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Lifestyle

How to Host the Best Summer Dinner Party

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at Wake Forest chapter.

With the weather growing warmer and the days growing longer, dinners outside are a delightful opportunity to spend time with friends. Follow these tips for a perfect summer dinner party. You can do this outdoors in your own backyard, or you can opt to travel to your local park for a picnic. 

Decorations

First up, to make your dinner Pinterest-worthy you will need proper decorations and table settings. Grab an old table cloth, or buy one for cheap from JOANN or Amazon. Simple florals and neutral linens work wonderfully. If you want to have a picnic, grab any plain-old looking blanket from home. Flowers are also a must. You can get some these from your local grocery store (I always go to Trader Joes!), or simply cut them from your garden. 

Drinks

A summer dinner party or picnic is the perfect excuse for a fun/fancy drink. A glass of fresh squeezed lemonade is my go to!

Food

My favorite part. The food. Foods that are easily sharable and easy to make in bulk are ideal. Try making this bruschetta as an appetizer and this delicious pasta salad as an entree. 

Dessert

Don’t forget dessert! Fresh strawberries are my absolute favorite thing in the summer time. Checkout this delicious (and super easy) recipe for strawberry shortcake kabobs.

Collyn Ballentine

Wake Forest '25