Summer is here – the season in which we all do around 31 per cent more socialising. Hosting a summer gathering with your nearest and dearest is the perfect way to spend a long, pleasant evening, particularly if you’ve stocked up on plenty of excellent food and wine. That being said, hosting a dinner party can be a complex undertaking, and you’d be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed. If you want to plan the best summer dinner party, consider the following tips to make your evening a roaring success. 

Decide On Your Menu

The menu is arguably the most crucial decision when it comes to planning a dinner party. Planning ahead is always advisable – deciding on your menu in advance will afford you plenty of time to source exactly what you need to pull off the perfect evening, including exceptional ingredients and expertly paired wine. Deciding on your menu will also help define the ambience of the evening. For instance, a buffet or barbecue may be more suitable if you want a more relaxed, casual affair. Alternatively, you could plan an extravagant three-course meal if you want your evening to be elegant and sophisticated.

Inside Or Outside?

Summer lends itself to leisurely evenings spent socialising outdoors. You may want to make the most of the pleasant weather by hosting your dinner party on your patio or balcony. However, an outdoor event might not be the best option. For example, if you’re currently experiencing a heatwave, it may be better for your guests to remain indoors where they can be more comfortable. However, this is primarily due to personal preference – just remember that the comfort of your guests is your primary concern. 

Use Seasonal Produce

One of the best aspects of summer is the availability of seasonal local produce. Consider tailoring your menu to include seasonal ingredients, so your guests can enjoy a genuine taste of summer. Not only is seasonal food fresher and tastier than regular supermarket produce, but it is also much better for the environment – this is because seasonal produce requires less energy to grow, transport and store, whereas transporting food long distances produces greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. In fact, studies suggest “food miles” are likely responsible for about 6% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn To Mix Cocktails

Serving your guests expertly prepared cocktails upon their arrival is a surefire way to dinner party success. While a glass of sparkling wine is a traditional fail-safe option, a delicious cocktail is an excellent way to demonstrate effort and culinary excellence. Fortunately, you don’t need a certified mixology qualification to make a superb cocktail. You can find step-by-step instructions online so you can learn how to make the perfect margarita, mojito, piña colada or whatever perfectly matches your menu. 

Select Excellent Wine

Once you’ve decided on your menu and welcome drinks, choosing a remarkable selection of wine to pair with your courses is an excellent way to elevate your guests’ dining experience. If you’ve chosen a quintessential summer menu with fresh, delicate flavours, your wine selection will likely lean towards white and rosé varieties. White wine traditionally pairs well with poultry, fish and creamy sauces. Light and dry rosé wines often pair well with fresh, leafy salads and charcuterie boards. If you’re unfamiliar with wine pairings, ask your local wine merchant for advice. 

Consider Dietary Restrictions

When catering for house guests, it is always advisable to consider dietary restrictions. You may have guests who are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. Some guests may abstain from certain foods due to religious reasons or allergies. Avoid excluding certain dinner party members by asking for information regarding dietary restrictions in advance and tailoring your menu accordingly. A little effort goes a long way; for example, if you’re unsure what to make for a vegan guest, research vegan dinner party courses online. 

Keep The Bugs At Bay

If you’re determined to make the most of the pleasant weather by hosting your dinner party outdoors, you may have to contend with mother nature. The aroma of food may attract all manner of insects, including wasps, mosquitos and gnats. While most garden-dwelling insects are relatively harmless, they can be exceptionally annoying. You can deter pesky insects by lighting citronella candles and offering your guests bug spray to prevent bites and stings.