Summer Fun With Friends

Summer fun with friends is all about laughter, good food, and making memories around the table. Whether you’re planning a backyard get-together or a casual evening indoors, the right tools and inspiration can help you create moments worth savoring. Explore ideas and essentials designed to bring everyone together, making every gathering feel special. With summer fun with friends in mind, it’s easy to turn everyday meals into unforgettable experiences.

Summer brings an easygoing spirit and a natural invitation to gather, whether that means backyard barbecues, impromptu park picnics, or late-night bonfires with friends. As the days grow longer and the evenings stay warm, many of us look for ways to make the most of time spent together—laughing over homemade ice cream sundaes, sharing stories around a fire pit, or trying out new recipes as a group. When you’re choosing products to enhance these moments, think about what will help create lasting memories and simplify the art of entertaining. Outdoor-friendly serving pieces, portable beverage dispensers, and sturdy yet stylish dinnerware can make it easier to take the party anywhere, from a sun-dappled patio to a cozy spot under the stars. For those who love to cook or grill, tools that are easy to use and clean—like durable tongs, skewers, or grilling baskets—are invaluable for spontaneous feasts. And when the weather calls for cooling off, ice pop molds, ice cream makers, or cold brew coffee pitchers can turn any gathering into a celebration of summer’s best flavors.

These kinds of products aren’t just practical—they’re also thoughtful gifts for hosts, newlyweds, graduates, or anyone who enjoys spending time with friends. Imagine the delight of unwrapping a set of reusable picnicware before a weekend at the lake, or the anticipation of making s’mores with a new tabletop fire pit on a cool evening. For families, investing in versatile pieces means everyone from kids to grandparents can join in the fun, whether that’s helping prep ingredients for a taco night or setting up a DIY sundae bar after a day at the pool. Even teens can get in on the action, experimenting with creative snacks or drinks as part of their own summer adventures. If you’re looking for ways to keep older kids engaged and inspired, consider exploring our Summer Fun for Teens page for more ideas tailored to their interests. The right tools and accessories can turn any get-together—big or small—into something special, encouraging everyone to linger a little longer and savor the season.

No matter how you like to celebrate, the key is choosing items that fit your style and make it easy to say yes to last-minute plans or casual hangouts. Look for pieces that transition seamlessly from outdoor gatherings to indoor movie nights, and that can handle the occasional spill or enthusiastic toast. When you have the right essentials on hand, you’re ready for anything the season brings: an impromptu game night, a themed potluck, or a lazy afternoon spent crafting and catching up. Summer is about connection and joy, and with a little planning, you can make every shared meal, laugh, and memory count—whether you’re hosting a crowd or just a few close friends.

Best Of FAQ

  • Dim Sum Spread
    $89
    (41)

    Great Bradley Fair Experience - Highly Recommend This Class...I liked that Chef said imperfect dumplings still tasted good and had a great sense of humor!

    Pros: delicious food, effective teaching, enjoyed the class

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  • Italy Al Fresco
    $89
    (9)

    It was So Fun with the best instructor ! She was so helpful and nice ?...d great!...Chef Michael was awesome; great instructor and fun. The recipes are fantastic. Very enjoyable!!

    Pros: informative, fun, delicious meal

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  • Family Fun: Tex-Mex Favorites
    $69
    (4)

    Excellent teacher and great class...Great value too. Good quality ingredients and delicious food for dinner.

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  • Private Event
    $1250

    Cooking Class Description: For more information on Private Events, or to schedule your own, please contact your local Sur La Table store, or visit our Private Events page.


    What To Expect: In our classes you'll work together with other students (in groups...


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  • A Summer Table
    $89

    Cooking Class Description: Celebrate the best of summer produce in this bright and laid-back cooking class. You'll learn to prepare a Grilled Chicken with a vibrant Charred Lemon Salsa Verde alongside a stunning Summer Tomato, Caramelized Onion and Goat...

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  • Online Breezy Summer Fare (Eastern Time)
    $39

    Cooking Class Description: Make a flavorful meal without even touching your oven! This class delves into delicious seasonal fare, ideal for summer gatherings. Our chef instructor will walk you through grilling a steak, pairing it with a freshly made...

