When the calendar turns to June and the sun shines its brightest, the season to celebrate reaches its peak: students toss their graduation caps in the air, many couples reach milestone anniversaries, and smitten lovers often tie the knot.

If you’ve taken it upon yourself to commemorate such occasions in your own home, you have quite the responsibility ahead of you. After all, playing host means creating a beautiful backyard bash that sparks enjoyment and creates valuable memories for guests and honored attendees alike.

It might be an intimidating endeavor, but you can pull it off by gathering the essential ingredients of a great party, ranging from the basic necessities to the extra touches that will earn you style points—and perhaps even pleas for you to throw the next event. No matter what you’re celebrating this summer, follow these setup steps to inspire awe and create a day your loved ones will reminisce on for years to come.

Send invitations

Text and email invites are fitting for casual festivities, but parties feel more special when they’re announced via formal letters that share the pertinent details, such as this elegant set. Mail them directly to your guests well in advance; the Emily Post Institute suggests using the purpose of the event to determine a good time frame (e.g., within four weeks for a cocktail party or up to three months ahead of a fundraiser). Check out the chart on its website for a full timing breakdown.

Set up seating

You’ll need a head count before the occasion to gauge how many chairs and tables will be necessary. After guests RSVP, assess whether you currently have enough to suffice or will need to acquire more; depending on your budget, you can purchase cost-effective options or, for a more formal touch, order some from an event-furniture rental service. Though assigned seating is by no means required, it can be useful for grouping compatible guests.

Provide shade

Summer weather is ideal for backyard bashes, but you may want to offer relief in case the sun is an awful dinner guest or a rain cloud decides to storm the soirée. Possible coverings range from simple four-post canopies—like this patriotic one—to elaborate rentable party tents. If you have the space, consider planning an indoor-outdoor event: set up meals or refreshments inside and allow for casual chatter outdoors. Guests will appreciate the flexibility.

Assemble decor

Without the appropriate adornments, your bash will feel like just another weekend get-together, so budget both time and money for decorating appropriately. For best results, meet with the guest of honor at your home at least two weeks before the event to brainstorm a theme like “beachy” or “classic Americana” and choose a complementary color scheme. Once those are decided, gather a mix of attractive lighting, accessories like candles, and floral arrangements for formal affairs. Setting out throw pillows and hanging sheer curtains can also help incorporate indoor comforts into your backyard. You may even want to order a custom event banner to display a congratulatory message.

Pay special attention to your table settings as well. Place themed tablecloths, color-coordinated dinnerware, and a centerpiece that will have guests pulling out their phones to capture the scene. Fresh flowers exude elegance, but handmade crafts like these summery options balance price consciousness with attractive panache for informal occasions. And if you aren’t serving a meal, simply maximize your snack-table and beverage-bar decor instead.

Select music

Your choice of soundtrack is key to setting the mood, making it essential to curate songs or albums that suit the event’s tone and the celebrant’s tastes. You can easily build a digital playlist on a music app, then stream it via Bluetooth to an outdoor-friendly speaker. Just watch the volume—guests should still be able to chat comfortably over the music.

Order beverages

Offering your guests cold water is basic etiquette, especially this season to help make the summer heat more tolerable. But good hosts know to provide additional refreshments like iced tea or lemonade. If the occasion is appropriate, also stock a bar with adult beverages, including a combination of liquors, mixers, and individual bottled or canned options.

Aim for chalices that perfectly fit the vibe, such as the standard and unserious SOLO cup for casual gatherings or a set of crystal goblets for refined affairs. To perfectly bridge a jovial nature and alluring style, find versatile products like these tiki cocktail glasses. And don’t forget the ice!

Plan a men

No matter the occasion, guests will expect at least some nibbles, even just snacks like pretzels and a veggie platter. If you are looking to serve a well-rounded meal, though, be sure that you stay on theme. For instance, when throwing a laid-back barbeque, you could purchase a selection of meats, veggies, and comfort-food sides or send a potluck sign-up sheet for guests to contribute. And for a formal event such as an anniversary party, a catered menu and cake are musts; contact a catering service and baker as early as possible to make arrangements. Whatever type of sustenance you serve, always plan for slightly more food than you expect to need—it’s better to have too much than too little.

Organize entertainment

In case conversation runs dry or just won’t take off to begin with, plan enjoyable diversions like a karaoke machine or a bounce house for a family-friendly event. To dance the night away, consider clearing a large indoor room or outdoor space, laying vinyl floor wrap to provide a smooth and stylish surface. You can even designate spaces for specific activities, including a table for playing party games and a viewing area complete with cushions and a projector and screen set for watching movies or photo reels.

Contact an event planner

If you’d prefer to save some sweat, hand the organizing reins over to an expert. Hiring an event planner can be a saving grace if you already have a lot on your plate, and it may be downright essential for holding an elegant gathering like a wedding reception. Though their services won’t be free, they can better ensure that you gather all the fundamentals and ultimately craft an exceptional summer bash for the books.