6 Tips To Hosting A Better Summer Soirée

There are a ton of ways to host friends and family for a casual summer soirée. Why not upgrade your hosting skills and shake things up a bit? The host(ess) who takes risks wins the love of his or her guests. You can totally handle a party upgrade: Hosting should be fun, not stressful, and if you plan ahead, your fête will go off without a hitch.

Whether you're hosting a picnic, cookout, or an alfresco dinner party, Chassie Post of Gilt.com is here to offer you a few tips that will make your summer party the talk of the town.

Order in Healthy, High-End Eats:

— Order healthy grass-fed steaks and pastureds-raised chicken straight from your computer with Gilt City's organic, USDA-certified steak and chicken combo from BeetnikFoods.com.

— Groceries perfect for the party will come straight to your door with 30 percent off your next order on FreshDirect.com, courtesy of Gilt City.

— Organic, local, and beautifully presented fare is delivered right to your door with meal delivery services like Hamptons Aristocrat. Try Gilt City's Hamptons Catered Cocktail Party for Up to 50, with delectable hors d'oeuvres and staffing, if you're having a bash out East.

Get Off The Table:

— For a twist on traditional outdoor entertaining, take your guests to the beach, or set up a campfire on your lawn.

Beachy Seat:

— Have a bunch of people coming over and a shortage of seating? Throw some thick, colorful quilts and beach towels on the ground!

Real Fake:

— As they say, fake it till you make it!

— Don't be afraid to give your summer bouquet a boost! We love to mix real and fake flowers to give our buds some staying power. The key: a beautiful vase. It puts the pretty in petals!

Portable Party:

— As we all know, the party is where the bar is!

— I love a portable bar, and this chic little leather case filled with all the essentials is the ultimate portable party!

Ice Cream Dream:

— For the best homemade ice cream sandwich ever, make your own ice cream and freeze in a cylinder. Slice circles like you would cookie dough, sandwich with your homemade (or not!) cookies, and voila!

— Or create your own ice cream parlor with a super-festive soft-serve machine. Make it special with cone-inspired glasses, and let the fun begin!