Summertime is upon us, and with it comes social gatherings. You want to host a truly amazing summer party, but how can you make yours stand out? There are several small things you can do in order to transform your party from run-of-the-mill to memorable. If you focus on having good seating for your guests, a fabulous theme, lots to drink, easy-to-eat foods, and great music, your party will be a summer success.

Have Comfortable Seating

If you want to throw the best summer party ever, you need to make sure you provide comfortable places for your guests to sit. The last thing you want is to have your guests standing up the entire time—tired and sore legs are sure to ruin the fun.

There are many options when it comes to providing good seating for your friends and family. You can make use of folding chairs or chairs from inside your home and arrange them around a focal area. Make sure to organize your seats for maximum socialization and community. If you want to go hardcore, you can construct permanent outdoor seating in your backyard, such as built-in seating around a fire pit. Arranging chairs around a table or tables is another great option. The location of the seating is also important, such as on a deck, patio, or grassy area. Your deck can be a great place to set up seating, as decks are great for hosting parties. Make sure that, if you are hosting your party during the daytime, you place chairs in shade in order to protect your guests from the sun and the heat.

Have a Theme

A theme, although perhaps not seeming too important, can really bring your party together into a cohesive event. A theme should reflect and unify the objectives and purpose of your party. A theme also makes your party more exciting and generates more buzz among your guests. They will look forward to your event with even more enthusiasm when you choose a theme for your summer bash.

There are many themes which are specifically popular for summer parties. Tropical-themed parties, barbecue parties, beach-themed parties, and luau parties are all the rage in the summer months. When it comes time to select your theme, think in terms of specificity. You can incorporate your theme into your invitations, decorations, food and drink choices, and even party music and games. What theme would best fit the kind of party you want to have, and vice versa? Think in terms of activities, costumes, refreshments, and what you will have the time and resources to prepare.

Have Plenty of Drinks

Especially during the summer months, it is important to have plenty of drinks to keep your guests hydrated while they're at your party. It is hot outside, so having lots of liquid to prevent parched throats is a must. Lemonade, water, or soda are a few great beverages for summer parties, as they are cold and refreshing. You can also get creative with fruit juices thanks to the numerous fresh fruits that are in season. Be sure to also provide water.

Dehydration is an automatic party-killer. When sitting in the hot sun, failing to consume liquids can quickly have unfortunate consequences for your guests. Symptoms include sleepiness, feeling dizzy, and fainting, and can be seriously dangerous. Drinks will not only prevent this calamity from occurring but will also help keep your guests cool. There is nothing better than a cold drink on a hot summer’s day.

Have Foods That Are Easy to Eat

When it comes to refreshments, make sure you choose foods and snacks that are easy for your guests to eat. Unless you are throwing a sit-down dinner party, stay away from more involved foods like spaghetti or steak. You might not have room to set up tables, so providing foods which guests can eat on plates in their laps or while standing around is a great idea. Dealing with cutlery can get complicated and messy, so, while salads or baked beans can still be easy to eat, try not to choose foods that will require sawing back and forth with a knife and fork.

Veer mainly towards finger foods. Chips, dips, fruit, pizza, burgers, and traditional barbecue foods are extremely popular for summer parties mainly because of the ease in which guests can consume them. Brainstorm hors d’oeuvres and appetizers that will fit your party theme and make use of in-season produce. Keep the food light, like a cool summer night.

Have Music

Music will set the mood for your party and help mask any lulls in conversation. Party music doesn’t have to be complicated—hook up your phone to some speakers and press play on a summer playlist, or go all-out and hire live music for the party.

When it comes to building the perfect summer party playlist, think about your audience and the type of music they would enjoy. What are the ages of your guests? Try to include something for everyone. Also consider the theme and setting of your party. A beach-themed party could use some Beach Boys tracks or happy teen pop. Is it a day party or a night party? What do you want the mood to be? You will have control over the atmosphere based on what you decide to play.

Mix up the lengths and speeds of the songs—don’t play all fast songs or several slow songs in a row. You can also mix genres and decades. Make sure your playlist is long enough to last your entire party. Shoot for at least three hours long, and if you have to repeat the list, it won’t be the end of the world. If you’re struggling to figure out a good playlist, you could even hire a DJ to help you out. They are good at figuring out music to please a crowd.

Throwing a great summer party does not need to be difficult. Make sure you cover the essentials—comfy seating, exciting theme, cool drinks, good food, fun music—and a party to remember will soon be within your grasp. Incorporating these important party tips will make your party stand out while also coming together perfectly.

Read this next: Host with the Most: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wowing Your Guests

Savory Summer Entertaining

(Family Features) Flavorful foods and cold drinks are the focal points of just about any summer gathering. Create a party atmosphere that can stand out by adding a bit of island infusion to both bites and beverages so your warm-weather soiree can soar to new heights.

