The sun is out, the skies are blue and that can only mean one thing…time for some summer entertaining outside! Has it been a while since you hosted some friends at your house? We’re here to tell you that entertaining is easier than you think, especially in the summer. With our guide, you’ll know what you need and what to serve, and you’ll be the favorite hostess this season.
Not sure what to wear? We have some summer outfits perfect for any gathering.
Remember during the pandemic when we just wanted more than anything to see our friends? That hasn’t changed! And remember how easy it was when we did have people over — we stayed outside, brought our own drinks, served simple individual snacks? Well, let’s take our cue from our “pandemic style” entertaining — keep it simple, and enjoy your guests (but do let them inside to use your bathroom!).
And if the cooking part of hosting stresses you out, remember that being together with friends or family means more than what you’re serving. Not up for making a big dinner? Then just serve drinks and dessert, or order something from your favorite restaurant. It’s even OK to ask everyone to bring a dish to share — who doesn’t love a potluck and it’s a great way to find new recipes, too.
Choose what works for you and go for it! Text a few friends today and enjoy a party on the patio. Who are you inviting this weekend?
What You Need for Summer Entertaining
CHRISTA : Here are a few supplies to get you in party mode! Trays, lighting, and colorful accessories help set the mood on your deck or patio. Try adding bright summer colors, like this pink tray for serving drinks, the floral plates or this tablecloth with a handy zipper for your umbrella.
Pro tip: I like to keep clear party plates and seasonal/colorful napkins stocked so entertaining’s always a breeze, having what you need on hand. And, remember, you can keep it simple. Just add in a charcuterie board or dessert platter plus your favorite wine, and you have all the ingredients for a summer evening with friends.
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For more outdoor decor ideas, check out our post 5 Items We Love in Our Outdoor Spaces.
What to Serve for Summer Entertaining
MEGAN : Patio entertaining is fun, let us take the stress out of it so you can enjoy an evening with your friends. This easy menu — a charcuterie board (appetizer), salad with 2 proteins (main), fresh bread from the bakery and chipwiches (dessert) can all be made ahead of time –let your husband be the grill master. Having everything ready ahead of time makes for a more relaxed you and atmosphere for your gathering. Remember, these are your friends, they are happy to be invited into your home. They aren’t judging the type of cheese on your charcuterie board.
Pro Tip: Make a playlist ahead of time or just put Jimmy Buffet on Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music or where ever you play your tunes. (Yacht Rock is also another fun summer playlist!) The more you entertain the easier it gets. I promise.
Drinks
Beer, wine, seltzer and the perfect summer cocktail to make you feel beach/pool ready — try the Orange Crush!
Pro tip: These can be made ahead in a pitcher, add the seltzer or sprite with an orange slice at go time.
Apps
We are always fans of the charcuterie board. Hit up Trader Joes (or your pantry!) for an assortment of crackers, cheese, nuts, meats, honey, mustard and berries (or any fruit).
Pro tip: Get creative with your display, use a cutting board or the 2 tier serving tower (above) — varying the heights of different items gives you that pro look.
Entree
Summer entertaining = grilling and who doesn’t want their husband’s help with the cooking?
- Make a large green salad, use your biggest bowl.
- Offer two dressings – a vinaigrette (we love Mrs. Bishop’s salad dressing, recipe can be found here) and your personal fav. Put the dressings in gravy boats – do not dress the salad ahead of time.
- On the grill: Flank steak (for a quick and easy marinate in bottled Teriyaki dressing) and planked Salmon (or shrimp if you don’t eat Salmon). Slice the flank steak and serve on the cutting board, fish can be served on a separate platter.
- Pick up a fresh baguette or two and slice it. Put ramekins of cold butter on the table at each end.
- Serve family style – the protein goes on the salad.
- This is a super easy menu and leaves you available to entertain since your work is done before the guests arrive.
Pro tip: You don’t have to serve a dinner! You can set the gathering time for after dinner and just have your yummy apps/dessert and some refreshing cocktails. Do what’s in your comfort zone!
Dessert
Chipwiches are super easy and definitely make-ahead. Make a batch of these chocolate chip cookies, let them cool, then scoop vanilla ice cream on a cookie, place 2nd cookie on top. Slide into a parchment paper bag and put into the freezer until it’s time to serve.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
www.StyleAmongFriends.com
Equipment
- 1 mixer
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of butter room temp
- 2 eggs room temp
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup brown sugar light or dark (dark makes them more caramel-y)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp salt use sea salt flakes
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips *this is the secret ingredient
- 1.5 tspn vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.Using a mixer (or a bowl with a hand mixer) beat the butter with the 2 kinds of sugar, add one egg at a time beating inbetween, add vanilla. In another bowl combine dry ingredients (flour, salt and soda). Add dry ingredients 1/2 cup at the time to the creamed butter mixture, mixing inbetween. When fully mixed add chocolate chips and lightly incorporate. Scoop evenly sized balls onto a parchment covered baking sheet. Bake for 11 min.
- TIP: You can freeze the dough in small balls and store in a ziplock bag for homemade slice and bake! My son likes to make just 3 or 4 fresh hot cookies when he gets home from school.
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Short on Time?
CHRISTA : No time to plan? Make your summer entertaining even easier with Boarderie and order a charcuterie board online. They’re shipped overnight and arrive the day of your get together. Serving tray included.
They even wrote a book about this…
MEGAN : The Dinner Party Project is a no stress guide to food with friends. Easy recipes and plenty of pictures. And a step by step plan on what to serve. Remember it’s not all about the food, it’s about friendship. People just want to be invited over — if they aren’t cooking it, they don’t care what you serve!
A Few Tips from Our Readers about Summer Entertaining…
“Flowers for the table so no one notices the paper plates!”
“Don’t overthink it – drinks on the deck is plenty. It’s all about the company!”
“Color Color Color – and real dish ware – no paper plates!”
“Find a beautiful restaurant patio and let someone else do the work!”
“Use dollar store trays with ice to keep dishes cool outside.”
“Quality over quantity…keep things simple.”
Are you the guest?
If you’re the guest, don’t forget to bring a hostess gift to your next invite. Check out our Hostess Gift Guide for some gift giving tips and easy/creative alternatives to a bottle of wine.
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Thanks for the tips, ladies …will keep many of your ideas in mind as I attempt to “entertain” (Megan knows is is not my strength) …LOL
You’ve got this! Keep it simple and have fun!