| |

Lake House Entertaining: Etiquette Tips for Summer Hosts and Guests

ByDiane Gottsman
Lake house entertaining etiquette | White Adirondack chairs sits on a cottage wooden deck at sunset looking at the lake. Flower pots are on the deck.

There is nothing better than hosting friends and family for a summer lake house gathering – whether at your own summer home, a lakeside tent, or an Airbnb. A gracious host makes guests feel welcome, and that begins with the details. While a celebration in town may entail a bit more formality, Southern Charm is in the niceties, and a lake house, beach house, fishing ranch, or campsite may include a summer cocktail, mocktail, or sparkling soda in a plastic cup as easily as a vintage glass by the lakeside fire. 

Friends dangling feet over dock by lake with sunshine and water

A savvy host knows how to artfully shift the focus from formality to lake house hospitality. A few thoughtful unwritten rules of lake life are below.

A Lake House Host:

Lake House Host | Appetizing pies and lemonade are cooked on a white wooden picnic table with a vase of peony flowers. Summer family vacation. Picnic.
  • A Welcome Basket – The Adorable Basket is Part of the Gift Filled with Favorite Things
  • Comfortable Outdoor Seating and A Supply of Summer Essentials (Bug Spray, Personal First Aid Kits, Flip Flops, Beach Towels) 
  • A Signature Summer Cocktail, and Homemade, or Delicious Store-Bought Desserts
  • Hand-Held Battery-Operated Fans to Stay Comfortable and Cool
  • Vintage Thermos Filled with Lemonade and a Variety of Drinks – Hard Summer Cider for those Who Prefer a Bit of Zing
  • Clean and Soft Bed Linen and a Beautifully Scented Pillow – You Feel Like You’re at a Boutique Hotel Even in a Tent by the Lake
  • A Bathroom that Feels More Like a Spa or Summer Retreat – Quality of Essentials Really Does Matter (Hand Towels, Soap, Tissue, etc.) 

A Mannerly Guest:

Being a gracious guest shows your host you appreciate the invitation, as you are not only kind but also ready to assist where needed. A few things to remember: 

  • Arrive with a Thoughtful Hostess Gift 
  • Make Yourself Useful (Cheerfully Set the Table, Take Out the Trash, Walk the Dog, etc.) 
  • Cook a Meal (or Take Your Host to Dinner)
  • Contribute Some Groceries 
  • Practice Being a Good Listener, Ask Questions, and See the Good in Others 

All of these tips, put into practice, will transform a simple gathering into something special. The gift of friendship, family, and these moments together will last a lifetime. 

You may also like Outdoor Entertaining Etiquette.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost. 

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.

Similar Posts