You Never Want To Make These Summer Hosting Mistakes

Whether you’re hosting dinner parties with neighbors, entertaining out of town family, or just having friends over for a sunset cocktail, summertime is all about gathering, relaxing, and spending time outside. While each season poses its own challenges, there is something special to be said for entertaining in the middle of summer in the South. Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. 

All good Southern hosts know the key is to have plenty of ice cold beverages on hand and lots of snacks to keep folks happy. (Bonus points if you can conjure up a breeze and a body of water to make the heat a little bit more bearable.) But no matter if it’s a pool party, afternoon barbecue, or sit down dinner, there are also a few things we know a Southern host would never ever do. You've likely experienced at least one of these no-no's or learned from your mama how to avoid these shortcomings, but if you haven't we have you covered. These are 10 summer entertaining mistakes that a Southern host would never make.

Get Too Fussy With The Menu

Don't overcomplicate anything, especially the part that involves the food and drink. Summer is a time for simplicity. It’s a time to sit back and relax. So even if you, as the host, are the one doing the heavy lifting, an elaborate spread doesn’t match the laid back atmosphere of a summer soiree. Plus, no one wants to spend all day schlepping over the stove when there’s fun to be had in the sun. Keep in mind dishes that are easy to serve so they won’t be affected by the heat if left out for a long time, and don’t require thoughtful plating and silverware. Think punches, kebabs, dips, and finger-friendly or single serve foods. But above all—don’t run out of food.

Run Out Of Ice

From icing down the cooler to filling pitchers of ice tea or mixing up cocktails—ice is of the utmost importance, especially in the summertime in the South. It should fall near the top of the grocery list. It’s always smart to account for more ice than you think you might need rather than having to ask a guest to pick up an extra bag. Even if you have a built-in ice maker, it’s always a good idea to have a backup supply.

Forget To Serve Water

Even if you have a signature cocktail and a cooler full of ice cold beverages, be sure to always offer your guests water as well. While it’s nice to directly ask your guests what they would like to drink upon arrival, when the party is in full swing they shouldn't have to chase you down—especially for a glass of water. Assistant General Manager, Anna Price Olson suggests putting a carafe of water and small glasses by the bar area so everyone has easy access to it.

Not Account For Uninvited Guests

And no, we’re not talking about people, but rather pesky gnats, wasps, and flies that will likely try to swarm any food at your cookout. To avoid the pests, consider keeping the food inside if you have an easily accessible indoor area that can serve as your grazing spot. The other alternative is investing in food covers, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. It’s also a good rule of thumb to have bug spray or citronella candles at any outdoor gathering.

Serving A Limited Menu

While burgers, ribs, and dogs might be the backbone of any summer cookout, a good Southern host knows these staples don’t complete the menu. If you plan to rely solely on the grill there are plenty of grilled sides like corn on the cob, watermelon, vegetable skewers, and sweet potato fries that will be crowd- pleasers. You can even keep it fired up for desserts like grilled peach cobbler or grilled peaches with cream.

Create Added Heat

Try to avoid using the oven too close to party time, especially if you live in a small space or your kitchen is right next to your entertainment area. If you’re hosting outdoors only, this is less of a concern but when hosting indoors, the additional heat from the oven can sneakily cause discomfort. Try to heat things up early or consider only serving cold appetizers and bites.

Skip Preparing In Advance

No matter if you’re hosting a casual cocktail hour or a full on seated dinner, don’t let stress be a factor. Create a to-do list, even adding times can be helpful, to ensure your gathering goes off without a hitch. No Southern host wants to be caught with a half cooked appetizer when their guests arrive or realize they forgot to pick something up from the grocery store.

Try To Play Bartender

While it’s fun to be the mixologist for a few people, you can easily find yourself stuck behind the bar all night if you’re not careful. Leave it to big-batch cocktails and punches to simplify your host duties. If you’re making frozen drinks, be mindful of where you set up. Try to pick a shady spot or they’ll never freeze properly in the sun.

Neglect The Possibility Of Summer Storms 

Southern weather is unpredictable, especially in the summer. If you’re hosting your gathering outside, be sure to have a back-up plan in case a rainstorm rolls through, perhaps it's a covered porch or an available indoor space. Aside from just the physical location, keep the possibility of relocating in mind when thinking about what you're serving as well.

Skimp On Decor 

Whether you pull out all the stops or opt for a simple linen tablecloth and vase of freshly cut backyard blooms, a good Southern host always thinks of the details even in the hot summertime. And while we aren’t afraid to use paper plates, if you do, think about adding a thoughtful layer somewhere else—like bud vases or fun napkins.