To help add that island spark, an ingredient like bitters provides a potent flavor made from botanicals like aromatic herbs, bark, roots and fruit. While known for their ability to balance countless cocktails, it may come as a surprise that bitters are regarded by some chefs as a pantry staple, adding real depth of flavor to a variety of dishes. Bitters can be added to classic and contemporary cocktails and a range of cuisines to create taste-tempting creations.

Much like vanilla extract, when cooked, the alcohol in bitters evaporates, so bitters-infused recipes can be enjoyed by the whole family at your next backyard barbecue or patio party.

Center your spread around a summer favorite like Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters, a tangy Caribbean twist on a classic dish featuring a spicy chili rub. Coupled with a vinegar-based sauce dashed with Angostura aromatic bitters, an unmistakable culinary and cocktail essential made with the same secret recipe since 1824, the flavorful sliders make for a crowd-pleasing main course.

Add to the island vibe with a unique take on a tried-and-true sweet treat like cake. Orange Butter Sponge Cake enhances every party's dessert course with the sweet and tangy combination of citrus and bitters.

These tasty foods paired with hot temperatures call for cooling off with inventive bitters-forward drink recipes like the Queen's Park Swizzle, Angostura's signature Trinidadian cocktail, and a summertime go-to, the Traditional Mojito. These drinks balance the art of the swizzle with the tastes of tiki to provide guests with refreshing beverage options.

Whether you're an aspiring home chef, an amateur bartender or anything in between, you can elevate summer entertaining with bitters to complement an array of ingredients for exceptional entertaining all summer long.

Find more summertime food and drink recipes to savor at AngosturaBitters.com.

Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters

Servings: approximately 14 small sandwiches

Chili Rub:

• 3-3 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder roast
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Bitters Sauce:

• 1 can (15 ounces) unseasoned tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Nature's Intent apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 3 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

• 14 small slider buns

1. To make Chili Rub: Stir together aromatic bitters, chili powder and salt; let stand 10 minutes.
2. Cut pork shoulder across grain into 1 1/2-2-inch thick slices; trim excess fat. If needed, cut into chunks to remove some fat.
3. Rub meat with chili mixture. In 8-quart pot or 9-10-inch wide, high-sided saute pan with lid, heat oil. Add meat and brown on both sides, about 15 minutes total. Remove meat and place on plate; keep warm.
4. To make Bitters Sauce: Combine tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, aromatic bitters, chili powder and garlic cloves; stir well. Pour into hot, empty pan. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring and scraping bottom of pan.
5. Return meat to pan; spoon sauce over meat. Cover and cook 1 hour and 15 minutes on low, rearranging meat halfway through cooking. Transfer meat to plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
6. To thicken sauce, if desired: Let sauce cool in pan 5 minutes then whisk in cornstarch. Bring to boil; continue to cook and whisk until slightly thickened.
7. To serve: Pull meat apart with two forks or fingers. Serve warm on buns, drizzled with sauce.

Queen's Park Swizzle

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 12-14 mint leaves
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce Demerara simple syrup
• crushed ice
• 2 ounces Caribbean rum
• 6-8 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In highball glass, muddle mint leaves in lime juice and simple syrup, then fill glass with dry, crushed ice.
2. Pour rum over crushed ice and swizzle well until glass is ice cold and frosted.
3. Pack glass with more crushed ice and top with aromatic bitters. Garnish with mint sprig.

Traditional Mojito

Makes: 1 cocktail

• 1 cube brown sugar
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 12-15 mint leaves
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
• 2 ounces white rum
• 2 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
• crushed ice
• 1 bottle club soda
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish

1. In Collins glass, muddle brown sugar cube and simple syrup, then add mint and lightly press to extract flavor. Add lime juice, rum and aromatic bitters.
2. Fill glass with crushed ice and swizzle.
3. Repack with crushed ice and top with club soda. Garnish with mint sprig.

Orange Butter Sponge Cake

• 8 ounces butter, plus additional for buttering pan
• 2 cups cake flour, plus additional for flouring pan
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon Angostura orange bitters
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• powdered or extra-fine sugar, for dusting

1. Heat oven to 350 F.
2. Butter and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Sift flour three times and add baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. With electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and creamy, about 10 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well between additions. Add vanilla and orange bitters.
4. Divide flour mixture into four portions. Set electric mixer on medium low and add flour alternately with orange juice, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until incorporated after each addition.
5. Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake 35-40 minutes, or until cake pulls away from sides of pans. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes in cake pans before turning out.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Pulled-Pork Sliders with Bitters, Orange Butter Sponge Cake)

Get Ready for Guests

Tips to prepare your home for summer entertaining

(Family Features) Summer entertaining season brings joy, laughter and plenty of ways to create special memories. From a fresh coat of paint to some simple sprucing up, you can ensure your home is poised to be the perfect backdrop to a fun-filled summer.

