Hosting tips: Three easy entertaining hacks for your next summer gathering

As you know by now, Southerly in the City is all about celebrating moments. We love to make things memorable but in a no-fuss way! Because the less time you spend on prep, the more time you have enjoying the people around you, and that’s what it’s all about!

That said, part of making memorable moments is adding something special. With these party hacks, you’ll have crowd-pleasing options in no time! These are perfect for summer barbecues, team parties, and holidays like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July.

Festive ice cream sandwiches

Ice cream sandwiches are a delicious summer treat. To make them more exciting, simply unwrap them from the package and roll in sprinkles to match your theme! I used red, white, and blue for Memorial Day weekend, but you could do just about anything here! The larger they are, the more surface area you’ll have. I found these mini versions at a local grocer and wanted to give them a try, and it worked just fine. Add a stick if you prefer to have an easier way to eat.

Candy drink straw

We love using this super easy and fun tip for summertime! Simply take Twizzlers or Red Vines and cut both ends to create a straw. Pairs well with Shirley Temples and perfect for kiddos!

Flowered fruit tray

Elevate your food (literally) by placing fruit, cheeses, or whatever you like on a tiered tray. This simple hack creates more space for your main meal while looking amazing. For summer, I usually slice up watermelon. Add flowers to fill in gaps and create a beautiful display!

I hope you enjoy these simple summer party tips!