Sunlit Gatherings: 5 Outside-the-Box Ideas for Stylish Summer Entertaining

Backyard brunch? Lakeside picnic? Yes, please. This is the time of year when the world is (literally) your hosting space. There’s something magical about gathering outdoors in the summertime—think long, warm evenings and laughter drifting on the breeze. 

But one thing your outdoor gathering should never be is typical. If you need some fresh ideas for summer fetes, look no further! We’ve got several that will make your party the soiree of the summer. 

Ready to rethink the common summer setup? Here are five creative ideas to inspire your next al fresco gathering—plus the Geometry products that make the whole thing stylishly simple.

1. Float & Sip Socials

Instead of the typical backyard barbecue, plan a poolside or lakeside gathering where the drinks come to you—literally. Floatable drink holders or inflatable bars are already trending, but why not bring Geometry’s signature flair into the mix? Line your drink station with the Summer Refreshments Beach Towel, a joyful citrus-and-cocktail print that instantly sets the mood.

Use matching Bar Towels like Summer Refreshments or At the Pool to dry off wine glasses and cocktail shakers between pours. These towels are made from Geometry’s signature recycled Geoweave™, so they’re not only ultra-absorbent—they dry quickly too, even after a dip in the lake. Want to go all out? Freeze citrus slices into large ice cubes for a spa-like touch that complements the towel’s theme.

2. Roll-up Sunrise Yoga + Brunch

Summer mornings are tailor-made for quiet movement and fresh air. Host a sunrise yoga session followed by a simple brunch on the lawn or beach. Invite guests to bring yoga mats or provide them with Geometry’s Yoga Towels—generously sized and ultra grippy—perfect for those sun salutations.

After yoga, keep things breezy with fresh fruit, overnight oats and cold brew. Use tea towels like Fruits at the Party or Dancing Umbrellas as part of the setup—draped under serving trays, tucked into baskets of pastries, or wrapped around carafes. Their bold, summery patterns add color and function, soaking up spills while doubling as decor.

☀️ Pro tip: Pack extra Geometry tea towels to use as mini tablecloths or sunshields for coolers and drinks.

3. Whimsical Chalkboard Garden Feast

If you love hosting dinners with a creative twist, try turning your patio or picnic table into a chalkboard canvas. Cover it with a roll of chalkboard contact paper or a matte black tablecloth, and let guests draw, doodle or write their names where they’ll be sitting.

Instead of disposable napkins or placemats, reach for Not Paper Towels—our reusable alternative to paper towels. Choose playful summer designs like Colorful Currents or Paraiso and use them as place settings or lap cloths. These towels come in sets of 6, so they’re perfect for a crowd—and they wash beautifully for your next event.

Pair your creative tablescape with fresh herbs in mason jars, fairy lights above and pitchers of homemade lemonade or sangria. It’s laid-back and playful with just the right amount of polish.

4. Golden Hour Cocktail Charcuterie

There’s no better time to host than golden hour—when the lighting is just right and the breeze kicks up a little. Turn your evening into a chic cocktail hour, complete with a curated charcuterie spread and signature drinks.

Lay a large cutting board over your Geometry Beach Blanket and build your board directly on top. To keep things colorful and cohesive, use our Tea Towels as liners for smaller boards or underneath serving bowls. Wrap wine bottles in patterned towels like Saltwater Glow or Summer Produce Poster to keep them cool and festive at the same time.

Add a few tealights in mason jars, play an acoustic playlist and watch the magic happen. These small touches elevate even the simplest bites into something beautiful and memorable.

5. Beachside Bonfire & Starlit Stories

End your summer evening with a fire pit gathering—ideal for s’mores, storytelling and unplugged connection. Geometry’s Beach Towels are the perfect base layer for seating: they’re oversized, sand-resistant and quick-drying if the ground is damp. Choose from designs like Hibiscus Haze or Schooling for a cozy yet vibrant aesthetic.

Use matchng Tea Towels to wrap snacks, protect hands from hot mugs of cocoa or clean up sticky s’more fingers. You’ll appreciate their durability just as much as their Instagram-worthy patterns.

🌊 Pro tip: Pack a Beach Blanket for firewood or to lay out a board game under the stars.

Geometry: Made for the Outdoors

At Geometry, design and performance go hand in hand. Every piece is crafted to look beautiful in your home and work hard when you take the party outside. Here’s why our customers keep coming back for more:

• Quick-drying & ultra-absorbent: From beach days to cleanup duty, our towels are built for speed and style.
• Eco-friendly materials: Savor the summer and protect it, too! Our towels are made from post-consumer recycled materials—each one saves water bottles from landfills.
• Stylish seasonal collections: Geometry’s prints are like seasonal wardrobe updates for your kitchen and entertaining essentials.

Make It Memorable, Make It You

Outdoor entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable. With a few thoughtful touches, you can transform any outdoor space into a stylish summer sanctuary. Mix and match prints, lean into bold color and let your creativity shine under the sun.