How To Keep Your Cool When Hosting In The Summer Heat

This summer is a scorcher – and garden parties are ever so tempting. If the stress of hosting in the heat has you all hot and bothered, we picked the brains of expert events planner Matthew Shaw to find out exactly how to keep your cool (and, more important, stay cool) when hosting a scorching al fresco dinner.

Hosting In The Heat: A Guide

‘A Mediterranean-style soirée under the sun may sound chic and Instagram-worthy, but with the UK’s temperatures soaring, unpredictable heat can certainly represent a few challenges,’ says Matthew Shaw, creative director and founder of leading events studio Sauveur Studios. ‘When hosting an al fresco dinner or summer party, don’t sweat it (literally). Whether you’re hosting a garden party, rooftop gathering, or laid-back BBQ, you will want to consider the all important temperature control.

‘Having just finished a season of events during a heatwave, temperature has been on my mind,’ Matthew says. ‘There are a number of considerations you’ll want to factor in to ensure you can keep your guests cool and help them manage the heat.’

Take The Pressure Down When Planning

‘Hosting in high heat doesn’t mean you need to over-perform,’ Matthew says. ‘In fact, your guests are probably craving simplicity. Opt for a laid-back vibe that feels effortless and relaxing.

‘It’s easy to jump straight into planning – menus, guest lists, table decor – but take a moment first to ask: What kind of experience do I want to create?’ Matthew suggests. ‘Whether it’s a lazy lunch with friends or a twilight birthday dinner, understand what you want to create. That will help you make decisions more easily (and stop you from spiraling into last-minute panic).

‘Whilst this is crucial for any event, you absolutely do not want to rely on last minute preparations when it’s a scorcher,’ Matthew adds. ‘Write up a schedule and make sure you get all of your hosting prep complete the night before or in the morning. This will leave you time to cool down and freshen up before your guests arrive.’

Pre-Solve The Problem

‘Have a think about what you would want the most if the temperature jumped up, and ensure you have that to hand for your guests,’ Matthew suggests. ‘People are much more forgiving when the solution is already there!

‘Shade is your new best friend,’ Matthew adds. ‘Make sure you position seating under trees, or use parasols or gazebos. You can also add a few strategically placed fans at key positions, or place handheld ones in a basket, which can make all the difference. Depending on the theme of your event or dinner, you could also consider custom fans, which adds a little extra element and can make your event all the more special.’

Keep Your Cool In The Kitchen

‘When temperatures in the UK are soaring above 25°C in the evenings, now is not the time for a multi-course hot roasted dish affair,’ Matthew says. ‘Cold, seasonal and fresh dishes should be your go-to. Think colourful salads, mezze platters, or grilled skewers. If serving dessert, consider sorbets, fruits or tarts.

‘If you are serving some form of cooked food, the main thing to remember is that a lot of food does not need to be piping hot,’ Matthew adds. ‘It’s OK if your food has sat and cooled a little. If you’re serving hot food, I would look for recipes that don’t require lots of final steps. You will want something you can whip out of the oven, garnish, and put in front of people.’

Hydrate Your Guests… Properly

‘Yes, cocktails and copious pourings of wine are always fun, but in this heat it’s important to consider the hydration of your guests,’ Matthew warns. ‘Spritzes always go down a treat, but water is vital. Hydration stations – with glass jugs of cold cucumber and mint water or sliced oranges and lemons in water – can be displayed in a chic way. No one ever wants to have to ask or wait for water, especially when it’s hot, so make sure this is readily available.’

Make It Twilight

‘You could consider hosting your dinner later in the evening to catch the cooler end of the day, maybe even golden hour,’ Matthew suggests. ‘Embrace night time and bring out candles or lanterns for a magical, twinkling evening during the cooler time of day.’

Dress For Success (& Comfort)

‘Whether formal or informal, let your guests know it’s a “light and breezy” dress code,’ Matthew recommends. ‘Think linens, loose attire, open footwear, and hats if hosting during the day. And don’t forget about yourself!

‘When the heat really turns up, sometimes there is nothing you can do to tackle it, so just ensure you have done everything you can to keep you and your guests comfortable,’ Matthew finishes. ‘This will guarantee that they can make the most of the event and also help you relax knowing questions and comments are dealt with before they are even asked!’

Matthew Shaw is creative director and founder of Sauveur Studios, a leading events and creative studio.