Color can have an enormous effect on a room’s overall atmosphere, so bringing out your home’s unique charm can be as simple as a quick change of wall color. Change up the feel of your space and make each room warm and welcoming with these tips from Valspar Paint and HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams’ Senior Color Designers, Sue Kim and Ashley Banbury.

Clean and clear. Warmer weather is the perfect opportunity to throw open the windows to help lighten and brighten your home. Give every nook and cranny a thorough scrub and organize areas that have grown messy. Try taking on one room at a time to make the job more manageable, and before you know it, you can have the whole house sparkling clean. Take it one step further by adding a clean and refreshing shade of paint to your space. Consider an option like the Quiet Comfort Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, which is a palette of 20 hushed hues that, when used in any combination, can cultivate a neat and tidy vibe throughout your home. 

Uncover a creative focal point. During your cleaning, you may uncover open wall space or find an overlooked corner that is now visible. Change newfound free space into a family gallery wall. Paint it with a deep accent color like Valspar Favorite Green and create texture by adding open shelving to display important family mementos or experiences.

Switch up your motif. You may wish to update the decor of an entire room, but simple swaps can make a big difference. Try introducing more lively, summery textiles with fresh window coverings, area rugs and throw pillows. Swap some of your darker, heavier accent pieces in favor of bright, inviting decorative pieces that do dual-duty, such as colorful coasters that add whimsy while giving guests a place to rest their drinks.

Change your kitchen into a hub for entertaining. Bring a breath of fresh air into your kitchen by creating a pleasing, relaxing environment fit for entertaining with a blend of bright and bold colors like Valspar Emerald Ice and Indigo Cloth. Try the reassuring indigo for the base of the island, a central hub, and the light and airy emerald green as a backdrop for a stylish gathering spot that can get guests feeling instantly at ease.

Make it feel like home. Part of making your house as inviting as possible is ensuring that guests feel comfortable and welcome. Creating a guest suite that feels inviting can help make guests feel at home during their visit. While you can do this by stocking up on cozy blankets and towels, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of a warm, nurturing wall color. For example, the Timeless Beauty Color Collection from HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, instilled with a sense of classic coziness, is full of pleasant shades that can be mixed and matched to create your perfectly coordinated, desired vibe.

Find more ideas to get your home ready for this summer’s guests at Lowes.com/Paint.

Simple Ways to Enjoy Warm-Weather Dining

(Family Features) The warmer months can bring a sense of new beginnings. While you’re taking in the sights and sounds of the seasons, it’s the perfect time to give your dining routine some fresh perspective.

Get ready to enjoy the refreshing bounty of the season with these tips that can make it simple to enjoy outdoor dining:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh simply tastes better. Take advantage of early crops and make the most of a kitchen herb garden. Look to incorporate fresh herbs, like thyme and parsley, and veggies, including artichokes and asparagus, which are at their peaks during warmer months.

Seasonal salads: Salads are another way to enjoy warm-weather flavors. Try switching out root veggies for fresh fruits and berries or add lighter ingredients like quinoa and avocado. Visit your local farmer's market for inspiration and let your taste buds be your guide.

Pair appropriately: As the seasons change, it’s a great opportunity to switch up your wine selections. The warmer weather typically calls for lighter fare that pairs best with a white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or rosé. Try keeping versatile and affordable bottles on-hand that pair well with warm-weather meals, such as Josh Cellars California Rosé or The Crossings New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Take it outdoors: Warmer weather means it’s time to embrace the delicious blend of sunshine and warm breezes. Make time to enjoy an outdoor picnic lunch or an al fresco dinner. Be sure to add some ambient lighting so you can linger after the sun sets.

Keep it simple: Skip the complex recipes and let a handful of delicious ingredients shine. Look for simple seasonal recipes with five ingredients or less. Shorter prep time and cleanup allows you to enjoy as much daylight as possible.

Seek out some pairing inspiration for your next warm-weather dining experience at deutschfamily.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (people at table)

5 Summer Outdoor Entertaining Tips

(Family Features) Summer brings plenty of opportunities to enjoy time outdoors entertaining family and friends. The key to a successful summer party is simplicity: keep things easy so you can enjoy the festivities right along with your guests.

Make this season’s barbecues, picnics and family gatherings events to remember with these simple summer entertaining tips:

Cook outside
Rather than firing up the oven and heating up the entire house during steamy summer days, turn to outdoor cooking methods like grilling. Be sure to plan ahead with sturdy tableware that stands up to barbecued meats and other robust items fresh off the grill. Also remember that the grill isn’t just for main courses; you can use it to prepare any number of side items, like skewers of garden fresh veggies.  

