We don't know about you, but as summer approaches, we're itching to get our hosting hats on again. Sunday seshes, backyard dinners and warm nights that roll into the early hours of the morning—we want it all. 

With all that coming up, we thought we better get planning, so we teamed up with our summer hosting mates—the antipasti legends over at Sandhurst—to ask our team for their effortless entertaining hacks and the hosting trends they're loving going into summer. 

Signature Cocktail Station 

Resident martini-lover and Client Service Manager Mary's go-to for a cocktail or dinner party is a DIY cocktail station. "Then guests can help themselves and it's one thing off your plate," she says. 

When it comes to cocktails, 2025 has been the year of the dirty martini and Mary has made the most of it, loading up her station with not just spirits, but all the pretty glassware and olives her heart desires. Of course, it wouldn't be a summer cocktail station without all the ingredients for a good Aperol spritz too—a hot weather staple.

At-Home Cafe Mornings 

If your algorithm is anything like ours, you've probably also seen the at-home cafe trend taking over your FYP this year. It's an opportunity for hosting that Commercial Content Strategist Maisie has taken in her stride.  

"It's such a nice way to enjoy friends' company and properly catch up with no time limit or expectations," she says. "Depending on whats happening in the friend group and what people are up to creatively, we often do art, music, or fashion pop ups." 

The best part of hosting your own cafe morning is you can cutomise it however you like. Levelled-up brekkie faves? Yes please. Bagels loaded with all the toppings? We think so. Sun-drenched morning mimosas? Absolutely. 

Collaborative Playlists And Cute Invites

Commercial Content Producer Bella sets the tone for the occasion with a group playlist. By inviting their friends to add and order the songs that'll play throughout a party, they're not just ticking a task off the seemingly neverending hosting to-do list, they're also encouraging community vibes that let everyone in on the fun.

Another trend they're loving is using the Partiful app to invite guests and keep track of RSVPs. "It's so cute, plus saves having to double, triple, quadruple send messages in group chats," Bella says. Who says backyard barbeques and lowkey afternoon drinks aren't reason enough for a fun invite? Not us. 

Personalised Paper Fans

The Queensland heat in summer is no joke, so Brisbane Editor Dinu always has a plan in place to keep her guests nice and cool. Her go-to this year? Personalised paper fans. They're cute, they're functional and they add a personal touch that shows your guests a little extra love. 

Hot tip: use them as place cards for al fresco dinner parties to double the functionality and elevate your table settings. 

Checkerboard Appetisers

Senior Client Service Manager Pia is all about Pinterest-worthy plates this summer, specifically: checkboard-arranged appetisers. It's another one you've probably seen on your daily scroll, and rightly so—this easy arrangement takes even the most basic of ingredients from simple and tasty to top-tier. Feta is pretty much non-negotiable, but get creative with its pairing—think cucumber, green olives, watermelon, the list goes on. Add a drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil, some flaky salt and cracked pepper or chilli flakes to take things up a notch. 

Ready to get your host on this summer? Pick up some Sandhurst goodies for all your Euro-inspired treats, charcuterie snacks, pickles, preservers and picky bits. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Sandhurst and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Imagery: Supplied.