Let the rest of LA fight for beach parking — summer’s best moments tend to happen at home, with your fave people, fab food, ice-cold beverages, and a playlist that hits just right. At Smith & Berg Property Group, we continually strive to master the art of the backyard bash. So whether you’re celebrating the Fourth or just feeling a festive summer gathering is in order, here’s your guide to throwing a party that’s equal parts effortless and truly unforgettable.
Grill, Chill, & Keep It Simple
Every great backyard soiree starts with food. The trick? Choose one show-stopping main and let everything else support the cause. If you’ve got a smoker (or a grill and some time), this Texas-style smoked brisket is always a flex. Prefer to keep things lighter? Try grilled chicken with Alabama white sauce — it's tangy, juicy, and doesn’t require a degree in barbecue science.
As for sides, don’t overcomplicate it. We’re big fans of Mexican street corn (elote), which chars beautifully alongside your main, and a watermelon, feta, and mint salad that hits every note: salty, sweet, and refreshing. Want to throw in something a little unexpected? This dill pickle pasta salad adds just the right amount of bite.
Create a Signature House Cocktail
We’re not saying the drinks make the party, but they definitely set the tone, so consider creating a signature cocktail for your event. PRO TIP: Something in pitchers for 'serve yourself' ease alleviates stress and can be easier on the pocketbook. Our go-to summer cocktail lineup? Light, bright, and built for day-to-night sipping. Start with a pitcher of watermelon margaritas — the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Fruity, icy, and borderline too easy to drink. Want something bubbly? A pitcher-friendly Aperol spritz never disappoints. It’s fresh, a touch bitter, and photogenic enough to warrant its own Instagram story.
And for that tiki-style nostalgia hit, you can’t go wrong with a classic Mai Tai: citrusy, rum-forward, and guaranteed to make someone ask for seconds. Add in a few chilled bottles of rosé and plenty of sparkling water with fresh lime wedges, and you’ve got your party's perfect bar set-up, whether your guests are sipping or simply hydrating.
Ambiance is Everything
You don’t need to transform your backyard into a movie set, but a few intentional touches go a long way. Lay down layered blankets and poufs in lieu of plastic chairs, string up some bistro lights, and scatter citronella candles to keep the mood high and the bugs low.
Want to win major host points? Set up a s’mores bar with all the classics — graham, mallows, and chocolate — and throw in a few wildcards like peanut butter cups or salted caramel squares. It’s nostalgic, low-lift, and 100% worth it (especially for the kids). And don’t forget the music (jump to our perfect party playlist below!). Placing a speaker near the bar keeps the vibes going from start to finish.
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SBP'S SUMMER PARTY PLAYLIST
Curated by the SBP team, our Summer Party Playlist brings the kind of energy that turns a casual hang into a night to remember. We’re talking timeless throwbacks, beachy soul, feel-good indie, and a few pop curveballs that everyone secretly loves. It’s what we’re playing on repeat all summer long. Give it a listen here.
The Westside Way to Do Summer
If your backyard’s feeling a little too small for the guest list (or your dream summer setup still lives in your head), we can help with that. From architectural gems to family-friendly homes with poolside potential, SBP knows how to match lifestyle with location. So go ahead and throw the party. We’ll find you the home to host it in.