Summer entertaining, it’s easier when everyone is outdoors. With the longer days during the summer what a great time to entertain! To some, having guests might seem like an overwhelming idea, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ideas and suggestions to keep entertaining as simple and easy as a summer breeze.
A little planning ahead makes entertaining easier. Anything that you can do ahead of the day you are entertaining will give you time to enjoy your guests. Consider foods that can be made ahead, especially small starters, having a drink bar set up with lots of ice allows guest to help themselves too. Don’t hesitate to engage your guests for a little help either. If your guests feel more relaxed you will too enjoy their company.
Planning
Make sure you have plenty of seating, movable seating such as lightweight chairs encourages mingling and conversations. If you are serving a meal one big table that seats everyone or a bunch of smaller tables can be fun. 
Be imaginative when it comes to tablescapes. Depending on what the meal is can direct the table setting. Flowers grown in the garden are always a nice touch to add, but so can be potted herbs and plants. Sometimes working around a theme helps with the planning.
Is the reason you are having the guest over for a life event or celebration such as a graduation, birthday, or holiday? The food and decorations can be centered on that.
Maybe you want to have a get-together base on a region or type of food. Some ideas would be:
Under the Sea, serve Seafood; pick a color theme similar to a tropical ocean use lighting that is soft and relaxing like being at the ocean.
Down on The Farm serve pork, chicken, beef but create the setting using bales of hay for seating, a red bandanna for napkins, and checkered paper tablecloths.
Sunday afternoon brunch, which can be done elegantly with white tablecloths, fancy table setting, or simply serve yourself buffet for a casual feeling.
Texas BBQ– do pulled-pork and ribs instead of hot dogs and hamburgers- a little change. Add lots of sides to go with the whole feeling.
Use your imagination for a theme and then run with it! Let me know how you enjoy your lazy days of summer with outdoor entertaining.
