August may be around the corner, but it's still host girl summer! There's plenty of time to throw unforgettable backyard parties. It's the perfect opportunity to gather loved ones, hang poolside and enjoy crisp, refreshing drinks, next-level barbecue, catchy playlists and great conversation. But if you don't consider yourself a hosting pro, have no fear: Us Weekly rounded up 26 celebrity- and chef-approved tips to elevate your soiree - from A to Z. Take for instance HGTV star Alison Victoria's genius ambience hack for creating better flow in your outdoor space while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. By dividing your backyard into zones, guests will naturally avoid crowding in one corner and instead move between areas for various needs, such as eating, grabbing a cocktail or just relaxing and chatting with pals. Learn to Make Carnie Wilson's Jalapeno Egg Salad For Your Memorial Day BBQ Turning up the right jams - and knowing when to play them - is key too, of course. When in doubt, opt for some soothing, crowd-pleasing bossa nova - a recommendation from Luann de Lesseps - in the final hours of the evening. There's more! Continue scrolling to see more hosting hacks from your favorite stars. A - Ambience Getty Images/Moment RF "Go for layered textures and vintage glassware," HGTV's Alison Victoria tells Us. "Layer plates, mix metals and use cutting boards, marble slabs or even old mirrors as serving trays. The unexpected is unforgettable." The designer also suggests creating backyard zones. "Lounge, dine, sip. It feels intentional and upscale without breaking the bank." B - Beverages Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for PATRÓN Tequila "I like to have a little bar station," The Valley's Tom Schwartz tells Us. "I don't like to hire a bartender. It's more interactive when you make your own drinks, even if they end up sucking. I like seeing people who have never made a drink in their life trying to shake a martini. It sets the tone for a fun, interactive night." C - Conversation Starters Seth Browarnik/startraksphoto.com "I went to a dinner party at my girlfriend's house," Valerie Bertinelli tells Us. "She found these conversation starter cards and put one at everybody's place setting. Before dessert, she goes, 'Everybody grab your cards and we'll start going down the line.' It was really fun." D - Dips for the Win Courtesy of Bethenny Frankel/Instagram "A stressed host is contagious," Bethenny Frankel tells Us. "If you have a simple plan, it's much better. I like to have small vegetables and Heluva Good dip in the middle - mini peppers, mini cucumbers, snap peas, tomatoes. You don't have to even take a knife out for any of that." Gronk! Chrissy! Celebrities Share Their Favorite Super Bowl Party Dishes E - Empower Your Guests "Let other people bring things," celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis tells Us. "I think we feel like if we're entertaining, it's all on us. But the fun part of spending time with other people is that everybody participates and everybody gets the accolades." F - Frozen Treats Peroni Nastro Azzurro "Just bring the Italian beer ice," De Laurentiis says of the limited-edition frozen drink infused with Peroni Italian lager that she helped create. "Do something totally different and stay hydrated and refreshed." G - Grazing Goals "This is what made me famous as a caterer," Martha Stewart recently revealed. "I call them landscapes... a giant table covered with all kinds of fruit and vegetables and cheeses and crackers and people just graze." H - Heat Relief "No one remembers the brisket if they got sunstroke in the process," chef Andrew Zimmern says. "Rent a sailcloth, tent, erect a tarp or invest in some crisp white umbrellas. People mingle better when they're not melting." I - Ice, Ice, Baby Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Waterloo Sparkling Water "Not having enough ice is the worst because people start scooping the ice out of where the cold beverages are floating," Guy Fieri tells Us. "You can't eat that ice, folks! You don't know where that can has been!" J - Jars Getty Images/Moment RF "Fill mismatched glass jars or vintage vessels with herbs, wildflowers or even produce - think lemons, limes or artichokes for chic and effortless centerpieces," Victoria says. K - Karaoke Getty Images/iStockphoto Karaoke is always a good idea, and Jerry O'Connell tells Us how to crush it. "Bring on a song that everyone can sing along to. You have to keep a list on your phone because when you get to the party, you're going to forget." L - Lighting Getty Images/iStockphoto "As the sun dips, your lighting should rise: fairy lights in trees, hurricane lanterns on tables, and clusters of candles at different heights," Zimmern advises. "Skip the tiki torches, they're not for stylish soirees." Inside My Kitchen: Ginger Zee's Stunning Kitchen and Easy Pasta Recipe M - Music Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Spotify "Music's important to set the tone," Pantene's Healthy Hair Ambassador Kelsea Ballerini tells