Creating slow, intentional moments this summer

There was so much to be inspired by from our trip to Tuscany last summer – the stone-clad architecture, buzzing farmers’ markets, and beautiful nights spent watching the sun set over rolling hills.

What I keep coming back to though, is the people we met and how they treated a night spent hosting.

The table was set, conversation flowed, food was served on time

And amazingly, no one was rushing.

Somehow, not one ounce of stress touched the night.

Just people who cared about creating meaningful memories and making their guests feel like family.

• The “Art” of Hosting a summer gathering
• Practices for hosting a meaningful gathering
• Thoughtful dishes to make
• Quck Tips
• Staying present
• Pin for Later

The “Art” of Hosting

So often, the idea of hosting becomes synonymous with stress.

Visions of dogs knocking over decor, running out of space to sit, the whole nine yards starts playing out in our heads

And suddenly, somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten the root of hosting. The sweetness of letting the people you care about into your home. The invitation of conversation, communion, and a night spent in good company.

Tuscany reminded us that true belonging happens when everyone is sat together, creating a space that puts the rest of life on pause, if only for an hour to two.

I’ve laid out a few practices I’ve started that lead to meaningful, smoother nights spent hosting so you can focus on what’s most important: the people in front of you.

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My Top 5 Practices for Hosting a Summer Gathering

1. Host in a spot that you have already transitioned for Summer

Host in a spot that is natural and unique to the rhythm of your family. Where you’ve already pulled out the cushions, set up the lanterns, and laid out coasters like you do every year. I’m guessing this spot – whether patio, deck, or otherwise- has become a place of peace, good conversation, and reliability. Your guests will feel this sense of comfort, which I think makes it more meaningful.

Sometimes I’ll pull out a table and a tablecloth so we can enjoy a night in our driveway where the view gives way to the best sunsets – a sight everyone will enjoy.

One of my favorite summer transitions is switching our NorthUp sauna over to a camper during the summertime. The kids can’t get enough of having their friends hang out in the camper and more often than not, when we host other families, all of the kids end up there.

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2. Ask your guest to bring a dish

Not because you can’t fill the table, but because you never know what recipes might show up.

And even more than that, the memorable story behind them.

Last week I shared our BLT Salad recipe which was passed down through good neighbors. After being shared at a local gathering, the recipe spread quickly, and now there is a special connectedness in knowing our community shares in enjoying this recipe.

A fun way to do this is asking every guest to bring an ingredient. If you want to make a joint trail mix, ask them to bring M&M’s or Chex Mix. If you want to make a joint salad, ask them to bring cut-up veggies or croutons. You see where I’m going?

This practice allows your guests to bring a piece of themselves over, and it makes hosting a more collaborative experience.

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3. Have a game or two (or three) on hand

Store card games and board games in your hosting area where you know you will be enticed to grab them; anywhere where someone might take a second glance and ask if anyone wants to play.

The kids especially love nights spent in the sauna-turned-camper, surrounded by friends and a good card game. I love hearing their laughs from inside and knowing they are making the most of their time with their friends.

#1: Hygee Question Game

A game after my own heart. With Hygee right in the name, it couldn’t have fit more perfectly into our nights spent with guests. A game like this, full of thought-provoking questions, brings about deeper, more meaningful conversations.

#2: Trivillennial

This is our way to sharpen our brains for when we inevitably win at local trivia… is what I tell myself. This game not only stretches our brains but is equally nostalgic, focusing on all things pop culture in our lifetime.

#3: Which would you choose?

Simple, fun, and easy to go through the entire deck. This game is full of lighthearted this or that questions that get everyone laughing.

4. Share the “new” in your life

You are welcoming people into your home, so let it be a topic of conversation!

Did you just add a new piece of decor you think adds new life to your space? Maybe you just completed a new wall application? Or, possibly, you have a new animal (or a few) running around the house.

Show them around!

It’s not about vanity or boasting, it’s about showing them you care enough to really let them in – and I bet you’ll learn a few things from each other in the process.

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5. Let Summer be the decoration

Soft sunsets, deep green grass, and the buzzing of summer is all on display for us already in these outdoor gatherings!

There is joy in allowing summer to work it’s magic as the world wakes up and shows us her colorful side again.

My favorite way to decorate while feeling true to us is grabbing a few fresh cut flowers and throwing them in a mason jar or vase as a centerpiece.

What are Good Recipes for Hosting this Summer?

I’ve found that hosting is a good time to turn to low-stress, reliable recipes. The recipe you have memorized because it was your favorite growing up, or the one penned out in your Grandma’s handwriting.

Recipes that have been around and show up at gatherings throughout the year because they have earned their place. Dishes that use seasonal ingredients and you can make with a trip to the farmers’ market or your backyard.

The food is the glue that holds gatherings and parties together, but your love and care is still apparent by taking the time to make the dish, not how extravegent or hands on it is.

Here are a handful of my go-to recipes for hosting summer gatherings

• Peach Crisp (Rhubarb Crisp recipe coming your way soon :))
• Pickle Dip
• Strawberry Pretzel Rice Krispie Treats
• Honey Butter Brussels Sprouts
• Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad

Quick Tips I’ve Gathered

1. Themes can help break the ice: I’m looking at you fellow sports parents! If you are having guests over who you don’t know as well, let’s say the parents of your kids’ summer sports league, having a theme is a cute way to break the ice and gives you something to connect over. Ask them to dress up in their most tropical outfit, bring a coozie that shows off their personality, you never know what you can learn about someone!
2. Hosting in an open space makes everyone feel comfortable: Let the kids and adults roam! Let your guests walk around outside, flow in between the garage and the patio, and in doing so, make themselves feel at home.
3. Turn the dial to your guests’ favorite music: Not only does it help set the atmosphere, but it’s a simple yet meaningful way to make your guests feel welcome. If you know what type of music they enjoy, have it playing when they arrive.

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What’s the most important thing when hosting?

What really makes the party enjoyable is staying present and remembering to enjoy yourself. Savoring the company you are in is the best gift you can give to yourself and your guests.

A meaningful summer gathering is created by good company and an appreciation of the beauty and community this season brings.

The true theme here is togetherness. A standout summer gathering doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. These nights are meant to truly connect, catch up, and provide your guests with your undivided attention.

Pin for Later!

Now go, send out those invites!

And let me know how your summer get-togethers are going below 🙂