Tips for Outdoor Summer Entertaining Made Simple
With summer here 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.
This post is sponsored by Cabana Life, however, all opinions are my own.
Summertime is when we do the most entertaining 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.
1. Keep the Menu Simple:
The best menu ideas for outdoor entertaining should be centered around cooking on your grill or using a smoker. The idea is not to use your 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 too.
Remember this is a STRESS-FREE dinner party!
2. Set up your food stations-buffet style
Isn’t this Burger Bar a clever idea from the Savvy Mom?
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| House Beautiful |
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| Country Living |
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.
Shop Melamine Dinnerware
Summer Hawaiian Luau Birthday Party
Related Post: End of Summer Party
7. Casual Summer Style is Required
Flip flops and sundresses are a perfect summer outfit but I still go for summer dresses that protect my skin when I’m spending the day outdoors.
I love this preppy palm tunic dress for summer outdoor entertaining. Cabana Life protects our skin while looking chic with 50+ UV protection fabrics.
Shop Cabana Life
Cabana Life is having a sale on many of their summer dresses and I am sharing a few of my favorites with you. For a limited time, Cabana Life is offering an additional 40% Off their Sale Section With Code: FLASH40.
[sc name=”palmtreedress” ]
Related post: Skin Cancer Awareness with Cabana Life
Related Post: A Summer Dress with a Retro Style
My guests entertain themselves in our pool as I set up the food and beverage stations on tables.
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| Tour Greens |
Put in a horseshoe pit…
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| DIY Network |
Croquet is a great yard game for all ages.
Hi Robin
What an amazing post! I love to entertain and make things look pretty! You’ve got some amazing ideas here! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Oh, I love that dress! I ve always loved palm prints and these colors are eye catching on you. The red flyer and the outdoor table is wonderful for drinks and entertaining. Love your outdoor space.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylishs.com
You look very elegant in that gorgeous tunic! I love entertaining outside in our garden. Hope to do that again real soon!
You have gorgeous taste and beautiful style.
Thank you for sharing.
Such great ideas for summer entertaining. It doesn’t have to be perfect! Thanks for sharing!
So many great ideas. You have given me lots of ideas for future projects.
What a fun post! Great ideas and I love that dress. Thanks for the inspiration.
You’ve got a great space for entertaining Robin and I love the dress!
Awesome tips and love those outdoor games!
These are such fabulous tips for outdoor entertaining! Your preppy palm tunic dress insures you are dressed as the hostess with the mostess! Elegant and chic!
xo,
Kellyann