The Weekend Sundowner Handbook: How I Devised My Ultimate Party Planning Hacks

I remember that evening vividly. Small circular tables were arranged out on the balcony of my apartment that were laden with round and colourful plates, dainty cutlery and wine glasses. Little fairy lights lined the columns of this intimate space and dimmed lamps rested in errant corners. The stage was set for the perfect weekend sundowner – until the food started rolling out.

Spring rolls and mini quiches were the appetiser du jour and within the first few serves, I came to reckoning with a horrifying fact: we were running out of starters and the guests were asking for more! 

To this day, the red in my cheeks from being thoroughly embarrassed remains a permanent blush-blemish on my home hosting report card.

Evidently, planning a sundowner at home means there are multiple things to consider from food and drink menus to decor ideas and party locations. And just as many elements involved in this party have a tendency to go wrong, including uncooked fried foods to inadequate servingware to of course, running out of popular appetisers.

Party planning can be quite chaotic, this writer is here to tell you, but with just a few very simple hacks on hand, it becomes a much smoother, creative and even fun prospect. After going through many of these party planning hiccups there are a few processes I picked up along the way which made organising sundowners on a weekend a fine and sophisticated experience.

Prep Now, Party Later

If there is one home hosting exercise which can be a befuddling, clumsy chaos when guests start pouring in, it is organising servingware. What works for me every single time is getting ahead of this moment of confusion by bringing together all serving glasses, plates, grazing boards, cutlery and napkins ahead of time.

As well, guests will always want plain water so another useful hack is keeping separate cool water jugs filled and ready next to water cups. Arranging all the servingware at respective food and drink stations avoids the last minute bustle involved in locating errant spoons, ladles, skewers and forks.

Make No Fuss Nibbles

One of the reasons my first sundowner ran into troubled waters was running out of food which couldn’t be refilled quickly. And what I picked up from this experience is that as a novice home host, one of the best hacks is to go for low prep munchies instead of elaborate culinary fares. 

From then on, for several sundowners, I went on to craft light bites like olives and cheese boards, mini sliders, lettuce wraps and pasta salads which could be prepped quickly and redone just as speedily if guests wanted more, without much fuss. 

Location Location Location

Sundowners are all about the mise en scène. Scenic views and evening vibes are the highlight of these parties which means location becomes the most important element in planning the evening.

So, planning sundowners means picking a spot on the apartment terrace or gallery from where guests can experience the setting sun. Balconies opened out to the garden also make for interesting spaces for such a party. And a pro hack that I diligently follow is inviting guests about half an hour before sunset so they can settle into this ambience well in time.

Beauty In Simplicity

While planning for cocktails and mocktails at such a sundowner gathering, the best choices are those which are simple yet which spell a sheer elegance befitting the evening. Mixes like negronis and spritzers and non-alcoholic coolers are some of these drinks which would fit into the summertime vibe. These blends are easy to prepare, yet they carry a very sophisticated finish which is quite essential while serving them at a chic sundowner gathering at home.

Less Is More – Always!

Sundowners are all about guests taking in the views of the cityscape or the beach town from atop the terrace where the sundowner is being hosted without being distracted by too many loud centrepieces or gaudy wall hangings.

Minimalist decor then remains my favoured sundowner ambience alternative, which includes subtle fairy lights, a few lamps, rattan furniture and some kitschy potted plants, that give an aesthetic summertime definition to the space at hand.

Seat The Scene

One of the most significant tips that this writer has to share on this topic is seating, seating and seating! Amidst the chaos of party planning it is quite easy to skip over the idea that guests would need to sit comfortably at a sundowner gathering. 

Recovering from this faux pas at the last minute can be tricky so plan ahead and place lots of chairs, stools and movable sofas out on the balcony or terrace and plan ample seating arrangements for guests.

Also Read: Here’s A Step By Step Guide To Plan The Perfect Sundowner Party