Summer Entertaining Made Simple

It’s definitely not too late to throw a summer bash! But how do you do it easily and simply? We tapped Jenny Batt, the decorations designer, craft stylist and creative mind behind the blog Hank & Hunt, to whip up a charming (and affordable!) party spread that just about anyone could pull off.

“Keep it low key and easy with BBQ and cocktails,” Batt says. “Use things around the house to spruce up your bar cart, which will maximize your time with your guests. Relish in the gorgeous sunshine before it’s gone!”

So, herewith, a step-by-step guide to throwing a simple, yet chic party this summer:

1. Snag a few branches from your garden for a great summer arrangement. Lots of greenery keeps your floral feeling fresh and modern.

2. Buy a big bottle of liquor but pour it into a pretty decanter.

3. Grab a few yards of home décor fabric for a quick and summery tablecloth. Just trim to fit your table and finish the edges with pinking shears for a quick, no-sew table cover in minutes.

4. Use summery and naturally lush colors for your palette and create a garden feeling inside where your drink station is located. Continuous palettes help your outdoors and indoors feel like one big room.

5. Create one or two specialty cocktails just for the occasion. Try these refreshing options to cool down on those hot summer nights.

Coconut Cooler:

1.5 oz coconut flavored rum (Malibu)

4 oz lime sparkling water (La Croix)

Limes

Cut thin wedges of lime and then in half for lime confetti. Add a handful to glass. Add rum and sparkling water. Stir and enjoy. Great as is or with ice.

Elderflower Spiked Lemonade:

4 oz elderflower lemonade (Belvoir)

1 oz elderflower liqueur (St. Germain)

Pour lemonade into glass, add liquor. Stir. Garnish with lime slices. You can also swap the elderflower liqueur for vodka for a softer elderflower flavor.

Remember a great host always has a little bit of everything, so keep some sparkling water, a splash of whiskey and a few cold beers always on hand. Just keep a few on the cart and the rest stashed away so you have space to actually mix your drinks!