There’s a warm (sometimes, too warm) breeze in the air, the days stretch long into the evenings, and every landscape seems to burst with color—there’s simply no season quite like the summertime for a gathering. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch in the garden, a lobster boil on the coast, or simply an aperitivo on the stoop of your apartment building, this time of year naturally evokes a feeling of leisure and invites us to slow down, savoring each moment with our family and friends. Even the simplest, impromptu occasions feel special.
Vogue Editors’ Summer Hosting Essentials:
Naturally, our editors have hosting opinions (and an arsenal of favorite entertaining essentials to suggest). While some set the scene for their summer soirees with handmade ceramics, others turn to colorfully printed linens; still others swear that the key to pleasing a crowd lies not in fancy tableware, but rather, in the joys of a signature cocktail. No matter the approach, you’ll find a lot of summer dinner party inspiration in the below recommendations—from gingham tablecloths to fish-shaped carafes, here are the Vogue editor-approved pieces for outdoor entertaining.
The Flora-Focused Table
“I love a colorful summer tablescape with Lisa Corti blooms and small bright glass vases filled with chamomile or zinnias. I love to serve a big, hearty salad that can carry a meal, like the farro salad from Charlie Bird.” —Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
The Stoop Party
“I live in Manhattan with no personal outdoor space to speak of—but I do have a stoop, and if I can shoo the tourists who tend to loiter by it, it’s a great spot for people-watching. In the summer, I like to either start or end dinner parties out there, for aperitivo (these tomato-oregano taralli are my latest obsession, paired with a spritz of some kind) or for dessert (a scoop of raspberry sorbet or pistachio ice cream; I am not a baker).
I went off the deep end at Fishs Eddy in Flatiron over the winter and basically bought out their selection of plain white diner soup bowls in a sale-induced haze; the shape is perfect for pastas and mains, and they slot in easily with whatever colors I’m feeling at the moment. Right now, that’s green: celery napkins from my great-grandmother, emerald Luminarc coupes, splatterware olive dishes, and some burgundy tapers for contrast. The theme extends to my windowsill too—for the first time, our herb garden is thriving, and it’s turning me into a garnish person this season. Long live these mini terracotta pots.” —Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
The Coastal Curation
“When I think about summer hosting, I immediately think of beach-filled days and family dinners on the porch, New England-style. I love a floral print as much as the next girl, but there’s something so quintessentially ‘summer’ about a gingham-printed tablecloth and I believe it’s an essential for any summer tablescape. I pair mine with linen napkins, which are perfect all year ‘round, but seem particularly fitting in the warmer months.
The Thoughtful Details
“I’m happiest hosting by candlelight, so I always reach for these non-drip Danish tapers paired with antique sterling silver candlesticks. They cast the kind of warm, flickering glow that makes everyone look just a little lovelier, and because they’re non-drip, I don’t have to spend the end of the evening scraping wax from the table.
I also love putting fresh embroidered linen hand towels in the powder room—a tiny luxury that quietly tells guests you’ve thought of everything. And I always keep crystal water pitchers on the table; they’re as beautiful as any centerpiece, and I appreciate a host who makes it easy to refill a glass without interrupting the conversation. To me, the best entertaining essentials are the ones that invite people to linger a little longer and want for nothing.” —Lilah Ramzi, contributor
The French-Inspired Table
“I’ll happily collect seashells if they come in the form of tableware. This platter has become my go-to for entertaining at home in the Hamptons this season. Its sculptural design and generous scale never fail to draw compliments from guests.
If there’s a way to make my home feel a bit more like the French countryside, I will do it—I think these handmade linens instantly lend the table an effortless je ne sais quoi. I can’t resist a blue-and-white color combination; I love the way it brings a table together without ever feeling too precious. If I’m committing to a pattern, I’m going all the way. These matching napkins have become a staple for every al fresco lunch and dinner I’m hosting this season.” —Alexandra Macon, contributing editor
The Elevated Serveware
“My hosting skills only stretch as far as a charcuterie board and a jug of Pimm’s, but the right serveware can fool even the judgiest guest into forgetting that you didn’t actually cook anything. A pretty pitcher, chic coupe, patterned napkin, and distractingly easy-breezy hostess dress is all you need to throw a successful summer soiree, in my opinion.” —Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
The Fishy Favorites
“For summer hosting, I lean into seasonal trinkets to transform my space into a warm-weather oasis. Seashell napkin rings by Gohar World? Yes! A fish-shaped carafe? Why not! Maison Balzac’s aperitif glasses are always a conversation starter—when paired with pink and orange La DoubleJ plates, they make al fresco entertaining that much more fun. These are all little touches that make a big impact with minimal effort.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
The Minimalist Finds
“When it comes to hosting in the summer months, I like to focus on pieces that are versatile and minimalist—hand-blown glass and embroidered linen, with a fruit-shaped ice mold for a fun touch.” —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
The Elevated Glassware
“All my friends know that I love a good margarita (and for the record, all you need is fresh lime juice, tequila, Cointreau, and ice—no sugary syrup or soda water). We bought these delightful margarita cups with glass limes in them, so you always have your garnish. They hold a lot of liquid, so tread lightly. But they’re perfect for my preferred margarita presentation (up, instead of on the rocks), and they make me smile. The dream is to make frozen margaritas or daiquiris, and serve them in these. Next up on the wishlist: a frozen drink machine!
My mom gifted me a beautiful Simon Pearce hurricane with a pillar candle, and we always light it to add a little glowing ambiance to our dinner table. I love it because it’s a nice touch that elevates our Ikea dining table, and it provides a good amount of light.” —Anna Grace Lee, lifestyle writer
The Luxury Candles
“I have had many a friend ask how much I spend on candles each month because every time someone comes over, I am burning a different one. I always lie and tell them they are all gifts. The first Loewe candle actually was, but every one since has been purchased with my own hard-earned money. I save these candles for when I am hosting especially important guests: my mother (impossible to please) and, oddly enough, my landlord, who disapproves of open flames but has never seemed to mind a very expensive cucumber scent.” —Sache Taylor, director, special events
Loewe
tomato leaves candle
The Unexpected Delights
“I love to host at my house, mostly because when I am ready for the party to be over I don’t have to commute… I just climb into bed and people get the hint. To me, the secret to a successful party goes something like this: good music (I let people queue up to choose the next record or project music videos on the wall), a fun drink, and an activity like hiring a tarot reader. I just got the Ninja frozen drink maker, so it’s a margarita summer at my house, poured straight from a pitcher that looks exactly like my cat.” —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty & wellness editor
The SoHo Staples
“I’m usually hosting at my SoHo home with drinks, snacks, and crafts. I always make popcorn and name custom seasonings after guests (Tamara is nutritional yeast, dill, salt, and pepper; Gia is straight Tajin) and I love to use Flamingo Estate’s Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the pan and drizzled on top.
For powder room visits, I like to have a nice hand wash and lotion: Joonbyrd’s have lots of barrier-supporting ingredients and cute non-slip packaging. I prefer the ambiance of an unscented candle in a beautiful vessel—Azeeza’s smoked plum hurricanes for CB2 are a great option! If we’re beading or collaging, I’ll spread out a giant white linen sheet (or tablecloth) on the floor so it’s easier to see every tiny thing. And finally, I keep celebratory non-alcoholic options chilled in the fridge, like French Bloom and Ghia, for those who want to party light.” —Arden Fanning Andrews, beauty editor at large
Ghia
non-alcoholic apéritif
