It's a sunny day with a pool and trees in the background and a seating area with grey and black couches is in the foreground. A white dog with black spots stands on the couch. The area is organized for a party with matching orange sun umbrellas.

Hands-down my favorite thing about summer is an outdoor party with friends and family. We have a backyard pool so we frequently host others throughout the summer. Some of these parties are scheduled well in advance and some of them pop up at the last minute. In this post, I’ll share the tips I’ve learned over the years for stress-free hosting whether the event is planned or impromptu.

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1. Stock the Essentials

One of the most crucial steps to prepare for last-minute hosting is ensuring your home is well-stocked with key supplies you’ll want or need for any party.

Stock Your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer

Keep a variety of non-perishable items such as chips, crackers, nuts, olives, and canned beverages on hand. These items have a long shelf life and can serve as quick snacks or appetizers.
Having a selection of cheeses, cured meat, and fruits allows you to throw together a snack tray or fruit salad if needed.
Additionally, consider stocking your freezer with easy-to-prepare items like frozen pizza, pre-cooked meats, and frozen desserts. Having a selection of frozen hors d'oeuvres and dessert options can save you time and effort when guests arrive unexpectedly.
Don’t forget to have a range of beverages available, including soft drinks (pop if you’re from Iowa like me), juices, and alcoholic options for adult guests.

Stock Up on Dinnerware and Serving Dishes

An neat stack of paper plates sits next to a red mesh utensil organizer fill with plastic cutlery and paper napkins. They both sit on a black granite countertop with white specks.

Maintain a stash of disposable or shatterproof dishes.
Remember to have plenty of plastic/recyclable utensils and paper napkins.
Invest in a fun napkin and cutlery organizer (affiliate link) to set out for easy guest access.

Don’t Forget Cleaning & Bathroom Supplies

Make sure you have plenty of paper towels and toilet paper.
When hosting a crowd, I like to set out a tray of disposable hand towels (affiliate link) so I don’t have to swap out the cloth towels as often due to heavy use.

2. Create a Go-To Playlist

Music sets the tone for any gathering. Create a few playlists in advance that cater to different moods and atmospheres. Whether you're looking for something upbeat and energetic or a more relaxed and laid-back vibe, having these playlists ready can save you time and stress.

In our house, we keep one family-friendly playlist and another for when we’re hosting adults and want to enjoy some of our old-school favorites with more questionable lyrics. Fun fact: My husband loves playing DJ and now has a party playlist that is 14-hours long. To create yours, consider using a platform like Spotify and Apple Music that allow you to create and save playlists easily.

3. Keep Your Outdoor Space Guest-Ready

Keeping our outdoor space in good shape is essential to stress-free hosting. Regularly clean your patio or deck, and ensure that your lawn is mowed and well-maintained. Consider investing in outdoor furniture that is comfortable and weather-resistant.

Additionally, having some outdoor games like cornhole or Jenga (affiliate links) can provide entertainment for your guests. String lights or lanterns (affiliate link) can add a charming ambiance to your outdoor space, making it feel inviting and festive.

4. Keep an Outdoor Décor Bin

If you’re like us here in the Midwest, your weather conditions limit the types of decorations you can leave outside at all times. Keep a storage bin (affiliate link) of outdoor decorations that you can bring out at a moment’s notice to create a space that feels special and complete. My bin includes some faux palm leaves (affiliate link) and vases, a few tropical-themed objects we’ve picked up on vacation, and some accent candles.

5. Prepare Special Details

Just because a party is last-minute doesn’t mean it has to seem thrown together. Here are some extra details you can prepare ahead of time that can make your event feel extra-special for your guests.

Protect Your Guests

Store a basket/bin with a selection of sunscreens and bug sprays to set out for guests. Also remember to scatter insect repelling candles and/or torches throughout your space. I like the Bug Soother candles and body spray (affiliate link) the most. I find it effective for gnats and mosquitoes, and it smells better than citronella.

A close up of a woven basket containing a variety of sunscreen bottles and bug spray with a bright blue pool in the background,.

Create a Hydration Station.

Particularly on hot days or when alcoholic beverages are flowing, keeping guests hydrated is key. To plan for your own Hydration Station, keep a stash of electrolyte packets on hand as well as a large insulated water dispenser and cups.

Koozies Make the Party

Maintain a bin of koozies to keep your guests’ canned beverages cool even on a hot day.

Left to right there is a bright beverage cooler labeled "water", a cup full of electrolyte packets, insulated tumblers, and a basket full of koozies organized by color.

Set Up a Garbage & Recycling Station

Invest in some sturdy outdoor garbage cans and clearly label them for garbage or recycling. I purchased two of these Rubbermaid cans (affiliate link) and applied these vinyl decals (affiliate link) to the lids. I like the step style to make it easier to operate when your hands are full of plats and cups. Labeled garbage and recycling cans may not sound like a “special touch” but I’ve found guests really appreciate knowing exactly what you’d like them to do with their garbage and recycling. Not having to ask helps them relax and also not feel like they’re bothering you, the busy host, during the party. If possible, station them in a spot away from seating and food but still nearby so they are convenient to access but keep the flies they will attract away from guests.

Two black plastic outdoor garbage cans with lids next to a house with blue siding. The lids have white trash and recycle decals on them.

Keep Out Uninvited Guests

Speaking of flies, I love to set out fans to keep gnats and flies away from food and guests. We currently have an overhead fan mounted in our pergola, but a box fan will do as well. In addition, I love setting a few soft-blade fans (affiliate link) amongst the food. The movement and reflective material of the blades repels flies, but the blades are soft so will not hurt your guests as they reach in to grab food to add to their plates.

Planning Ahead = Stress-Free Hosting

Hosting a last-minute summer party doesn’t have to send you into a panic. With a little preparation and a proactive approach, you can be ready to welcome guests at a moment’s notice and, even better, to be able to relax with your guests and enjoy the day.

The back of a blue two-story house with a pool and a patio filled with seating and tables as well as several large tropical plants.

How to Be Ready to Host a Summer Party at a Moment’s Notice