At Mundo Catering, we are proud to be a go-to caterer for private events, birthdays, conferences, weddings, and more–in the summertime and all other seasons of the year.
We’ve been doing this a long time, and to help your summer party planning go the way you want, we thought we’d put together some quick tips. We hope you find them useful!
10 summer party planning tips
As an event catering company, we see many incredible events throughout the year. However, one of our favorite seasons for catering is summer! We get a lot of rain here in the Pacific Northwest, and summer is one of the only seasons when we can count on having a fun cookout or outdoor dining experience. Additionally, this is the time of year when some of the most delightful fruits and vegetables are in season.
So, if you are planning a summer bash this year, we hope you’ll take the below party tips into consideration:
#1: create a guest list weeks ahead of time
If you are hosting a large summer party, it’s important to understand how many people are coming so that you can rent the right amount of chairs and tables in advance. Summer parties can feel a little more laid-back, but if you want yours to feel polished and well-planned, it’s essential to get the logistics in place ahead of schedule. A few weeks should give you and your guests enough time to take the day off work, organize kids’ schedules, and more.
#2: pick a fun theme
There are many ways to emphasize a theme at a party, from having a signature drink to creating perfect decorations. Here are a few themes to get you started:
- Carnival
- Tex-Mex
- Luau
- Summer camping or glamping
- Ice cream social
- Tea party
- Boho/eclectic
- Wine, beer, or kombucha tasting
- Summer flowers
- Tropical
- BBQ
- Potluck
- Sports
You can also do a theme with colors (e.g., blue and yellow) or a particular look (e.g., simple elegance). When it comes to summer party planning, your options are virtually endless!
#3: get your party catered
If you’re planning a big bash, we highly recommend getting it catered. That gives you, the host, plenty of time to mingle with your guests, take part in games, and have a great party! You can opt for a grazing table so that people can grab and go as they want, have a few hearty meal options (plant-based is a big hit right now), and pick out a couple of desserts so that everyone has something tasty to eat.
#4: hire a party planner
You’re hosting the party, and you deserve to enjoy it. Why not hire a party planner to take some tasks off your plate? Planners will get every detail in place and take care of any mishaps on the day of your event so that you can focus on your guests.
#5: prepare for bad weather
That old saying, “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” is what we keep in mind when we cater outdoors. If you plan to host an outdoor summer party, be sure to prepare for issues like unexpected rainfall, extreme heat, and bugs. A tent, a few well-placed fans, and a citronella candle or two may resolve or prevent potential outdoor disaster situations.
#6: consider practical party favors
Party favors don’t have to be fancy to be wonderful gifts. Think about what people might be able to use at the party, like fun handheld fans, packs of two- or three-person party games, or custom-printed sunglasses. At the end of the day, your entire party may be using handheld fans or rocking fun sunglasses. (Psst… Make sure to set up a photo booth if you want pictures!)
#7: choose the right venue
This comes down to how many people you expect to show up. Summer get-togethers can have anywhere from a few people to dozens. Ask yourself realistically how many people will be there, and pick your venue accordingly. That way, you’re not left scrambling, trying to make enough room for everyone on the big day. Alternatively, you also don’t want to rent out a large space if it’s just going to be you and a small group of people.
#8: create a music playlist
Music is a must-have at most events, especially outdoor summer bashes. Take the time to look up some fun, summer-inspired songs, add them to a playlist, set up speakers, and get ready to dance the afternoon or night away!
#9: time the day right
Just as rain or random weather can put a damper on your party, so can extreme heat. That means that if it’s at all possible, try to plan your party away from the peak hours of the day when the temperature is at its hottest. Consider late afternoon or evening to make sure your guests don’t get overheated and feel comfortable during the festivities. (Also, ensure there’s plenty of shade so that they can get a break from the heat as needed!)
#10: keep the decorations, food, and drinks simple and seasonal
Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of the seasonal bounty here in the Pacific Northwest. We hope you will use the incredible variety of flowers and foods to make your party a smashing success.
about us | portland event catering services
When you need an event caterer in Portland, Oregon, Mundo Catering is here to help. We are a locally owned and operated catering company that specializes in events, weddings, and film set catering.
A great thing about working with us is that we can design a fun and seasonal menu that will go great with any party or event. We can also accommodate any allergy or dietary requirements. In other words, do you need a fully plant-based menu? We got you! Do you need gluten-free options? We have you covered there, too.
View our Gallery for pictures of our events, and don’t forget to read through our Blog for more tips on how to make your summer event a success.
Schedule catering services now: (971) 302-5041.