Easy

The last place you want to be when hosting a summer party is stuck manning the bar: This is a season for refreshing, large-batch drinks made to serve a crowd, not complex, single-serve cocktails with fussy garnishes and precise requirements for shaking or stirring. Make-ahead sangrias, margaritas, spiked teas, and icy cocktails let your guests serve themselves—while you raise a glass to seeing all your party planning pay off.

How to Build a Self-Serve Bar for Easy Entertaining

Give your guests an all-access pass to mixed drinks, bottled beverages, and festive mocktails by setting up a self-serve bar. Stock it with the appropriate glassware, chilled mixers, and non-alcoholic options; then add custom accessories, on-ice garnishes, and paper straws.