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The SN Guide to Hosting a Chic Summer Soirée

By SN Edit

July 12th, 2021

*Team SN's picks are selected based on products we truly love. Note: this article does contain affiliate links, and we will receive a commission if you purchase a product linked here. Something Navy also retains a percent of revenue from the third party brand products sold on Somethingnavy.com.

Summer is all about getting together with your favorite people.

Whether you’re seeing family members for the first time in months or reuniting with coworkers after a year out of the office, we have a lot of excuses to throw a party this season. Welcome to the SN guide to hosting an unforgettable summer soirée. We're covering everything from tabletop essentials to fashion finds to style your hostess look. Read on for every detail.

Start With the Soirée Essentials

As you embark on your planning journey, start with the basics. Yes, you can simply text your guests to invite them, but where's the fun in that?! Instead, you can set the tone of your event from the very beginning with a beautiful handwritten invitation. Craft a special note and invite for each guest on the SN x Cheree Berry Paper Hello Notecard Set. Plus, the vibrant color scheme can hint at the festive celebration to come.

Next, consider your setting and tabletop arrangements. Hestia Harlow is one-stop shopping for all your tabletop needs. You can rent a fully styled tabletop that includes everything from candles to napkins. Don't forget a trusty speaker to enhance your space and set the vibe with a well-planned playlist.

Once your decor is set, stock up on your drink essentials. There's no better season to enjoy a crisp glass of rosé, so you'll want plenty of Whispering Angel on hand. For the cocktail-loving guests, pick up Five Drink Co.’s variety of canned cocktails.

Shop These Picks

SN x Cheree Berry Paper

Ruffled Hello Notecard Set

Hestia Harlow

Adoro Amalfi Set

JBL Black Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

JBL

Flip 5 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Chateau d'Esclans

Whispering Angel Rose

Five Drinks Co.

Variety Ten Pack

Photo by Christina Bearden

Create a Chef-Approved Menu

Turn your soirée into a swanky dinner party with a well-planned menu. Make sure you have multiple appetizers and a mix of side dishes in addition to your main course–that way, every guest will have options to enjoy, no matter their taste preferences or dietary restrictions. And don't forget dessert! It may seem daunting, but a chef-curated menu can help.

Team SN recently hosted our 1-year anniversary celebration, where acclaimed Chef Matt Migliore created a delicious menu. To start the meal, we enjoyed roasted beets skewer and cherry gazpacho. Our appetizers included a burrata with charred peas and farro and a Japanese eggplant dish made with tahini and pomegranate. For entrées, Chef Migliore prepared striped bass and a lamb shoulder dish. On the side, we had papas bravas and roasted heirloom carrots to round out the meal.

Chef Migliore has a range of recipes to inspire your soirée menu. Head this way for every recipe!

Choose an Easy Yet Stylish Look

The party is planned and your guest list is filling up–now it's time to plan your outfit. As the host, you’ll want to wear something cute yet comfortable, since you’ll likely be running around to serve food and drinks to your guests. An easy dress is a foolproof pick–we love our ruffled Jolie Embroidered Dress, which has statement details all over, or this floral maxi dress by En Saison.

A jumpsuit is another excellent style choice. Try the Mattie Smocked Jumpsuit, a colorful and feminine take on this classic silhouette. Complete your look with beautifully simple accessories, like the SM Chunk Click Top Hoops from Argento Vivo and Schutz’s Ariella sandals.