Summer is peak season for graduations, weddings, retirements, anniversaries, and other milestone events, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to plan a party.

But rather than shell out thousands on venue rental costs, invite cherished friends and family over to your home for a familiar, comforting celebration. If you can pull off a beautiful backyard bash, you’re sure to create valuable memories for guests and honored attendees alike—while earning yourself a few gracious pats on the back too.

Of course, taking the helm of the party-planning vessel is a huge responsibility, essentially hefting an important date’s success entirely on your shoulders. Follow this hosting guide to help you prepare the basics, decorate to inspire awe, and craft an event your loved ones will both enjoy and reminisce on for years to come.

The must-haves

A party just isn’t a party without these celebration essentials. In fact, they are so integral to successful gatherings that people won’t merely expect them—they might send you sidelong glances if you omit them.

Invitations
Text and email invites are fitting for casual festivities, but parties feel more special when they’re announced via formal letters containing the event details. As for how early to mail these out, the Emily Post Institute suggests using the purpose of the event to determine a good time frame—for example, within four weeks for a cocktail party or up to three months in advance for a fundraiser. Check out the chart on its website for a full timing breakdown.

Seating
You’ll need a head count before the occasion to gauge how many tables and seats to provide. Once guests RSVP to your party, you can order seating or buy your own, depending on the size of the event and whether you plan to host again in the future. Arranged seating isn’t a must, but it is a good idea to group compatible guests.

Music
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-streaming app, then play it via Bluetooth on a set of outdoor-friendly speakers. (You could also rent audio equipment at a potentially low rate.) Just watch the volume—guests should still be able to chat comfortably over the music.

Themed decor
Without the appropriate adornments, your bash will look just like any other weekend get-together, so budget both time and money for decorating according to the event’s theme. Include a range of attractive lighting, decor like balloons and streamers, and flowers for formal affairs. For best results, meet with the guest of honor at your home at least two weeks before the event to brainstorm.

Beverages
Keep guests happy and hydrated by offering a variety of beverage options. Provide cold water and iced tea at the very least and sodas or juices if you can budget for them. If the occasion is appropriate, stock a bar with adult beverages, including a combination of liquors, mixers, and bottled offerings. And don’t forget ice and glasses!

Food
No matter the occasion, guests will expect at least some nibbles. While a potluck may suit more casual events, catered hors d’oeuvres like miniature sandwiches and a cheese board will dignify finer celebrations and also save you hours on cooking. For a formal event such as an anniversary party, catered meals and a cake are musts. Contact a caterer and baker as early as possible to make arrangements. Plan for slightly more food servings, dinnerware, and napkins than you expect to need—it’s better to have too much of each than too little.

The should-haves

Your guests may not be disappointed if you omit the following features, but you’ll earn more hosting praise if you feature them.

Gifts
Beyond the party itself, gifts are a great way to celebrate a guest of honor and help set them up for the next chapter of their life, whether they’re becoming a graduate or retiree. Bring one to the event (even as the host), and encourage them on the invitations; include registry or price-range details to make shopping easier. If your event doesn’t single out someone in particular, consider providing party favors for guests to take home, such as candles, self-care totes, or boxed pastries.

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 party. Covering options range from simple four-post canopies to elaborate 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 versatility.

Dance floor
While weddings are virtually the only events where dancing is expected, such entertainment can make any occasion more memorable. Clear a large indoor room or outdoor tent for dancing the night away, and consider laying vinyl floor wrap to provide a smooth and elegant surface.

The could-haves

This final category of party perks will earn you style points from your guests—and perhaps even pleas to host the next occasion!

Elegant table settings and centerpieces
Don’t just set your tables for functionality. Decorate them with 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 also exhaust funds from your party budget, so to keep costs low, shop online for affordable centerpieces that balance suitable pricing with attractive panache.

Entertainment
In case conversation runs dry (or just won’t take off to begin with), plan enjoyable diversions like a karaoke machine or the aforementioned dance floor. If the celebration is small enough, you can even arrange for party games or set up an area for movie viewings.

An event planner
Less a party favor and more a saving grace, an event planner can take much of the guesswork and hassle out of planning important events. While their services won’t be free, passing these responsibilities to an expert can better ensure that you optimize your budget to craft an exceptionally memorable summer bash—without breaking a sweat.