#WhenWeGather: How to Throw a Summer Solstice Party

Whether you think of it as the first day of summer or the longest day of the year; summer solstice is a time of reflection and new beginnings. What better reason to gather your loved ones and celebrate mother nature? An outdoor party with bright colors and happy friends is a perfect way to welcome the new season. Bring on the sun!
When planning an outdoor event, make sure there are plenty of flat surfaces for guests to rest their food and drinks on.
Utilize the beauty of nature for your table centerpieces. These freshly picked flowers are kept in a low vase so across-table conversation isn't hindered.
Don't forget about our four-legged friends! Leave a few bowls of fresh water out for the pooches to lap up under the summer sun.
Have a pitcher filled with your favorite refreshing beverage on hand for guests to refill themselves.
Grilled chicken breast are a BBQ staple and a thoughtful addition for guests requesting lighter fare.
Décor
Create a cozy and relaxed atmosphere by bringing things like carpets, pillows, and poufs outside. This works particularly well on a deck and will add pattern, color and liveliness the occasion. String rope lights and place candles throughout to add warmth. Create a pretty table centerpiece by recycling your old glass bottles and turning them into vases; group them randomly on the table or hang them from a tree branches.


Beverages
Warm days call for frosty beverages! Lemonade, cucumber water, summer cocktails, white wine and chilled beer are staples for outdoor gatherings. Up your personalization game by having a sunny signature drink at your bash. Concoct a signature drink with summer flavors or borrow mine. The Solstice Sunshine contains lemonade, vodka, peach schnapps and club soda to taste then float lemon and peach slices on top. Display the name on a cute sign and go old school with a mason jar-inspired drink dispenser.
Food
Welcome in the summertime by dusting off the grill. Base your menu on how much time you have and how many people you're expecting. If you're inviting a crowd and have time to spare, go hearty and big with something like a grilled leg of lamb or BBQ ribs. If you’re pressed for time, go with drumsticks or herbed-rubbed chicken breasts; both can be marinated overnight and finished off on the grill. If you're a fan of lighter fare, take in-season veggies, display them on pretty platters and let your guests skewer and BBQ their favorites.