How to Prep Your Home for Hosting: Summer Design Tips for Entertaining
Whether you're planning a low-key BBQ with friends or a full-blown family gathering, your home’s layout and features can make all the difference when it comes to hosting with ease. Summer is the season of casual get-togethers, outdoor meals, and spontaneous drop-ins—which means your space needs to be flexible, functional, and welcoming.
As a residential designer, I help my clients create homes that work with their lifestyle—not against it. If summer entertaining is high on your list, here are some design tips that will help you prep your home (inside and out!) to be the place everyone wants to gather.
1. Create a Seamless Indoor–Outdoor Connection
One of the easiest ways to instantly elevate your hosting setup is by creating better flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Look for ways to:
Unblock doorways or walkways between the kitchen and patio
Add outdoor-friendly lighting to extend the gathering past sunset
Use similar materials or color palettes indoors and out for a cohesive feel
If your layout makes this tricky, even something as simple as repositioning furniture to open the path between your kitchen and backyard can go a long way.
Credit: @asifakberali
2. Designate a Drink & Snack Zone
No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is outside enjoying the sun. A self-serve station lets guests help themselves while you relax.
Consider:
A bar cart stocked with drinks and napkins
A countertop tray with iced beverages and easy appetizers
An outdoor cooler that doesn’t block pathways
Pro tip: Set this zone away from the main cooking area to ease congestion.
3. Make Your Entryway Guest-Ready
Summer brings sand, grass, sunscreen… and all the mess that comes with it. A few thoughtful touches at your entrance can make your home feel welcoming and stay cleaner:
A place to drop bags, hats, or shoes
Hooks or a small bench for convenience
A tray or basket for miscellaneous summer gear
Even if you don’t have a formal mudroom, a few key pieces can define the space.
4. Add Extra Seating (the Smart Way)
Summer entertaining usually means more people—and more people means more places to sit. Think flexible:
Stackable chairs that tuck away when not in use
Built-in benches with storage
Ottomans, poufs, or floor cushions for casual vibes
Bonus if your extra seating doubles as storage for blankets, bug spray, or outdoor games.
Credit: @mvngmnd
5. Light for Mood and Safety
Outdoor lighting is often overlooked, but it's one of the easiest upgrades to enhance your hosting experience.
Use string lights, solar lanterns, or battery-powered lamps for ambiance
Add pathway lighting for safety if guests will be walking around at night
Indoors, use dimmers or layered lighting to shift the mood from prep to party
Gone are the days when you need to hardwire your outdoor lighting. With so many solar and battery-powered lighting options, you can’t go wrong!
6. Bathroom Check: Function Meets Flow
It’s not glamorous, but your bathroom can either support or stress out your hosting. A few prep tips:
Keep guest towels and soap stocked and visible
Add a small trash bin and check that it’s accessible
Light a candle, use a candle warmer, or put out a small vase of flowers to make it feel considered
If your guests need to walk through your private areas to get to the bathroom, think about signage or cues to guide them (like lighting or open doors).
✨ Want a Simple Way to Get Your Home Party-Ready?
I created a free printable: “Summer Hosting Checklist” — a quick and easy worksheet that walks you through prepping each area of your home for summer gatherings.
🖨️ Use it as a checklist before your next event
🪴 Includes ideas for indoor, outdoor, and flow
🎉 Takes just a few minutes to fill out — and could save you hours of stress
Get your free guide here:
If you want help designing your indoor or outdoor spaces, feel free to fill out this survey so I can learn more about your project.
Happy Hosting!
Chelsea
More posts you might like:
Planning a summer gathering? Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a casual get-together, your home plays a big role in how smoothly the day goes. This post walks you through room-by-room design tips to create a more welcoming, functional space — plus, grab a free printable Summer Hosting Checklist to prep with ease.