Today, I want to share my 7 tips for easy summer entertaining. You will recall earlier this week I shared my 7 Tips to Help You Create an Inviting Outdoor Space. The two posts go hand in hand. Together, they will help you enjoy outdoor living and entertaining more than ever!
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1. Keep it Simple
What I love about summer entertaining is there is no need to prepare anything elaborate. Your local grocery store most likely offers many ready-to-go options.
Also, you can put this together on very short notice. Let’s face it: we want easy to eat, easy to prepare, easy to clean up. Now, that is summer entertaining in a casual style!
2. Skip the Paper and Plastic
…or at least most of it. I have nice shatterproof goblets for summer entertaining because I know we will be more comfortable carrying them around. But, I use my everyday dinnerware and flatware outside. Further to the point, I even use linen napkins.
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3. Use a Beautiful Tray
Not only will this be convenient, but stylish too. A sleek acrylic tray is one of the hottest new things. They are perfect for outdoor summer entertaining.
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4. Choose Food that Reflects the Season
Summer makes me long for several dishes. One of these is a fresh kale salad. Also, a nicely prepared meat and cheese tray complete with fruit accents also fits the summer bill well.
5. Think About the Presentation
It doesn’t have to be difficult or complex to look beautiful. A nice cheese board that is well arranged will do the trick. Think about color as well. After all, our eyes are the first sensory box that needs to be checked.
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6. Offer a Refreshing Beverage
This is very simple but impacting. I froze blueberries in an ice tray then added the cubes to a fresh glass of seltzer water. A lemon wedge gives a nice contrast and flavor too. So refreshing!
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7. Complete the Look with Fresh Flowers
In the vase are some pansies from my yard. Use whatever you happen to have around your home. Of course, the floral department at your local grocery store will have some affordable options if you don’t happen to have fresh flowers to clip in your own yard. That said, if your climate allows, think about planting flowers outside that you enjoy inside your home (and within your outdoor dining setting).
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So, that was easy, right? About the only work needed to be done was the prepping of the food. Oh, and I did drop some blueberries in water and freeze them. Whew!
This was such a breeze and a joy to put together. I hope you found these simple tips helpful.
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White Lantern | Light Gray Throw | White Throw | Tassel Pillows | Flange Pillow | Acrylic Tray | Round Marble Tray | Salad Plates | White Bowl – Similar | Linen Napkins | Shatter Resistant Goblets | Gold Flatware | Cheese Board – Similar | Small Marble Bowls | Blue Vase | Pedestal Vase | Candle | Outdoor Planter – Similar | Olive Tree – Similar | Basket – Similar | Outdoor Lights | Rug | Outdoor Sofa – Similar | Outdoor Recliner – Summer Classics | Outdoor Coffee Table – Summer Classics | Outdoor Side Tables – Summer Classics
7 Tips to Help You Create an Inviting Outdoor Space
How to Host a Perfect Outdoor Dinner Party
I have just recently discovered you and just love your design style! You have taken my favorite styles of Rachel Ashwell and Sarah Richardson and added your own perfect touch! I would love to know if you have ever styled a bookcase and if you have any tips. I am having the worst time transitioning my white bookcase from books to decor! Thank you, Donna
Thank you so much Donna! What a sweet compliment! I have definitely styled bookcases and it can definitely be tricky. I would encourage you to start with your largest pieces. Once you have them in place, add books and boxes. Both are great for filling dead space and adding height. Last, include medium pieces (don’t use anything too small) and plants or good quality faux flowers. Be sure and step back often to check your styling from various spots in the room. One last thing, I always purchase more items than I think I will need and I edit out the ones that don’t work. I hope this helps!!