Summer entertaining trends for 2018: Stargazing, grill bombs, eco-friendly picnics and more

Summer entertaining report

Summer is a time to celebrate. Whether you’re planning a casual get-together with friends or a full blown warm weather celebration, Pinterest is the one stop shop that’s bound to make you this season’s entertaining aficionado.

This year, we took a look at what Pinners are searching for and saving in relation to summer entertaining. From stargazing parties (+192%) to water bars (+171%), there’s something for everyone to try as the weather warms up. However you decide to entertain this season, Pinterest is the place to start. Check out our Summer entertaining 2018 board for these trends and more.

Entertaining essentials

  • The sky’s the limit this summer as people look to the stars for some gazing good fun with stargazing parties (+192% Jan 2018).

  • Gather up your favourite sea bites for a seafood boil (+93% YoY) that’s as fun as it is delicious.

  • Dress up your dressings with creative condiment displays (+311% YoY).

  • Give your dinner party a green touch with simple botanical place cards (+79% YoY).

  • Let your guests customise their bites with a bruschetta bar (+159% YoY).

  • Edible table runners (+125% Jan 2018) are the new cheese board. Whether you’re planning a brunch with friends or a formal dinner with family, this tablescape is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

  • Create a water bar (+171% YoY) at your next gathering and help your guests hydrate with a variety of flavours.

Garden must-haves

  • Globe bulbs (+276% YoY) are a décor trend we’ve seen for a while, and people are bringing this aesthetic right into their gardens.

  • Create a space for your friends and family to enjoy at home with a DIY pizza oven (+68% YoY).

  • No garden? No problem. Make your space work for you with a patio party (+123% YoY).

  • Turn your back garden into a beer garden with a beer garden party (+638% YoY).

  • Need a place to hang out whilst watching the stars? Try a hanging daybed (+142% YoY).

Summer food and bevvies

  • Avoid turning into a full-time bartender and keep the drinks flowing with big batch cocktails (+60% YoY).

  • Get creative with vino as the summer heats up with white wine slushies (+3037% YoY).

  • We’re seeing pepper cocktails (+347% YoY) hit the menus in our favourite restaurants – why not create them at home?

  • Fire up the BBQ with grill bombs (+133% YoY), a recipe that’s a breeze to whip up and bursts with flavour.

  • Try some picnic pies (+78% YoY) for a quick way to create food to go – plus, they’re easy to pack in picnic baskets.

  • Take a twist on a classic with waffle ice cream sandwiches (+143% YoY), a waffley good way to keep your guests cool as the days heat up.

Parties on the go

  • Get your party on the move. We’re seeing a rise in nature getaways (+337% YoY) as people search for ways to bring their parties outdoors and into nature.   

  • Keep those picnics eco-friendly with reusable utensils (+221% YoY).

  • For an easy way to keep wine glasses upright during your next picnic, try a wine stakeholder (+132% YoY).

  • Customise your meal and toss it in a jar to keep things organised and spill free with a picnic in a jar (+346% YoY).

For the kiddos

  • Find a way to keep the kids entertained and create a shared experience you can work on together with summer craft parties (+83% YoY).

  • Not your typical hopscotch, pavement chalk art (+170% YoY) is an art form the whole family can enjoy.

  • Fresh fruit ice lollies (+185% Jan 2018) keep it healthy yet appetising for the kids this summer.

  • Try a mini paper kite (+291% Jan 2018) this summer – perfect for a craft party or to keep the kids entertained and outside.

  • Is the weather not cooperating with your summer plans? Not to worry. Bring the summer experience inside with indoor camping (+287% YoY).