From obvious mishaps to the easily forgotten checklist items.

Lets just say its not for the faint of heart.

These are 10 summer entertaining mistakes that a Southern host would never make.

Marta Galaz Cancio set-up

Pillows: Veranda Design, Courtesy Lisa Corti; Ceramic Pitchers: Courtesy Soire Everyday.Credit:CARMEL BRANTLEY

Summer is a time for simplicity.

Its a time to sit back and relax.

Thinkpunches, kebabs, dips, andfinger-friendlyor single serve foods.

Set up a drink station with a signature cocktail—in batch form.

Credit: Laurey W. Glenn

But above alldont run out of food.

It should fall near the top of the grocery list.

Even if you have a built-in ice maker, its always a good idea to have a backup supply.

Southern Living Ultimate Veggie Kebabs With Smoked Sausage on a platter to serve

Credit:Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Its also a good rule of thumb to have bug spray or citronella candles at any outdoor gathering.

you could even keep it fired up for desserts like grilled peach cobbler orgrilled peaches with cream.

make a run at heat things up early or consider only serving coldappetizersand bites.

Bourbon-Peach Iced Tea

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Kay E. Clarke; Food Stylist: Karen Rankin

Leave it tobig-batch cocktailsand punches to simplify your host duties.

If youre making frozen drinks, be mindful of where you set up.

venture to pick a shady spot or theyll never freeze properly in the sun.

Neglect The Possibility Of Summer Storms

Southernweather is unpredictable, especially in the summer.