How to host a perfect summer solstice picnic with Sue Chan

New Yorkers who have experienced all four seasons in the city would agree that the transition from spring to summer, while beautiful, is sometimes sneaky. One day, you’re watching the last lingering slivers of snow melt away into memory. The next thing you know, you’re walking through the park on a 90-degree day, wondering what it might feel like to catch a breeze. 

The first day of summer, known as the summer solstice, often marks the official end of this transition. To food industry veteran and party planning virtuoso Sue Chan, the summer solstice is all about nourishment. “The farmers’ market is popping off,” says Sue. “Spring and summer are the two best seasons for produce in New York.”

Sue uses the summer solstice to nourish her friends and to cultivate close connections with her community. “I love bringing people together,” says Sue. “Especially when friends who don’t know each other but share common ground finally meet.”

Sue is the founder of the NYC-based Care of Chan, a hospitality-forward experiential marketing agency. With clients like J.Crew and A24, she’s an expert at planning food-centric events. To celebrate the start of summer, Sue recently threw a solstice party after spending the day shopping for seasonal snacks at her favorite Upper East Side spots. Looking to plan the perfect summer solstice picnic, but not sure where to start, or what to bring? Borrow some tricks from foodie extraordinaire Sue Chan, whose love of the little things brought a breezy yet elevated vibe to a sunny day in Central Park. 

Why (and how) to host a summer solstice picnic

The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, usually between June 20th and 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. This longest day of the year has resulted in bonfires, altars, and countless other rituals and traditions all over the world. For millions, including Sue, the solstice also brings about introspection. “While the spring equinox represents new beginnings and planting seeds,” says Sue, “the summer solstice represents the peak, giving you a moment to celebrate your growth, strengthen your intentions, and be grateful for what you have.”

You can also use the solstice to show gratitude by sharing with your community. For Sue, there’s no better way to show your neighbors love than by sharing delicious food. “Food is one of the most accessible ways to build community,” she says. “It’s one of the few experiences that can’t be downloaded, making it one of the most powerful ways to bring people together in real life.” If you’re throwing a picnic like Sue, you can invite guests to bring their own beverages, which is a great way to get everyone involved (and, as a bonus, eliminates the stress of carrying extra bottles).

While picnics are a great way to bring people together, Sue explains that a picnic can also be an act of artistic appreciation. An art history minor in college, Sue often sees the importance of picnics reflected in 19th-century art—specifically in works from French modernist painter Édouard Manet. “Manet’s picnic scenes capture people gathering without pretense,” says Sue, “and connecting through intimacy, leisure, and presence, rather than status or class. There’s something inherently accessible, even democratic, about a picnic.”

If you want to throw a Sue-approved (and Manet-approved) picnic but are fresh out of picnic food ideas, there are a few must-haves: “A baguette, maybe some cheese, maybe some wine, and a beautiful park.” For tasty variety, create an appetizing platter of hard, soft, rich, and savory cheeses to give your guests plenty of options to choose from. Don’t forget the provisions; you simply can’t have crackers without cheese! 

However, Sue’s one piece of advice for throwing the perfect summer solstice picnic (or any summer party for that matter) is to keep it simple. “It’s hot, so keep it light,” she says. “Build a party around a single food, like hot dogs, and make it fun with a spread of toppings. Summer isn’t the time for heavy, overworked menus.” Sue also highlights the importance of being open to inspiration from what’s in season, whether it’s a farmers’ market or your local grocer. “I love drawing inspiration from what’s around me,” Sue says. 

Hosting parties like Sue Chan

Do you remember the first party you ever hosted?

I threw my own birthday party when I turned eight. It was a sleepover with corn dogs, a Baskin-Robbins ice cream cake, and what I’d consider elite-level programming for third graders. Rollerblades and Jenga were involved.

Favorite summer drink or snack to serve at a party? 

Pet-nat is my favorite drink for the summer. Summer in NYC has the best produce, so I try to serve what’s in season whenever I can.

Is it okay for hosts to ask guests to take their shoes off? What is the shoe etiquette at a picnic? 

I live in a no-shoes household, so yes, it’s absolutely okay to ask guests to take theirs off. I keep slippers on hand for anyone who didn’t come prepared. At a picnic, do whatever you want with your shoes. Just keep feet, bare or not, away from the food.

Describe your dream party. Who would be on the guest list?

Gloria Steinem, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Alain de Botton, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ocean Vuong, and Esther Perel. 

What would be on the menu? 

I’ve been into cooking with my donabe, so a donabe feast. 

What would the vibe be? 

Boisterous.

What are the decorations? 

Simple to none. Simple florals on the table. Little to no light other than candles. 

What music is playing? 

Nina Simone.

Is there anything you wish people would do more of at parties?

I wish hosts would introduce their guests to each other more. That’s part of the job. A great host knows a bit about everyone in the room and uses that to connect people in a way that actually sparks conversation.

What does community mean to you? 

Community is about belonging. It’s about sharing something with the people around you, whether that’s a goal, a place, or a moment. It’s thinking as a collective, choosing “we” over “me.”

Sue’s do’s and don’ts for any summer gathering

Do

• Do set your mise (placements) the day before. It makes the day of your gathering far less stressful.
• Do use candlelight in the evening. It instantly changes the mood.
• Do have thoughtful non-alcoholic options and account for allergens. It’s just good hospitality.

Don’t

• Don’t be afraid to ask friends to bring something, or help cook or clean.
• Don’t serve something for the first time. Test it once before putting it in front of guests.
• Don’t serve anything straight out of the bag or in red Solo cups. We’re not in college anymore.

Watch the party come to life

This summer solstice, Sue laid out a blanket in a shady corner of Central Park and enjoyed the day with a few close friends and some eye-catching picnic food (we were lucky enough to be invited!) Watch the video to follow Sue’s journey across NYC’s Upper East Side to find the perfect ingredients for her intimate solstice picnic and see how it all came together in the end. 

Harvest an unforgettable solstice with Paperless Post 

You don’t have to be a food industry professional with an art history minor to throw the perfect summer solstice party. Paperless Post makes it easy to celebrate the sunniest time of the year with the people who matter most. After you’ve curated your guest list, find the perfect summer-themed invitation to suit your party’s vibe. Then, set out a classic picnic blanket and use the broadcast messaging feature to tell your guests exactly where to meet you. With Paperless Post, you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying delicious food, good friends, and lots of sunshine.