A Brighter Season: Hosting the Summer of Sport with Melanie Lissack
Once spring has sprung and summer has settled in, with sunshine on the horizon and sporting events worth gathering for, Melanie Lissack shows how the smallest details can make the biggest impact.
Whether you're hosting a Tennis watch party, celebrating the World Cup, or bringing guests together around homemade trifles and freshly baked scones piled, high with cream and jam, thoughtful touches can transform any occasion. From elevated tipples to classic cucumber sandwiches, every element captures a sense of quintessential British charm.
When it comes to décor, bunting, champagne flutes, and even palm-sized footballs nestled among bowls of crisps and dip can help elevate your next summer soirée, proving that memorable entertaining is all in the details.
Written By: Melanie Lissack - Published: 20.06.2026
What's your favourite item from your FRASERS hosting picks so far?
I think it has to be the trifle bowl and the diamond cut glasses. The trifle bowl has such a nostalgic feel and the diamond-cut glasses look a lot more expensive than they are. Great glassware is such a good way to elevate your hosting and make the event feel special!
What do you love the most about the summer sports season? And how do you usually prepare for it?
It’s just great to get all the neighbours around and enjoy the warmer weather, either in the garden or inside with the doors wide open. It just has such a relaxed feel in contrast to traditional dinner parties. I always make sure that I have large serving platters and trays on hand to pass around snacks and drinks.
Do you have any must-haves for gatherings during this year's sports season?
I’m quite obsessed with the projector from FRASERS. You can use it via bluetooth from your phone, meaning that you are not restricted to only hosting in a room with a TV. It makes hosting sports events a lot more free-flowing.
What decoration or recipe do you think represents British summer the best?
For my Wimbledon Watch Party, I embraced the British tradition for cucumber sandwiches and scones, but I displayed them on a tiered stand, making serving feel a little more special and considered than just being placed on a standard plate.
Do you think there are any current decorative trends that could last beyond summer?
I’m a big fan of botanical prints for summer styling, while green is a huge trend and is a timeless colour - I loved the green flutes that I used for my garden party.
When hosting a summer sport celebration at home, do you lean more toward subtle hints and colours, or like to go all out?
I think it’s always good to add colour for sporting celebrations! I adore the The Kit Kemp x Spode serving bowl which is a great bright blue. It’s also huge, holding loads of snacks, meaning you don’t have to re-fill every few minutes!
What's your one non-negotiable for decorating in summer?
Try and think outside the box to make it extra special. I took a tennis racket via FRASERS and added a few faux flowers to make a decorative door display. It only took a few minutes to make, and is a great welcome to the event for your guests.
If you don't have a lot to work with, what small hacks can make decor feel on theme?
Bunting is a great way to fully decorate a space for sports events and summer parties in general! This colourful bunting that I got at FRASERS was budget-friendly and 10 metres long, it goes all around the room!
Who would be your dream dinner party guests, sporting icons only?
I’d say Tom Daly as, like me, he loves crafting. Also, the Lionesses, as they changed history for women in sport.
