How to Make Your Home the Ultimate Hosting Spot This Summer

With summer in full swing, it’s time to embrace golden evenings, sun-drenched weekends and that unmistakable air of laid-back celebration. And what better way to mark the season of fun, nostalgia and warm nights than by hosting a dreamy summer dinner party?

Whether you’re planning an intimate alfresco supper or a buzzy indoor gathering, setting the right tone starts with your space. Here’s our guide to transforming your home into the perfect summer hosting haven – from styling your entryway to curating an effortless tablescape and styling a bar cart that’ll steal the show.

First Impressions Matter: Style Your Entryway

Your entryway is the first space your guests will see, and a chance to set the tone for the evening. Whether your personal aesthetic leans bold and playful or calm and considered, the goal is the same: to make it feel intentional, welcoming, and summer-ready.

If you love colour, go bright with wallpaper or painted accents in fresh seasonal shades. Think butter yellow or dill green, both trending yet timeless. Prefer a softer, more neutral palette? Try alpine oat, a warm off-white tone that feels effortlessly modern and airy.

Whichever direction you go, wall art is your secret weapon. A statement piece will create a focal point and instantly elevate the space. We love a mirrored pair of prints placed on either side of the hallway for a balanced, luxurious look. Try Oslo – one of Mala’s bestselling minimalist pieces, crafted in calming greige and stone hues with soft black detailing. It brings just the right amount of structure and sophistication, especially in modern interiors.

 

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Tablescaping 101: Create a European-Inspired Summer Setting

A beautifully styled table sets the scene and brings your gathering to life. For that effortless, European summer feel, start with earthy, rustic dinnerware – stoneware plates, ceramic bowls, and matte cutlery all work well here.

Layer in texture with linen table throws, rattan placemats, or even frayed-edge napkins. Add visual interest with focal points across the table: sculptural vases, bunches of olive branches or seasonal flowers (think hydrangeas, chamomile or wildflowers). A low vintage-style bowl filled with fresh citrus or stone fruit is a simple trick for adding colour, depth and a seasonal touch.

A fun idea we love? Dot small glass tumblers filled with herbs like basil, rosemary or mint down the table, they bring greenery, fragrance and a practical bonus for guests to season their food.

And of course – candles. They're a quick, affordable way to introduce ambience. Opt for fresh, summery scents like Sicilian lemon, mint & lime, or tomato leaf & basil.

 

 

Choose a Theme 

If you want to add structure to your styling, a theme can really tie everything together. It gives you a clear direction for your decor, menu, music and drinks – and gets guests excited, too.

Here are a few we love:

Italian Nonna Chic – the biggest tableware trend of the summer. Think mismatched crockery, checked linens, coloured glassware, bowls of lemons and big jugs of wine. It’s all about warmth, nostalgia and togetherness.

Beach Club Neutrals – for something more understated. Whites, sandy tones, linen textures, pearl accents and plenty of clear glassware. A calming, coastal aesthetic that works especially well outdoors.

Rustic Mediterranean – take cues from your surroundings. If you’ve got exposed stone, wooden beams or lush greenery, lean into that sun-baked, countryside vibe with terracotta, woven textures, and pops of cobalt blue.

 

 

Style a Bar Cart That Does More Than Serve Drinks

No summer soirée is complete without a well-stocked bar cart. Whether it’s a permanent feature or something you bring out for special occasions, with the right styling, it can double as a decor moment.

Start by choosing statement glassware, colourful coupes, etched tumblers or tinted wine glasses instantly add personality. Use ingredients as decor: bowls of citrus fruit, sprigs of rosemary, jars of olives or even beautiful bottled mixers.

Don’t forget the extras – cocktail recipe books, taper candles, flowers, or even small framed prints. It’s these little touches that bring personality and charm. A bar cart isn’t just practical, it’s an extension of your style.

 

 

Add Seasonal Touches Indoors

Even if your dinner party is taking place outdoors, your indoor space deserves a summer refresh too. The kitchen, in particular, is often a hive of activity – so keep it light and lively. Add a vase of fresh-cut flowers on the windowsill (sunflowers, tulips or peonies are our go-to picks), pop a plant on the counter, or style a tray with lemon-infused olive oil, fresh herbs and a linen tea towel for a Mediterranean-inspired moment.

 

 

Hosting Made Simple, Stylish and So Very Summer

With a bit of planning and a few thoughtful touches, your home can become the ultimate summer hosting destination. From elevated entryways and European-style tablescapes to iconic bar carts and seasonal decor, it’s all about creating an atmosphere where your guests feel relaxed, inspired and ready to celebrate.

 

 

Feeling inspired?

Explore our Summer 2025 Home Décor Trends for more seasonal styling ideas, or check out Wall Art 101 to find your perfect piece for hosting in style.

Shop our Summer Print Collection