Outdoor gatherings are a great way to enjoy good weather, spend time with loved ones and make the most of your space.  

However, hosting in hot weather can leave you feeling exhausted and overheated. With a little planning, you can keep yourself and your guests comfortable throughout the day. 

Choose the right time to host

When possible, schedule outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are generally more manageable. Avoid planning strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. 

Create plenty of shade

Set up your gathering in a naturally shaded area or use umbrellas or temporary shade structures. Make sure there is enough shaded space for guests to sit, eat and take a break from the sun. 

It’s always a good idea to have some shaded areas in your backyard. Even if you love soaking up the sun, some guests might prefer to relax in the shade. And on hot days, a shady zone can make your patio feel so much cooler. 

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Plan cooling breaks

If your event involves games, exercise or other physical activities, build regular breaks into the schedule. Encourage guests to spend time in shaded areas and provide cool, damp towels or handheld fans where appropriate. 

Dress for the weather

As the host, you may spend much of the event moving around and helping guests. Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and breathable fabrics. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also provide additional protection from the sun. 

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Encourage flow between indoors and outdoors

If a shady space is not enough, you could combine indoor and outdoor hosting by starting the party inside and then transitioning outdoors once it’s cool enough. You need to keep exterior doors open so guests can quickly move from outside back in, and vice versa.

Keep everyone hydrated

Make water easily available throughout the event. Set up a dedicated drinks station with plenty of chilled water and encourage guests to drink regularly rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. Offering fresh fruit can also help add variety and contribute to fluid intake. 

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Hosting an outdoor event in the summer doesn’t have to be a difficult ordeal. Keeping you and your guests cool is simple when you make sure everyone is comfortable. 

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