How to Bring the Red, White and Wow to Your Summer Party

By Noelle Sharbaugh, High Heeled Hostess

Photo courtesy of High Heeled Hostess

Welcome to the final installment of my six-part series on mastering the art of hosting.

As summer kick’s off, it's time to prepare for the upcoming patriotic holidays. I'll share hosting tips to take Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day parties from ordinary to extraordinary. With the warmer weather, take the party outdoors. Whether you’re grilling, sipping cocktails and mocktails, or simply enjoying backyard bliss, these holidays are about good company, delicious food, and honoring those who have served.

1. Set the Stage for Celebration

Create a welcoming, festive atmosphere that embodies the spirit of summer and patriotism.

Patriotic Décor

Incorporate red, white, and blue accents with table linens, banners, balloons, and floral arrangements.

Add a natural touch with wildflower-filled mason jars or small potted plants.

Use miniature American flags as centerpiece accents or personalized place cards.

Outdoor Entertaining

Host outdoors, weather permitting.

Enhance the ambiance with string lights, picnic blankets, and patio seating.

Keep guests cool with umbrellas, or pop-up tents.

Photo courtesy of High Heeled Hostess.

Moments to Reflect

Honor the holiday’s meaning with toasts, a moment of silence, or festive sparklers.

Have a memory table for guests to display photos or share stories of loved ones who served.

2. A Menu to Please

A well-planned menu is the heart of any celebration. Serve classic dishes and refreshing treats that everyone will love.

Grilled Favorites

Grill burgers, hot dogs, and veggie kabobs.

Pair with fresh sides such as watermelon-feta salad, grilled corn, or a light pasta dish.

Seasonal Drinks

Create a drink station with summer cocktails like sangria or spiked lemonade and mocktails like berry spritzers.

Garnish drinks with patriotic touches like blueberries, strawberries, and sprigs of mint.

Provide water, ice, and various beverages to keep everyone hydrated.

Patriotic Desserts

Surprise guests with red, white, and blue parfaits or star-shaped cookies.

A DIY s’mores station doubles as dessert and interactive fun.

Set up a festive candy bar cart with red, white, and blue treats.

3. Entertainment

Keep the energy alive with fun activities.

Fun and Games

Cornhole, horseshoes, or giant Jenga are always favorites.

Water balloon tosses, team relay races, sparklers, or other safe and approved fireworks displays add excitement.

Patriotic Tributes

Provide a memory wall or gratitude tree for guests to leave messages.

Invite a veteran to share stories or host a ceremonial flag-folding.

Include fun, patriotic trivia covering history, holidays, and summer traditions.

Photo courtesy of High Heeled Hostess.

Set the Mood

Curate a playlist that blends summer hits with patriotic standards.

Elevate the event with live music or an outdoor movie screening.

Thank you for following my How to Host series. I hope it sparked your creativity, boosted your confidence, and inspired you to begin if you’re a novice or uplevel your hosting skills if you’re more experienced.

Enjoy the summer by embracing the art of entertaining, from casual backyard barbecues to elegant dinners under the stars. Here’s to creating fabulous memories one gathering at a time. Cheers!

For more seasonal inspiration and entertaining ideas, visit www.highheeledhostess.com and follow for updates and exclusive content.

Noelle Sharbaugh, the High Heeled Hostess, is a published and award-winning tablescape designer dedicated to helping people transform dining experiences into unforgettable events. For more tips, tricks, and hosting inspiration, visit www.highheeledhostess.com/, or email her at noelle@highheeledhostess.com