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  • Summer Pizza & Entertaining
    $99

    Cooking Class Description: Bring the energy of a summer dinner party into the kitchen in this hands-on class built around the grill. You'll learn to stretch and grill pizza dough to smoky, charred perfection and top it two ways: a Crispy Chorizo and...

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  • Private Event
    $1500

    Cooking Class Description: For more information on Private Events, or to schedule your own, please contact your local Sur La Table store, or visit our Private Events page.


    What To Expect: In our classes you'll work together with other students (in groups...


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  • Private Event
    $480

    Cooking Class Description: For more information on Private Events, or to schedule your own, please contact your local Sur La Table store, or visit our Private Events page.


    What To Expect: In our classes you'll work together with other students (in groups...


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  • Knife Skills
    $69
    (252)

    We love Sur La Table...Always a great time with chef Joy. We have donec4 classes with her and have enjoyed them all....I would love for him to teach another/next level knife skills class.

    Pros: fun, informative, knowledgeable instructor

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  • Classic Croissant Workshop
    $89
    (112)

    I love going to your cooking classes. I have learnt a lot. Thank you....Chef Julia was great and very knowledgeable....I would love to take another pastry class with her again.

    Pros: fun, enjoyment, informative

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  • Date Night: Steak and Crab Cakes
    $99
    (107)

    I love every class I take!...Love all the cooking classes at Sur la Table. Always a fun date with my husband

    Pros: fun, delicious meal, enjoyment

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  • Artisan Bread
    $89
    (105)

    Great experience! I'll be back!...Elise was a great teacher!...The fresh, homemade butter was the best! So fun!...We love SLT cooking classes, highly recommend!

    Pros: informative, fun, fantastic instructor

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  • French Quarter Fare
    $99
    (32)

    Great food! The best Banana foster I have ever had!...Great experience, great food!

    Pros: delicious food, enjoyable class, fun

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  • Family Fun: Italian-American Recipes
    $69
    (23)

    This was one of the best classes ever!...Great family fun...What a great family excursion! We had a wonderful time with Chef Tony.

    Pros: enjoyable experience, clear instructions, fun

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  • Kids 5-Day Summer Series: Cook, Bake & Create
    $369
    (16)

    Cori is the best chef/teacher. She is patient and makes baking/cooking easy and fun for all ages.

    Pros: suitable for all ages, ease of learning, patience

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  • Online Whiskey Business (Eastern Time)
    $39
    (3)

    It was great!...The facilitator was great, she gave enough time to make and enjoy each drink, and also threw in some...Great class! Would take another one like this again!...We had a great time!

    Pros: fun, facilitator engagement, delicious drinks

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  • Artisan Bread Basics
    $69
    (3)

    Cooking Class Description: The smell of bread is one of the most comforting aromas in the world. From a whole wheat country loaf to garlicky Italian flatbread, you’ll learn tried-and-true techniques for making artisan favorites at home. Plus, our no-knead...

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  • Online Garden-Fresh Dining (Eastern Time)
    $39
    (2)

    Cooking Class Description: Put your farmers market haul to good use in this class spotlighting in-season veggies. You'll learn to make pie dough for your savory summer tomato, caramelized onion and goat cheese galette and practice your emulsion and knife...

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  • Teens 5-Day Summer Series: The Pastry Showcase
    $349
    (1)

    great...great just so great I love this place

    Pros: great experience

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  • The New York Bake Shop
    $89
    (1)

    Cooking Class Description: Bring the flavors of New York City straight to your kitchen in this class dedicated to the city's most beloved sweets. Your chef instructor will walk you through baking a rich and creamy Mini New York Cheesecake, assembling...

    Pros: step-by-step instructions, delicious food, wonderful teacher

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  • Dumplings From Around the World
    $89

    Cooking Class Description: Here’s one thing the whole world can agree on—dumplings are delicious! Learn how to make some of our favorites, from Italian gnudi to Chinese pot stickers and Panamanian empanadas. Practice mixing dough and shaping dumplings,...

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  • Online Family Fun: Gnocchi Mac & Cheese (Eastern Time)
    $39

    Cooking Class Description: Gather the family for a fun twist on a classic comfort dish, all from your own kitchen! Kids and adults will work together to mix fresh dough and roll it into pillowy gnocchi, then toss it in a rich and cheesy sauce. Alongside...

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