Tips for Outdoor Summer Entertaining Made Simple

With summer just around the corner, are you going to be entertaining outdoors?  Whether you’re hosting a gathering of friends or, like me, a pool party with the family, follow my tips for outdoor summer entertaining made simple.

Summertime is when we entertain the most at our home because we have a pool that is the perfect backyard entertainment. We’re usually hosting family weekend get-togethers, so I am all about effortless outdoor summer entertaining.

Tips for Outdoor Summer Entertaining Made Simple

1. Keep the Menu Simple:

The best menu ideas for outdoor entertaining should center around cooking on a grill or using a smoker. The idea is not to use ovens ​at all for your party.
​Find recipes perfect for an outdoor party on my Pinterest board.

• Prepare all of the food except the meat 2 days before the party.
• Cold salads, appetizers, and desserts are popped into the refrigerator.
• I also use a crockpot for my baked beans, while my gas grill has side burners to boil the corn.
• The meat is prepped and ready to be grilled (which I don’t do- this is when the men step up to the plate!)

If you don’t have the time, get it catered and ready to be picked up the day of your party.
You can also have your guests bring food.
Remember, this is a STRESS-FREE dinner party!

2. Set up your food stations-buffet style

I entertain a lot and always set up my food buffet style, whether it’s Thanksgiving or an outdoor party. I’m all about people picking what they want to eat and going back for seconds!

3. Get creative with your cocktail/ refreshment table or bar cart.

4. Make sure you have a bug-free party with plenty of seating for your guests.

Modern Outdoor furniture

5. Keep your Table Settings simple and unbreakable

Disposable plates make the guest list at outdoor events. But paper, plastic foam, and plastic dishes overstay their welcome, lingering in landfills after the party’s ended, refusing to politely biodegrade, which is why I prefer using melamine plates and glasses for my outdoor parties.

Melamine is a hard plastic that is colorful, dishwasher-safe dinnerware that is difficult to break or scratch, making it perfect for outdoor dinner parties and worry-free entertaining in any setting.

Melamine dishes

6. Simple centerpieces for casual outdoor dining.

7. Casual Summer Style is Required

Flip-flops and sundresses are perfect summer outfits, but I still prefer summer maxi dresses and shorts.

We will be entertaining a lot in Park City this summer, and I will be wearing this Sleeveless Midi Tank Dress with the No Iron™ Floral Linen Shirt when I entertain. The nights can get cooler, and I will need the extra layer.

Another option is to wear Brigitte™ Slim Shorts with the No Iron™ Floral Linen Shirt over a red Microfiber Tank, all from Chico’s. I’m wearing STUNAHOME Flat Sandals, which you can purchase on Amazon.

8. If weather permits, have your guests over to swim or play outdoor games.

My guests entertain themselves in our pool as I set up the food and beverage stations on tables.

Put in a horseshoe pit…

Croquet is a great yard game for all ages.

Cornhole Games– College themed to get your crowd ready for the football season!

I hope you found these tips for summer outdoor entertaining useful.