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    Homepage » Home Decor » Outdoor Spaces

    Simple Summer Entertaining Tips

    Posted: May 30, 2019 · Updated: Jan 15, 2021 ·This post may contain affiliate links · 7 Comments

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    School's almost out (or already is in some parts of the country), the sun's out and that means summer entertaining becomes high on the priority list of things to do.

    Simple summer entertaining tips & ideas plus a few easy recipes that everyone will love!

    Whether you're entertaining for a holiday, birthday or casual get together, I've compiled some essentials as well as few tips to help you enjoy entertaining instead of stressing over it.

    Table of Contents show
    1 Ensure Plenty of Seating Areas
    2 Consider Using Paper Plates or Melamine
    3 Bring the Indoors Out
    4 Candles & String Lights
    5 Consider The Menu Carefully

    Ensure Plenty of Seating Areas

    If like me, you only have a small deck but a whole lot of people about to arrive, utilize the rest of your yard, too. Don't be afraid to set up a patio area right in the middle of your lawn. An outdoor rug will easily delineate the area and a large umbrella and a table and chairs will provide the perfect spot for eating or even just setting up food.

    Don't have an outdoor dining set? If you know that weather is going to hold up, don't be afraid to drag your indoor table outdoors!  If kids will be in attendance, I usually set up another umbrella in the yard for them and let them just sit on a large blanket. They tend not to be too fussy about where they sit!

    If you're entertaining this summer, make sure you have plenty of seating for all your guests

    shop the look

    I like to have a mix of more formal and casual seating. While the above setup is perfect for eating, I also love the sectional on our deck for lounging with drinks. The "side tables" double as extra seating and the ottoman as a table.

    Comfortable and open seating areas are the key to successful summer entertaining

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    Consider Using Paper Plates or Melamine

    If I'm truly having a lot of people over, then I'll go for plastic or paper plates. They don't have to be the floppy grocery-store kind. You can buy really pretty and surprisingly durable disposable plates at party stores and even Target now. They're not expensive so it's easy to buy a whole stack of them. Bonus - since you just throw them right out you don't need to worry about running the dishwasher 10 times once everyone leaves!

    Summer entertaining doesn't require your best china! Use affordable, fun summer plates and dinnerware for outdoor entertaining

    If you have a more intimate crowd, break out the melamine dinnerware. I have a simple white set that works for everything as well as the fun blue set pictured here. I also have plastic glasses and tumblers so that I don't have to worry about shattered glass outside.

    Summer entertaining is made easier with affordable, durable outdoor dinnerware

    Bring the Indoors Out

    Don't be afraid to bring your favorite indoor decor outside! I love to bring out fake plants, lanterns and vases that are not designed to be outdoors for extended periods of time. But that's ok - they'll only be outside for a day!

    Decorating your outdoor spaces with plants, tables, and rugs is a great way to make outdoor entertaining spaces more comfortable!

    shop the look

    Candles & String Lights

    There's something about outdoor entertaining that wouldn't be the same without candles and string lights, especially in the evening when the sun begins to set.

    Candles can serve double duty to not only create ambiance but burning citronella will help keep those pesky mosquitos away (planters with catmint and citronella are always a great idea to grow in the summer!).

    String lights can easily be hung from an umbrella, draped across a wall or swagged across a deck to really add the wow factor. (My simple DIY tutorial on adding string lights to a deck can be found here)

    Candles and string lights add a warm, inviting atmosphere to your outdoor entertaining spaces

    Add string lights to your outdoor entertainment areas like picnic tables and umbrellas for extra light and ambiance.

    shop the look

    Consider The Menu Carefully

    Don't overburden yourself with the menu. Summer entertaining is all about being light and casual. Pot luck is always fun. Keep it single with the traditional burgers, hotdogs and corn. Have each guest bring a side or a dessert and you're set.

    Summer entertaining should call for light and refreshing dishes like fruit salads

    If you determined to do-it-all yourself, prepare foods that can be prepared the morning off and can be eaten right out of the fridge or at room temperature. My Homemade Veggie Dip is perfect for dipping veggies and chips alike and my Strawberry Basil & Watermelon Fruit Salad is always a hit.

    A homemade margarita is the perfect drink for your summer parties.

    I know for many of you, the drinks are the most important aspect of a good party. Wow your guests with the most delicious Homemade Margarita Mix or treat the ladies lounging by the pool with my favorite - The Strawberry, Basil & Watermelon Rose Cocktail. They're both so refreshing on a hot day! Of course, a supply of cold beers is essential. Ditch the coolers and instead fill a large metal bucket with ice for classy touch!

    Hopefully you'll find these tips helpful as you enjoy the forthcoming summer!

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    Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to answer personalized paint color questions. If you leave a comment asking for personalized advice, it will not be answered. Sorry!

    Comments

    1. Andrea

      May 31, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      Your outdoor space is so pretty and I just loved all your tips!!

      Reply
      • Jenna

        June 03, 2019 at 9:35 am

        Thanks so much, Andrea!

        Reply
    2. Ashley Stringfellow

      May 30, 2019 at 12:07 pm

      what a beautiful space you have to enjoy the summer months! xoxo

      Reply
    3. Nan, Odessa, DE

      May 30, 2019 at 10:58 am

      Love the glasses!
      Thanks for the tips!
      Don't forget a panel of a pace curtain works on a table well.
      Where can I purchase the candle holders/lamps in the tree?
      Happy summer!

      Reply
      • Jenna

        May 30, 2019 at 12:54 pm

        Great tip! Anything that I don't have a source for is from HomeGoods!

        Reply
    4. Shelley

      May 30, 2019 at 10:16 am

      That margarita sounds delicious! Such a beautiful outdoor area, and all those pretty blooms are gorgeous!

      Reply
    5. Amanda Marie

      May 30, 2019 at 8:39 am

      Love your tips, friend! It looks like such a perfect place to spend summer. I can't wait to try out the homemade margarita mix!

      Reply

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