Here are 52 summer hosting essentials for your next gathering, as recommended by Vogue editors.

There’s a warm—sometimes too warm—breeze in the air, the days stretch long into the evenings, and every landscape seems to burst with color. There’s simply no season quite like summer for a gathering. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch in the garden, a lobster boil on the coast, or just an aperitivo on the stoop of your apartment building, this time of year naturally feels relaxed and invites us to slow down, savoring each moment with family and friends. Even the simplest, spur-of-the-moment occasions feel special.

Vogue Editors’ Summer Hosting Essentials:

– The Rattan Candle Holder: Pigment France Wideville rattan candle holder – $245 (ABASK)
– The Splatterware Set: Golden Rabbit enamelware dinner plate set – $88 (AMAZON)
– The Taper Candles: Pottery Barn taper candles set – $17 (POTTERY BARN)
– The Classic Gingham Tablecloth: Serena and Lily gingham tablecloth – $178 (SERENA & LILY)
– The Ice Cream Coupes: East Fork etched thistle glassware – $96 (EAST FORK)
– The Colorful Plates: La DoubleJ porcelain side plates set – $150 (NET-A-PORTER)
– The French-Inspired Napkins: Couleur Nature Provence Avignon napkins set – $105 (OVER THE MOON)

Naturally, our editors have strong opinions on hosting (and a go-to collection of favorite entertaining essentials). Some set the scene for their summer parties with handmade ceramics, others turn to colorful printed linens, and still others swear the key to pleasing a crowd isn’t fancy tableware, but the joy of a signature cocktail. No matter the approach, you’ll find plenty of summer dinner party inspiration in the recommendations below—from gingham tablecloths to fish-shaped carafes. Here are the Vogue editor-approved pieces for outdoor entertaining.

The Flora-Focused Table

“I love a colorful summer tablescape with Lisa Corti blooms and small bright glass vases filled with chamomile or zinnias. I love to serve a big, hearty salad that can carry a meal, like the farro salad from Charlie Bird.” —Chloe Malle, head of editorial content

– Paul Arnhold Glasstransparent vase – $350 (PAUL ARNHOLD GLASS)
– Lisa Corti floral motif tablecloth – $231 (CETTIRE)
– Portaradicchio serving bowl – $174 (PORTA)
– PortaBestia serving set – $128 (PORTA)

The Stoop Party

“I live in Manhattan with no personal outdoor space to speak of—but I do have a stoop, and if I can shoo the tourists who tend to loiter by it, it’s a great spot for people-watching. In the summer, I like to either start or end dinner parties out there, for aperitivo (these tomato-oregano taralli are my latest obsession, paired with a spritz of some kind) or for dessert (a scoop of raspberry sorbet or pistachio ice cream; I am not a baker).

I went overboard at Fishs Eddy in Flatiron over the winter and basically bought out their selection of plain white diner soup bowls in a sale-induced haze; the shape is perfect for pastas and mains, and they fit in easily with whatever colors I’m feeling at the moment. Right now, that’s green: celery napkins from my great-grandmother, emerald Luminarc coupes, splatterware olive dishes, and some burgundy tapers for contrast. The theme extends to my windowsill too—for the first time, our herb garden is thriving, and it’s turning me into a garnish person this season. Long live these mini terracotta pots.” —Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping

– Pottery Barn taper candles set – $17 (POTTERY BARN)
– Il Buco Vita splatterware oil & salt dish set – $50 (IL BUCO VITA)
– Etsy assorted vintage terracotta pots – $30 (ETSY)
– Luminarc Rhine wine glasses set – $36 (EBAY)
– Sfizi Taralli – $10 (BIG NIGHT)
– Chandon Lemon & Verbena Spritz – $25 (RESERVE BAR)

The Coastal Curation

“When I think about summer hosting, I immediately think of beach-filled days and family…”Dinners on the porch, New England-style. I love a floral print as much as anyone, but there’s something so classic about a gingham tablecloth that just screams summer. I think it’s a must-have for any summer table. I pair mine with linen napkins, which work all year but feel especially right in the warmer months.

Enamelware is also essential, especially for outdoor entertaining. Golden Rabbit’s enamelware is sturdy and easy to stack, and the bright, speckled designs add so much personality to any table. I also love using rattan for its warmth and texture—this wicker Aerin vase has a glass liner, perfect for hydrangeas! These bamboo flatware sets from Sabre are really fun too, and I’m excited to finally use this oyster platter, which was on our wedding registry and gifted by friends. —Alexandra Ditch, commerce producer

Save to wishlist
Serena and Lily – gingham tablecloth, $178
Pottery Barn – frayed oversized linen napkin set, $48
Golden Rabbit – enamelware dinner plate set, $88
Aerin – Freya rattan vase, $195
Sabre – bamboo flatware sets, $464
Rex Design – oyster platter, $285

The Thoughtful Details
“I’m happiest hosting by candlelight, so I always reach for these non-drip Danish tapers and pair them with antique sterling silver candlesticks. They give off a warm, flickering glow that makes everyone look a little nicer, and since they don’t drip, I don’t have to scrape wax off the table at the end of the night.
I also love putting fresh embroidered linen hand towels in the powder room—a small luxury that quietly shows guests you’ve thought of everything. And I always keep crystal water pitchers on the table. They’re as beautiful as any centerpiece, and I appreciate a host who makes it easy to refill a glass without interrupting the conversation. To me, the best entertaining essentials are the ones that make people want to stay a little longer and feel like they have everything they need.” —Lilah Ramzi, contributor

Save to wishlist
Rebecca Udall – Danish taper candles set, $45
Cartier – vintage sterling silver candlesticks, $1,300
Chefanie – embroidered hand towels set, $64
Saint-Louis – crystal pitcher, $690

The French-Inspired Table
“I’ll happily collect seashells if they come as tableware. This platter has become my go-to for entertaining at home in the Hamptons this season. Its sculptural design and generous size always get compliments from guests.
If there’s a way to make my home feel a bit more like the French countryside, I’ll do it. I think these handmade linens instantly give the table an effortless charm. I can’t resist a blue-and-white color scheme—I love how it ties a table together without feeling too fussy. If I’m going with a pattern, I go all in. These matching napkins have become a staple for every outdoor lunch and dinner I’m hosting this season.” —Alexandra Macon, contributing editor

Save to wishlist
Carolina Irving & Daughters – concha jumbo serving platter, $413
Couleur Nature – Provence Avignon tablecloth, $233
Couleur Nature – Provence Avignon placemat set, $105
Couleur Nature – Provence Avignon napkins set, $105

The Elevated Serveware
“My hosting skills only go as far as a charcuterie board and a jug of Pimm’s, but the right serveware can fool even the pickiest guest into forgetting you didn’t actually cook anything. A pretty pitcher, chic coupe glasses, patterned napkins, and a distractingly easy hostess dress are all you need for a successful summer party.””Summer soirée, in my opinion.” —Florence O’Connor, Associate Content Manager