We interviewed Melissa Gorga because we think you'll like her picks. Melissa is a paid spokesperson for Rao's Homemade. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

Summer is the perfect time for vibrant gatherings and effortless entertaining, and who better to guide us through the art of hosting than Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga? Known for her flair for fabulous parties and delicious food, the Bravolebrity has become an expert in making summer events memorable and stress-free. 

Melissa's guide to summer hosting is packed with practical tips. Her hosting must-haves include Rao's Homemade marinara sauce, sweatproof makeup, and clever tricks to keep bugs away from your outdoor event.

From transforming your backyard into a summer haven to keeping your guests and yourself looking picture-perfect, Melissa covers it all with her signature touches of sophistication and fun. 

Melissa Gorga's Summer Hosting Essentials

"I’m so happy about this partnership with Rao’s because it’s the only one we will use outside of my own. Their marinara sauce is like the best." 

More From Melissa: " We don’t know life without entertaining. We’re foodies. We love to make food. Rao’s makes it easy."

"We bought these bags that attract the flies.  We put them at the ends of the yard, so the bugs stay away from you." 

More From Melissa: "Flies are obsessed with these bags. If you go by them, you’ll want to die because there are like a thousand bugs on them, so don’t go right by them, but they work."

Shoppers Agree: Melissa's outdoor hosting hack has 5,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

"All the glasses usually look the same at parties, so you may not know which one is yours. The little charms help you remember."

E!: Your parties always have a photo booth. How can I emulate your setup and stick to my budget? 
MG: I’m big on a ring light. I say grab a big ring light if you want to host often.

"I like a ring light with a spot for you to prop your phone right in the center. Then, on your phone, you can do a photo timer for around 10 seconds." 

More From Melissa: "If you don't have a good background, find just a plain white surface to do it on. I feel taking photos at parties just gives you memories, right? It makes it fun."

Shoppers Agree: Melissa's go-to ring light has 3,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

E!: Are there any cheap hosting essentials that you want us to know about? 
MG: I get large bags of dried limes, lemons, and oranges to garnish drinks from Amazon.

"You can put those in a cocktail or water. It just looks so nice."

"It’s a great price for a big bag and you can save the ones you don’t use right away for a future event."

"It can add a restaurant-style touch. I have drawers of them and they are great to have around to add a little touch, you know?" 

Melissa Gorga's Summer Beauty Hacks

"I’m huge on powder in the summer, especially when I know I will get sweaty." 

Tips from Melissa: "I put a tiny bit of powder on the sides of my nose and anywhere that gets sweaty."

"I use a great finishing spray that’s almost like waterproof. Your makeup won’t move."

This is a celebrity favorite, which has been previously recommended by Olivia Culpo, along with Paige DeSorbo, Kyle Richards, Rachel Recchia, Lisa Rinna, Emily Simpson, Kristin Juszczyk, Marianna Hewitt, and Nordstrom National Beauty Director Autumne West.

Shoppers Agree: This iconic setting spray has 2,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

"You should pull out your little sponge every once in a while at an event and just hit the parts that get oily. We need to mattify in the summer."

These sponges were recommended by Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore and The Bachelor alum Cassie Randolph.

Shoppers Agree: These top-rated makeup sponges have 74,800+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

"I love those little pomade sticks. They work better than anything. I've tried everything under the sun."

More From Melissa: "Nothing works like the little sticks for the flyaways. It keeps the shine and it holds your style in place without looking too obvious. So, that’s a trick for sure. I have naturally very curly Italian hair. So, if it works for me, it will work for anybody."

It has also been recommended by Summer House star Paige DeSorbo, Alix Earle, and Campbell "Pookie" Puckett.

Shoppers Agree: This celeb-loved hair wax stick has 30,200+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

E!: What are some ways we can set a vibe at a summer party?
MG: I think it’s good to have some small seating areas in different sections, so you can go sit and talk or feel cozy even when you're outside. So, I'm big on small seating areas and grouping chairs. 

I like to do a theme. The pictures look good and it’s consistent. I recommend sticking with a theme.

"I’m about the music. Music is really going to set the tone for what a party is going to be and what the vibe is."

 "I love Sonos. I’m a big Sonos girl." 

Melissa recommends these waterproof, shatterproof string lights for optimal ambiance.

Shoppers Agree: Melissa's outdoor string lights have 3,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

Melissa Gorga's Hacks to Always Be Prepared

"I think it’s good to always have desserts in the freezer, especially if people come over and you’re serving them coffee."

Melissa adores these mini waffle cone snacks filled with chocolate. There are 7 flavors to choose from.

"Always have Rao's pasta in your kitchen. I love their pasta." 

More From Melissa:  "When you make them al dente they are perfect and I'm a picky pasta eater who is telling you that."

Shoppers Agree: Melissa's go-to pasta has 1,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews.

"I mean, there’s always a hack here and there, right? We make a lot of homemade pizza in the summer because we have an outdoor pizza oven."

More From Melissa: "We can make so many pizzas quickly. Pizza is my weakness. I'm weak for pizza. We use Rao’s Homemade sauce for that too."

"We do like to eat a lot. We barbecue a lot in the summer. That's easy, breezy."

E!: What are some hostess gifts you’re thankful to receive at your events?
MG: I love a good bottle of wine. I like to do the main parts of the meal, so I like when people bring sides or desserts.

"I like when someone brings a fruit salad. I don’t like cutting up all the fruit to make my own, so I’ll take a fruit salad, especially in the summer."

If you want to do more Melissa-approved shopping, she shared the top essential she always has in her bag.