Sweet Summertime | Tips for Entertaining

Summer entertainment calls for amazing drinks, delicious food, and great company all while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Whether it's the first BBQ of the season or a weekly gathering, host guests in style with these crowd-pleasing tips. Your friends and family will keep coming back for more all summer long!

Light it. We aren't just talking about the grill. Hanging strings of outdoor lighting or tiki torches around an area will create quick ambiance. Not to mention light up the area when your party swings past daylight. {Costco has some nice options}

Hungry Tummies. This is a big part of the event. Make sure to have enough for everyone and I always like to offer a couple of options with multiple courses. A charcuterie tray or veggie and dip tray is a great starter. Then, with the main course, I create options which can be as easy as getting creative with toppings. You can change up a burger, kebabs, or grilled corn in a huge way with a small bar of toppings for guest to choose and make up their own combinations. {dry ranch seasoning mixed with melted butter and feta on a grilled ear of corn will change your life!}

Serve it up. Position your buffet under an overhang or umbrella to protect it from the elements. Then, order its contents this way for easy cruising: plates, sides, buns, meats, fixings, and flatware. (Note: If perishable foods aren't gobbled up in an hour, swap them out with a fresh supply.) Come sundown, have lights nearby so folks can see as they serve. {here I always use fun outdoor serving platters to finish off the look}

Drink it down. A beverage station separate from the food lets guests mix drinks and mingle while not blocking the food station. Stock the bar with cups, straws (to double as stirrers), and plenty of ice — a large metal pail will keep bottles and cans frosty, but consider an insulated cooler for extra cubes. {water in a drink decanter with sliced fresh fruit is a nice option for keeping people hydrated}

Extra essentials. Keep guests comfortable outdoors all day long and into the night with summer essentials. Leave out amenities like sunscreen, bug spray, etc.

Play on. No matter the type of outdoor party {pool, beach, block, driveway, backyard} I always think it is a great idea to include areas where guest can play. Ideas might include a brigade of fun pool floats, cornhole, horseshoes, you name it! These add friendly competition and a great way for guest to get to know each other better.

Grand Finale. One of my absolute favorite ways to end a summer party is with an outdoor movie. With a basic projector and sheet, you can create an awesome outdoor movie for your kids or guests. Top it off with a fire pit and some movie treats and this will be one for the books! {try the setup the night or so before to make sure you are all set up and the sound is loud enough, you can add a speaker if needed}

I hope these tips will add some fun times for you and your family this season! Have fun and enjoy your time with those you love!