How to Host a Spring Party to Remember

Let the outdoor entertaining begin. Spring brings all kinds of excuses for hosting a cookout, garden party, or holiday soirée with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on the way. Whether you’re ready to host an updated take on an afternoon tea, nail brunch for the moms in your life, perfect your barbecue game, or opt to involve your guests with a potluck, we have you covered.

Consummate hosts of afternoon tea services from London to Philly share ways to modernize the classic afternoon social, from setting a theme to curating the perfect playlist. While Instagram and TikTok sensation Babs Costello of Brunch With Babs adds entertaining expertise for your best Mother’s Day brunch yet.

When the time to honor dads comes along, we compiled the best barbecue advice that pitmasters from across the Carolinas pass down through generations, so you can plan the cookout of a lifetime. (Hint: Barbecue may be scientific, but it’s not that serious!) Or opt for a seafood celebration with our essential steps to pulling off a Louisiana-style crawfish boil.

Take inspiration from more notoriously festive destinations with our guides to hosting an authentic aperitivo hour, from an expat living in Italy, and throwing a beach-themed party like you’re in Miami, with a checklist from local chefs. Follow Tiffany Derry’s lead and upgrade to a Texas-sized feast for any of these fêtes, or look ahead to mark the end of the season with Swedish Midsummer traditions.

Whatever the celebration, we included insights from beverage industry insiders on incorporating zero-proof drinks to accommodate all lifestyles and the key to low-lift, high-reward hosting: the timeless potluck. A baker and burnt-out host shares how the party format reminded her what hospitality is all about and restored joy to her gatherings.

Don’t wait for summer. All you need for flavorful food and standout celebrations this season is here now. Plan to reconnect and reenergize your social life and family meals with recommendations from the pros for memorable parties and meaningful holidays.