Summer is the best time to get together with family and friends here in DFW. Sure it’s hot, but everyone is relaxed and everything feels more casual.

We’ve rounded up five fun entertaining ideas to help you take advantage summer before it’s over!

1. Serve a Signature Drink

Set the tone for your party by serving a signature drink. Choose a cocktail or nonalcoholic beverage that fits your party’s mood, then give it a fun name that nods to the party theme or honors a special guest. Don’t be surprised if you get requests for your signature drink at your next party!

Need a little inspiration? Right now, we are loving the trendy Frosé, a Rosé slushie. For a nonalcoholic drink, make a berry-flavored lemonade, or mix flavored sparkling water with fresh fruit for a simple, yet memorable beverage.

Of course, Pinterest has plenty of drink options to inspire you!

2. Put Your Guests to Work

One of our favorite summer entertaining ideas involves putting your guests to work. No, we’re not talking about dishes! Instead of creating an elaborate, multi-course meal, set up a food station and let your guests dig in. A build-your-own salad bar, sandwich board, or DIY pizza station (cook the pizzas on the grill to avoid overheating your kitchen) are fun, casual ways to entertain. Plus, you know your guest will enjoy their meal!

Drinks and desserts can also be served this way. What guest wouldn’t love to create their own mimosa or build a decadent sundae?

3. Set an Inviting Table

Enhance the meal by setting an inviting table. Comfort is key. If you’re entertaining outdoors, make sure there is ample shade, add cushions to uncomfortable chairs, and light citronella candles to keep bugs away.

Make the meal special by using cloth napkins and tablecloths. If your party is more laid back, select colorful paper products instead. Don’t be afraid to use a mixture of mismatched (but still coordinating) plates, glassware, and serving dishes. Doing so will lend a fun boho vibe to your event.

Flowers and plants are must haves. Cut an array of favorites from your garden or pick up an inexpensive bouquet or two from the supermarket. We also like the idea of decorating each place setting with a small potted plant that can be taken home when the evening ends.

4. Indulge in an Over-the-Top Cheese Platter

Over-the-top cheese platters are one of our favorite entertaining ideas, and they’re definitely having a moment. Bonus: You should be able to purchase almost everything at Central Market or a smaller cheese shop like Scardello.

Start with the cheese. Think in terms of contrasts when selecting your cheese: hard vs. soft; fresh vs. aged; and mild vs. pungent. Check out these cheese selection tips to get started.

Next, pick something to serve the cheese on, such as grilled bread slices and a mix of crackers.

Then, fill out your tray with a variety of meats, nuts, dried fruit or preserves, marinated vegetables and olives, and dark chocolate.

Serve everything on an oversize cutting board or in a collection of bowls and platters.

5. Pick a Theme

Not sure where to start? Pick a theme and run with it. Themes don’t have to be cheesy, although feel free to go all out if you want to! Some ideas we like are movie night, BBQ, ice cream, picnic, and farmers’ market.

Keep your theme in mind when planning your menu and decorations, and ask your guests to dress accordingly.

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