Summer Hosting Guide

When it comes to summertime, there’s something about the warmer weather and slower days that makes it so much easier for friends to swing by your home and enjoy a meal and each other’s company. It’s definitely my favourite time of year because I absolutely love cooking and cleaning my house for guests and friends. This post is my homemaker’s summer hosting guide.

Now, I’m not perfect at all—but these are a few tips I want to give you when having friends over. They’re things my mother taught me and demonstrated through her care, and lessons I’ve learned from the wonderful, hospitable women around me. More importantly, they’re ways to truly make your friends feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

The Heart

Before we get into the details, we need to examine our heart behind hosting. This summer hosting guide is not about showing off your house or your homemaking skills. Yes, it’s lovely to have beautiful things and wonderful food, and it feels good when people notice. But we must remember: we do this for others—not for praise.

We serve because Christ first served us. We open our homes because we were commanded to love our neighbours (Mark 12:29–31). When you’re inviting guests over, it should come from a selfless heart—not selfish ambition or the need to impress.

I’ll be honest—I’ve tried to host before from a place of pride. I once hosted Christmas at our tiny apartment, trying to impress everyone. I ended up totally overwhelmed and dropping way too many balls. Don’t make that mistake.

Plan Ahead

Whether it’s just one person or a whole family, planning ahead makes all the difference. This summer hosting guide is about making guests feel loved and well cared for. That takes preparation.

Some things to consider:

The Food: What will you cook? Ask about allergies, dietary restrictions, or even preferences. (My husband is anaphylactic to certain nuts—we’ve had some close calls!)
The Entertainment: Will you play games? Chat outside? Do their kids need activities? Make sure you’re ready.
The Cleaning: Set aside the day before (or the whole day) to clean and create a cozy, welcoming space. A tidy home is a kind gift to your guests.

The Menu

A huge part of any summer hosting guide is the food! One of the best ways to love people is through a good meal. I try not to just throw together what we’d eat on a random Tuesday. I want to create something beautiful and special—something that says, you matter to me.

Just like my mom used to do, I always serve:

Appetizers before dinner – something simple to nibble on while waiting for the meal. (Even just crackers, olives, and cheese! It helps guests settle in and gives you time to finish dinner if needed.)

A proper dessert – always. I like to offer something sweet (like pie or cake), and something lighter (like fruit or homemade granola bars). Everyone leaves with full bellies and happy hearts.

The Set Up

I’m a bit 1800s about my home—I love a home that feels set apart and thoughtfully prepared. That’s what this summer hosting guide is really about: intentionality.

Before guests arrive, I:

Lay out thrifted placemats
Set the table with cutlery, plates, cups
Add a few flowers or candles to the table
Prepare serving dishes ahead of time

I don’t love buffet style—I’m a “family style” girl. I like setting everything up at the table so we can talk, pass the food around, and share a warm meal together. Please don’t just throw a pile of cutlery in the middle of the table and let people grab. Be thoughtful.

Your space should tell your guest: You’re important here.

The Hello

When guests arrive, be ready. The food doesn’t have to be done, but you and your family should be. At the very least, appetizers should be laid out and you should be at the door, dressed, calm, and joyful.

Let the “hello” be warm and full of love:

You, your husband, and kids should all greet them
Smile, open the door, and offer to take coats or bags
If you’re hosting outside, bring them there yourself—don’t leave guests to find their own way

A summer hosting guide tip: Never leave your guests feeling unsure or awkward. Make it clear from the start—they’re welcome, expected, and loved.

The Children

In this summer hosting guide, I have to say this: Please include your children. I don’t believe in pushing kids to a separate “kids table” just to make room for adult conversation. Your guests were invited into your family, not just your living room.

Let your children be present. Teach them hospitality. Encourage them to listen, ask questions, help serve, and be part of the conversations. One of my daughter’s favourite things is asking guests to share a story from their life—it draws us all in.

If your guests have children, make those little ones feel welcome, too. Even if they’re shy or struggle socially, your patience and gentleness go a long way.

Once our daughter is in bed (around 8), that’s usually when we settle in for deeper adult conversations with our guests.

Note: If your kids are rowdy or disruptive at the table, discipline should be lovingly and consistently practiced. Our children should not be the reason we avoid hosting. You are the leaders of your household, not your children. They must learn that hospitality is something we do together as a family. (More on this in an upcoming post on biblical discipline.)

The Entertainment

I mentioned this in my post about Biblical Hospitality. Please, please—don’t rely on a television to entertain your guests, especially in the beauty of summertime. This summer hosting guide is about meaningful connection, not just filling time.

Some entertainment ideas I love: