As much as we love a bowl of crisps, if you want to throw a party that will earn you the accolade of The Best Host, it’s time to start tapping into some of this summer’s food trends. 

“I foresee lots of garden parties, moveable feasts, picnics, and BBQs happening this summer,” says sustainable chef and Odysea ambassador Bettina Campolucci Bordi.  

“The focus will be on spending time together rather than spending time cooking. That means mezze platters, dips, delicious salads, flatbreads and spreads. Basically, a good pick-and-mix type of vibe where there is something for everyone. 

“One great way of getting more out of your dips is to add tasty toppings to them. Caramelised onions are a good shout, as is tearing up a few dates and using them to top off your hummus. 

“You can even make an easy homemade flatbread using flour, water, salt and yogurt, that will be the perfect vessel for all your mezzes.”

For a taste of something sweet and to add a pop of colour to your table, try filling glass dishes with handfuls of purple and pink berries. 

They’re the perfect snack to graze on as the evening gets underway, and you can even pop a few in your Spritz. Speaking of which… 

The sun is (hopefully) shining, you’ve laid out an impressive spread… now it’s time for some drinks. 

“Prosecco is a key ingredient to craft the perfect spritz, which are ideal for sipping throughout long summer evenings with friends” says Pritesh Mody, founder of World Of Zing and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch cocktail expert.

“A spritz with a fruity touch creates a stunning summer cocktail, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser among family and friends. Spritz cocktails are a fun way to get creative with your bartender skills, without creating too many complexities in the kitchen.”

As for the spritz that’s going to be on everyone’s lips this summer, it’s all about the Chambord Berry Spritz, whose fruity and refreshing flavours are bound to quench the thirst of (and seriously impress) any friends you entertain this summer.

To make it, simply pack a glass with plenty of ice and three parts sparkling wine. 

Next, add two parts Chambord and one part soda water and watch the exuberant pink and purple colours come to life. Finally, garnish with fresh mint leaves and lots of berries.

For a non-alcoholic alternative, try subbing the alcohol for raspberry syrup, and remember to keep jugs of water at hand to stay hydrated in the summer heat.

To guarantee your next get-together serves up ample Instagram content, you’ll want to make sure your interiors are bang on trend.

“This summer it’s all about curves, curves and more curves,” says home decor brand Lick’s trend specialist, Matilda Martin.

“It’s all about creating a sense of play, fluidity and softness. Curvature in architectural features – e.g. arches, furniture, and accessories – is popping up everywhere this summer.

“We are also seeing the rise of a laid-back, rustic, bohemian aesthetic, with a celebration of unpolished natural materials, textures and forms – very in line with the 70s interior style. 

“This summer will be all about alfresco dining and entertaining. Grab yourself a round outdoor table or a firepit with chairs circulating around it. The outdoor tablescape is seeing a resurgence and with it comes an opportunity for creativity. 

“Think jute scalloped placemats, wavy candles, handcrafted ceramic tableware, linen tablecloths and large jugs with curved handles. Not to mention an array of gorgeous flowers. 

“The focus will be on craft, creativity and a sense of connection. Your outdoor space shouldn’t be an afterthought – it can be a total extension of your interior and a space for you to host in style and connect with your loved ones.”

There’s one common theme when it comes to the clothes we’re all going to be sporting for the next few months - crochet.

“Crochet, cut-outs, slip dresses and cropped cardigans, especially the iconic Jacquemus mini-cardigan, have attracted a growing interest,” explains Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of leading fashion rental app By Rotation.

“Colourful crochet dresses are perfect for a casual summer get-together or holiday look, or for a more subtle take on crochet, try one of Isla Risa’s beautiful handmade silk bags. 

“I’ll be teaming my favourite Jacquemus cropped cardigan with the Loewe basket bag all summer. 

“Finally, for slip dresses, Cult Gaia is my go-to and Aje and Zimmermann have some great cut-out dresses for summer evenings.”

Nothing sets the tone for your soirée like getting the lighting just right. 

After all, no one wants a floodlight in their face when they’re rigorously debriefing on their latest date and whether or not it was the correct move to respond to their Story with a heart emoji.

“Summer lighting is all about creating the right ambience,” explains Lee Lovett, founder of The Soho Lighting Company.

“For a more bohemian style, string up warm LED bulbs to create that festival vibe. It’s such a versatile look and so easy to achieve – simply drape them in trees, on a fence, pergola or wall.

“Outdoor lighting is just as important as indoor lighting, and the impact of the right scheme transforms your space.

“Balancing ambient and practical lighting is key. Outdoor wall lights are the perfect choice for an unintrusive, controlled lighting scheme and are ideally positioned near social areas and pathways. 

“You can then layer in strings of warm LED bulbs and softly-lit candles to provide that extra touch of magic.”

To give your gathering a rustic edge and save on hurting the planet (and your purse) with unnecessary supplies, you can also repurpose your most eye-catching bottle of booze.

Clean out your empty Chambord bottle and use it as a candle holder for a soft purple glow and some extra summer evening vibes.