Hosted 6 Weekends in a Row?
Yeah, I Do This.
Joe and I host all the time at our Texas lake house.
Last summer? Six weekends in a row.
And you know what? I didn’t burn out. I thrived.
Hosting should be fun and not feel like a second job.
Whether you’ve got a lakefront retreat or a backyard pool, this guide will have you serving summer magic without breaking a sweat.
1. Set the Scene
(Like You’re the Star, Because YOU ARE)
Hosting is about setting the vibe without losing your mind.
Here’s how I nail it:
I use fabulous matching towels. Yes, they are more than target options, but will last for years due to the quality. Clean, calm, and coordinated.
My favorite cooler lives by the pool so guests stay hydrated and you don’t have to keep jumping up.
Add candles or tiki torches when the sun dips. I did this at our housewarming and it turned magical real quick.
I swear by these glasses that look like fancy glassware but are actually plastic.
No broken glass near the pool? They also have a full dinnerware collection. Yes please.
Pro Move: Easy on, easy off cover-ups + chunky costume jewelry = instant glam. And no panic if something falls in. (Still mourning that one lost diamond stud…)
2. The Playlist = The Pulse of the Party
The music is the mood. As an EDM girl through and through, here’s how I break the day down:
🎶 Morning Chill – Soft chill EDM to ease into the day. Works with coffee and mimosas.
🎶 Afternoon Float – Light house beats. Smooth. Luxurious. Float-ready.
🎶 Golden Hour Party – 90s hip-hop, Beyoncé bangers, a few country crowd-pleasers. Let loose, girl.
Want more playlists? DM me or comment below, and I’ll send my favorites.
3. Signature Sips: Pitcher Style, Always
Batch drinks = more chill, less bartending.
These aren’t just easy, they come with a twist that makes them unforgettable.
Here’s a simple, cute option!
Margarita (Pitcher Style)
2 cups reposado tequila
1.5 cups Owen’s or Tres Agaves organic margarita mix
Add fresh lime wheels on top
This organic mix is so good, you’ll look like a pro without squeezing a single lime.
Lavender Lemonade
2 cups vodka
1.5 cups fresh lemon juice
¾ cup lavender simple syrup
4 cups sparkling water
Top pitcher with sliced lemons
Simple, stunning, and yes, it tastes as good as it looks.
Aperol Spritz (Party-Ready)
1 bottle Prosecco
1 cup Aperol
1.5 cups blood orange soda
Orange slices to serve
Blood orange soda = fancy upgrade. Just trust me.
Mojito With a Twist
1 bunch fresh mint
1 cup lime juice
½ cup cane sugar or agave
2 cups white rum
4 cups club soda
Splash of coconut water
Serve over crushed ice
The coconut water makes it tropical without being sweet.
4. Activities That Hit Without Trying Too Hard
Nobody wants a full itinerary. Just vibes and options.
Here’s my go-to lineup:
Matching floaties (aesthetic matters, and yes, they need to match).
Waterproof iPhone case because someone’s getting pushed in and we’re still taking videos.
Yard games like cornhole and giant Jenga = instant golden hour entertainment.
Outfit Tip: A cheap cowboy hat levels up your look fast and sets the tone.
Also? George Strait and a good attitude = non-negotiable.
5. Let the Men Grill. You Chill.
Here’s the rule: Let the guys take over the grill.
They bond over beer, argue about cook times, and you get to sip cocktails and catch up with your girls. Win-win.
Pro Tip: Skip prepping fruit and snacks.
Buy the big pre-made fruit trays and charcuterie, ditch the plastic packaging, and lay them out on your cutest boards. Instant “you did that” energy with zero stress.
From Our Pool to Yours
Hosting should feel like a party for you too.
So whether you’re rocking a private dock, a backyard pool, or a plastic flamingo in your apartment courtyard, you’ve got the vibe, the drinks, and the hacks.
Set the mood, pour the pitchers, and let the good times flow.
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“The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises.”
— Ecclesiastes 1:5
PS: DM me on Instagram for more of my favorite Spotify playlists, I’ll send ’em straight to your inbox.
Best,
Amy
