Whether you’re throwing an indoor or outdoor party this season, the key is to plan for all of the details. That’s why we filled our guide with expert tips to make your verano party comfortable and fun for all.

The Invitation
“Invitations should be sent out two weeks in advance,” says Lucy Tamayo, co-owner at Sonoma Latina Grill. Prepare invitations easily online or customize them at your local stationery store.

El Menú
Keep the menu simple. “One way is to have a paella party. It’s an easy way to entertain a large or small group,” says Tamayo, and you’ll impress guests.

Cleanup and Setup
Make your home comfortable and open by removing any indoor or outdoor clutter, such as withered plants, and by rearranging the furniture. Next, wipe down any dust or dirt that has accumulated. “The night before your party, set the tables and display special touches,” says Tamayo. To save time and money, rent linen, flatware and dinnerware from a party rental store.

Party Theme
Summer themes include “red, white and blue” or “mariachi” parties. Incorporate bold colors -- like turquoise, magenta and tangerine -- into your tablescapes and decorations to lend a lively splash to the ambiance.

Entertainment
If hiring a band or a DJ is not in your budget, then get the party started with your own tunes. Make a playlist ahead of time, or find an Internet music station that matches the mood you want to set. If kids are invited, set up a juice bar along with healthy snacks, such as celery, fruits and low-fat cottage cheese. Create a kiddie activity corner with arts and crafts, such as chalk, markers, construction paper and paper punchers.

La Luz
A sure way to add insta-glamour to your space is to brighten it with a string of white lights or multicolored Christmas bulbs. Wrap them around outdoor furniture, fences, doors or trees. To keep the bugs at bay, light citronella tiki torches in areas that are safe.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/Juanmonino

You’ve already rid your home of the things you no longer use. Next is finding smart ways to keep it organized and chic. “The trick to making spaces look polished and finished is allowing the eye to see open horizontal spaces and only keeping visible what looks stylish,” says Helene Segura, an organization and productivity expert with LivingOrder in San Antonio. Try some of these fine-tuning tweaks to make your home show-ready.

La Antesala
Add a classic-style coat rack (with a wood base and metal hooks) on the wall, which gives everyone a place to hang up their belongings when they walk through the door. “If you have a larger entry, consider mudroom pieces that come in styles that range from locker room flashbacks, to country-chic, to gorgeous teak,” says Segura.

La Sala
If your functional furniture lacks a little jazz, opt for a clean, contemporary look. Consider spray-painting pieces in a cream color to add instant glamour. Forget utilitarian storage boxes. Instead, try ones that are made out of posh materials, such as velvet, leather or horn. Add rustic accents with bronze or wooden baskets. “For a uniform look, purchase varying sizes in the same style or buy sets of three in multiple colors within your color palette,” says Segura.

La Cocina
Families spend much of their time here. So keep it spacious. After you’ve cleared counters and used all of the cupboards and the upper reaches of the cabinetry, all that should be visible are neutral-colored earthenware containers to store grains, sugar, flour or any other foods. 

El Dormitorio
If you’re using the area under your bed to store items, add a sham or trimming to hide what’s underneath. Also don’t cram the space. “Use long, rectangular plastic containers sorted by category,” says Segura. They make it easy to find what you need later on.

El Baño
Cabinets with glass-paneled doors create the effect of open space. Eliminate the cluttered look inside by using neutral-colored fine ware jars to stash bathroom supplies. “Tame what’s hidden in the bottom cabinets with a combination of bins with brushed nickel, stainless steel helper shelves or drawer systems,” says Segura.