Planning a corporate summer reception is one of the most effective ways to bring clients, colleagues and partners together in a relaxed yet professional setting. With longer evenings and warmer weather, summer events offer the ideal opportunity to combine great food, refreshing drinks and atmospheric entertainment.
Whether you’re hosting a networking reception, company celebration or client entertaining event, these food, drink and entertainment ideas will help you plan a summer reception your guests will remember.
Choosing the Right Food for a Corporate Summer Reception
Canapés
Canapés are a timeless choice for corporate summer events, offering elegant, bite-sized dishes that are easy to enjoy while standing. Seasonal ingredients keep the menu light and fresh, making them ideal for warm summer evenings.
Bowl Food
Bowl food is increasingly popular for London corporate receptions. More substantial than canapés but less formal than a seated dinner, bowl dishes provide vibrant flavours and visual appeal while still allowing your guests to effortlessly mingle.
Food Stalls
For larger or more informal corporate receptions, food stalls add extra variety. They encourage guests to explore the space and create natural points for conversation, making them perfect for summer networking events.
Ultimately, whichever catering option you choose will provide you with a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, ensuring that your corporate summer event feels both sophisticated and sociable, leaving guests impressed, comfortable and keen to connect.
Drinks Ideas
When planning a corporate summer reception in London, drinks play a bigger role than you might think. The right selection doesn’t just refresh your guests; it sets the mood from the moment they arrive. In the warmer months, the most successful choices feel light, celebratory and easy to enjoy while mingling.
A chilled glass of Prosecco or a classic Pimm’s on arrival instantly creates that relaxed summer atmosphere. Throughout the evening, unlimited wine and beer keep the flow effortless and sociable, while a thoughtful range of soft drinks and alcohol-free options ensures every guest feels included.
For many corporate hosts, an all-inclusive drinks package works best. It removes the practicalities, keeps service smooth, and allows everyone, hosts included, to focus on what really matters: great conversation and meaningful connections.
Entertainment Ideas
Roaming Bands & Live Music
Acoustic or jazz-style roaming bands work beautifully for outdoor receptions, creating energy while allowing conversation to flow. From the very first arrival, live music sets the mood: welcoming guests and effortlessly carrying the atmosphere throughout the celebration.
Interactive Games
Lawn games and social activities are ideal for breaking the ice and encouraging guests to engage with one another. From Flip the Pig and Giant Jenga to Croquet, Connect 4 and Toss the Ring, these playful additions create a relaxed atmosphere and bring an extra layer of fun to your celebration.
At Gray’s Inn, guests can also make the most of our dedicated photo-op area, the perfect backdrop for capturing beautiful, share-worthy moments throughout the day.
Drinks Experiences
Live cocktail making, themed drink stations or curated wine selections add interest without requiring a formal programme.
By thoughtfully combining entertainment with opportunities to connect, you create a summer event that feels vibrant, engaging and genuinely memorable for every guest.
Corporate Summer Receptions at Gray’s Inn: Summer Revels at The Walks
For organisations looking for a refined corporate event venue in London, The Walks at Gray’s Inn offers a unique outdoor setting in the heart of the city.
Our Corporate Summer Reception Package includes:
- Exclusive use of The Walks and marquee from 18:00–23:00
- Arrival reception of Prosecco or Pimm’s (1 hour)
- Selection of four seasonal canapés and four bowl dishes
- Unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks
This package is designed for effortless hosting, combining high-quality catering with a relaxed reception format, perfect for summer corporate entertaining.
Explore our corporate summer events packages to find the right fit for your event.
The perfect corporate summer party brings together food, drinks, and entertainment in a seamless way to create a memorable experience for your guests.
To find out more about hosting your summer event at Gray’s Inn, get in touch with our sales team at 020 7458 7960 or [email protected] and start planning a reception that your guests will be talking about for the rest of the year.
Photography Credits
James Everett
Liz Isles
Grace Pham
