Cool Ideas for Warm-Weather Entertaining
By Marirose Krall
Outdoor parties have their own special magic; there’s a relaxed vibe that comes from socializing in the sunshine or mingling under the moonlight. But outdoor entertaining also offers unique challenges. To help sort out what works and what doesn’t, we spoke with the experts – party professionals who offer tips for hosting a successful outdoor event.
Plan Ahead
It’s wise to set a date well in advance – and provide your guests with relevant info as soon as possible. “Summer calendars fill up quickly,” said Jennifer Tolento, owner of Jennifer Tolento Events in Middletown, “so send an invite at least one month in advance. Include details such as dress code and parking options.” Tolento recommends digital invites from sites such as Evite or Canva, which can be helpful for tracking RSVPs.
Comfort is Key
Nature is nice, but it can be capricious. “You have to have a Plan B for the weather,” Tolento advised. “Reserving a tent is a necessity in case it starts to rain, especially if you don’t have room in your home.” A tent can also provide relief from the sun on very warm days.
For larger gatherings, Tolento advises renting portable restrooms. “They’re useful if you have more than 100 guests, or if you just don’t want people traipsing in and out of your house.”
It’s also thoughtful to offer guests swag to accommodate outdoor-specific issues.
“It’s nice to have a basket of bug spray or sunscreen, or pashminas (lightweight shawls) in case it’s chilly,” Tolento said. “Even a flip-flop basket is helpful – you’d be surprised how often guests wear stilettos that sink into the ground. It’s all about making people comfortable at your party.”
Handy Fare
An outdoor event is not the time for complicated dishes that are difficult to wrangle. “People want to be able to mingle and eat,” Tolento said, “anything that’s one bite, and easy to hold in your hand or pop in your mouth while you chat.”
Managing partners Will Towle and Scott Gersten, owner of Willow & Sage Fine Catering in Rumson, agree. “Mini, elevated bites and handheld items rather than stationary displays,” Towle said. Gersten said it’s a good idea to “keep things light and fresh.”
“Simplicity is the story of what we do,” Towle explained, but simple doesn’t mean boring.
“Guests are looking for food that tells a story rooted in culture, experience, or travel,” he said. “Favorites include lobster rolls, ceviche, edible spoons.”
Tolento describes one particularly creative passed app. “A hot trend right now – especially if you’re having a party at the Jersey Shore – is a strolling oyster shucker. They’ll shell the oyster for you right there and offer toppings. It’s super fun and convenient.”
Kindred Spirits
If you plan to serve cocktails, you’ll need to get a feel for your guests’ preferences. Todd Hundley, owner of The Fizzy Bee, a mobile bar service in Allenhurst, sits down with clients prior to their events. “We go over the number of people and their drinking habits so we can recommend amounts and brands.”
Because services like Hundley’s provide mixers and garnishes, they need to know the specifics of the drink menu in advance. There are, he said, some timeless favorites. “We do a lot of margaritas or Palomas. Aperol spritzes are also very popular, as are mojitos.”
Hundley recommends limiting specialty cocktails to just one or two. “I tell people, ‘serve whatever you’d like, but if you have two special cocktails, there’s no need for a third.’ Too many options will slow down service. Keep it simple.”
Simplicity and serenity – that’s what summer’s all about. With the details handled, both hosts and guests can enjoy the delights of the summer social season.
The article originally appeared in the May 21 – 27, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
