Summer is the perfect time to simplify and enjoy the season in style. Choose breezy linen or cotton outfits that feel as good as they look. Refresh your home with light textures, fresh flowers, and easy summer tablescapes. For entertaining, serve a simple watermelon, feta, and mint salad—fresh, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Follow our three ways to get ready for easy summer living and you’ll be all set for spur of the moment patio parties.
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For more outdoor inspiration, we shared 5 Items We Love in Our Outdoor Spaces. Several of these items still make our favorite list years later, so you know they are good!
1. Dress It Up: Warm-Weather Style Made Easy
CHRISTA : Summer style, to me, is all about ease—think casual, one-and-done dresses that keep things simple but still feel pulled together. I love having a few go-to pieces in my closet that I can just throw on and go. I’ve rounded up some favorites from a few tried-and-true retailers to make summer dressing effortless.
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MEGAN : Natural fabrics, think cotton and linen, make every summer outfit more comfortable. A cute shorts set, a linen shift – all can be dressed up or down (add jewelry and switch your flip flops for a sandal). I love an easy breezy every day outfit that just needs me to add lipstick, sandals and some earrings and I’m ready for a last minute porch happy hour.
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2. Freshen Up Your Space: Easy Decor & Tablescape Ideas
CHRISTA : Fresh air and sunshine—yes, please! It’s the perfect time to refresh your outdoor space.
- Start with new pillows (go big—22×22” is my fave!) and mix in fun colors and patterns.
- Add instant charm with string lights—these poles make hanging them easy. Just anchor them to something sturdy!
- I’m loving these colorful melamine plates and platters—perfect for outdoor dinners.
- And if your table has an umbrella, this light/speaker combo is such a fun bonus. (Great Father’s Day gift, too!)
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MEGAN : I love a Sunday supper on the deck, lots of friends all squished together laughing and telling stories. You don’t need much to set the perfect table, but I do have a few things that make summer entertaining easy.
- When you are hauling food from inside to out, trays make the job so much easier. This scalloped wicker tray is big AND beautiful.
- Your table cloth is the foundation of the spread. Pick a fun color – it doesn’t have to match your dishes. I love a 100% cotton block print table cloth.
- Have your heard of “gurglers”? I picked one up last summer and it looks so cute on the table with water for refilling OR as a vase for summer flowers from your garden. Two for one in this pitcher.
- When the wine and conversation is flowing and the party lasts into the night you need table lighting. Safer than candles, these rechargeable lamps give fancy restaurant vibes.
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3. Serve It Up: Fresh Recipes & Easy Entertaining Ideas
CHRISTA : Summer entertaining is easy—just a cozy spot, good drinks, and simple snacks. I keep a basket stocked with essentials so I’m always ready to host on a whim. Here’s what I always keep on hand:
- Unbreakable wine glasses are a must by the pool—these look high-end but are disposable (or reusable). I pair them with sturdy appetizer plates and fun napkins for a pop of color. This weighted napkin holder is a game-changer for breezy evenings.
- Peju wine is our go-to summer pour, and a quick Trader Joe’s run is all it takes to build a crowd-pleasing cheese board—especially with this handy serving tray. Bonus: it’s perfect for outdoor concerts!
- We always keep canned and bottled drinks stocked and chilled for spontaneous happy hours. Try Cayman Jack Margaritas—they’re a hit!
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MEGAN : Snacks, drinks, music and friends and you’ve got yourself a party! It does help to keep a few essentials on hand to make summer that much easier.
- Music sets the tone for any event. This tiny Marshall speaker is portable, wireless and blasts the tunes.
- No one likes to do dishes, especially after a party. I keep a stash of these “fancy” cocktail plates and disposable cups for impromptu entertaining.
- There is something extra special about putting fresh herbs in a cocktail. Plant this little Gardenuity kit and you’ll be making mojitos in no time. Pro tip: This kit would also make an AWESOME hostess gift.
- Sometimes all you need is a drink and a snack. This European bar inspired snack dish makes serving a little something look nicer than tossing a can of nuts on the table. Pro tip: I fill mine with pretzels, potato chips and almonds. Something for everyone.
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