Keep it comfy
With everybody outside, it’s important to keep comfort in mind. If you have access to electricity, you might consider an oscillating fan, which can stir up a cool breeze. Additionally, the air movement can help deter flies and other pests that can quickly ruin guests’ appetites. Provide ample seating options, including patio furniture, pillows and even blankets on the lawn. Also ensure there are spaces for guests to cool off, whether that’s under a shade tree or a portable canopy or umbrella.

Provide sturdy tableware
Some popular cookout foods can be a greasy nightmare without the right tableware to keep the mess to a minimum. Upgrade your outdoor dining experience with tableware like Chinet Classic White premium-strength plates, platters and napkins so you don’t have to worry about spills and leaks. They also make for easy cleanup when the party comes to a close.

Prepare seasonal sides
Let the grilled fare serve as the star of the show and keep the side dishes simple. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and staples like potato or pasta salads and coleslaw, make for a well-rounded meal without a lot of fuss. Also opt on the lighter side for dessert. Fresh berries over ice cream or a simple white cake can be a hit.

Add lighting
Keep the entertainment alive after sundown by going the extra mile with decorative lighting. Strings of lights in fun shapes or colors can add some vibrant light to seating areas. A fire pit is also an option for adding some ambient light and even a little warmth when the sun goes down and the temperature begins to drop.

Find more ideas for your summer entertaining at MyChinet.com.

Add Spice to Summer Entertaining

(Family Features) Warmer weather may mean finding ways to cool off, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring bold flavors to the gathering you’re hosting with family and friends. Whether it’s a barbecue bash or a casual pool party, there is a flavorful blend perfect for nearly every occasion.

When the sun is shining, it’s time to fire up the grill, which means you can get creative and show off your skills. Add a little flavor to your world – Dale Sabor A Tu Mundo – with a versatile ingredient like Tabasco Sauce, which has helped personalize the flavors of food across the globe for nearly 150 years. Whether used as an ingredient or condiment, it can add flavor to virtually any type of cuisine, including Mexican favorites like this Parrillada Mixta with Garlic and Sweet Chipotle Marinades.

Throw some steak, shrimp and chicken on the grill and combine with sweet and spicy marinades to create a grilled spread that’s nearly irresistible. Take it up a notch and serve it with sides such as fresh limes, sizzling onions, creamy guacamole, pico de gallo and soft corn tortillas to complete your meal. It’s a tasty way to add an extra kick of flavor to summer entertaining.

Find more recipes and ways to flavor your world at Tabasco.com.

Parrillada Mixta with Garlic and Sweet Chipotle Marinades

Servings: 6-8

Garlic Chipotle Marinade:

• 14        garlic cloves, peeled
• 1          medium white onion, quartered
• 1 1/2    cups light Mexican beer
• 3/4       cup olive oil
• 1          tablespoon coarse black pepper
• 4          tablespoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce 
• 1          teaspoon salt 
• 2          flank steaks (1 pound each)

Sweet Chipotle Marinade:

• 8          garlic cloves, peeled
• 1          red bell pepper, de-seeded and stemmed 
• 1          small white onion
• 1          teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1          teaspoon smoked paprika
• 8          tablespoons olive oil
• 8          tablespoons agave syrup
• 4          tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 1/4    cups orange juice
• 1 1/4    cups cold water
• 4          tablespoons Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce 
• salt, to taste 
• 2          pounds extra-large shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails on
• 4-6       boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1. To make Garlic Chipotle Marinade: In blender, puree garlic, onion, beer, olive oil and pepper. Transfer puree to large mixing bowl; add chipotle sauce and salt.
2. Place steaks in re-sealable plastic bag and pour in marinade.

Note: Marinating time depends on the cut of beef selected. For fajitas or skirt steak, marinate at least 6 hours. 

1. To make Sweet Chipotle Marinade: In blender, puree garlic, bell pepper, onion, cinnamon, paprika, olive oil, agave, lime juice, orange juice, water and chipotle pepper sauce.
2. In separate re-sealable plastic bags, divide marinade over chicken and shrimp. Allow shrimp to marinate 8 hours and chicken 24 hours.
3. To prepare meat: Remove steak, shrimp and chicken from marinade and set aside. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Brush off excess marinade and grill chicken first, to desired doneness, then steak and shrimp.

Note: Cooking times will vary depending on cuts of meat and desired doneness. For best results, use a meat thermometer.

Serving suggestion: Place steak, shrimp and chicken on large platter and serve with side items such as fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, grilled onions, fresh limes and fresh corn tortillas.