Summer Entertaining
DECOR|ENTERTAIN|SUMMER
Since Memorial Day is over, the unofficial start of Summer is NOW on! Summer is a great time for gathering up and entertaining all our family and friends. I love the carefree feeling of summer, the laid-back charm of alfresco dining, and long days of lingering with all my favorite people and animals that always turn into twinkling lights and stars under the night sky. My southern roots have always brought us back to our family table. I'm lucky because all the women in my family are seasoned Southern hosts. So, of course, I am a born entertainer and enjoy cooking in my family's kitchen. Whether it's a highfalutin soiree or a casual backyard barbecue, one thing I've been taught is it's up to you to create an atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. Also, don't sweat the small stuff. No matter how much you plan and prep ahead of time, something will always go awry. Rain can fall, floral arrangements can wilt, and sometimes your Grandma's Buttery Sourcream Pound Cake will fall. But what matters the most is how you handle the hiccups, no matter how big or small.
Some essential advice is to know your limits and provide an inviting atmosphere for your guests. Make everyone feel at home. It is also necessary to be prepared, go with the flow, and have fun so you can savor your gathering just as much as your guests. The biggest lesson is to accept help or ask for assistance when you need it. Although Grandma might not wholly agree, it's okay to receive help with the small things. These tips should help make your summer entertaining, full of laughter, and filled with lasting memories. The best hosts are the ones who seem like they're enjoying themselves. Always remember to set the tone, which means establishing clear and precise expectations. To help set the tone for all your summer entertaining needs, I've curated some classic entertaining pieces that will help you create a beautiful table and a memorable experience for everyone.
Lenox Tuscany Classics Pierced 48 oz. Wine Decanter $45- The stylish and casual Tuscany Classics Pierced Pitcher, crafted of durable and elegant European glass, is ideal for serving guests punch or pre-mixed cocktails or mocktails. Plus, a bonus it's dishwasher-safe.
Cabo Woven Placements (Set of 4) $51- These handwoven placemats epitomize pretty and practical. Made from a mix of durable banana leaf and colorful cotton, they take spills in style and roll up easily when the dinner party’s done. Fabulous tassels add just the kind of design detail we love to adorn at our summer gatherings.
Seersucker Napkins (Ser of 4) $73- A timeless classic with all the frills. Add this delicate touch to your table with a charming border. We love how the yarn dyed cotton marries winsome crochet. Simplistic and beautiful.
Tangier Oasis Melamine Collection $10-$14 These fun and whimsical melamine dishes are a great addition to your tablescape. A durable option compared to ceramic, glass, and porcelain, making them ideal for outdoor dining
Ives Food Dome (Set of 4) $103- A table overflowing. Shared laughter, sun-warmed skin. A rattan weave orbits in mesmeizing detail, a tapestry of southern flair. These domes are a summer entertaining necessity and come also in small and large sizes.
Ice Cream Sundae Flute Glass $16- Summer heat call for the perfect Sundae or Root Beer Floats. We just love these borosilicate glass flutes for our favorite summer treats.
Atwell 1.7-Gallon Ribbed Glass Drink Dispenser with Brooks Stand $169.90- Add sparkle to your brunch buffet or cocktail cart with our eye-catching Atwell drink dispenser. The clear glass dispenser features a tiered design and a ribbed surface that catches the light. Equipped with a dripless spigot, the container is perfect for serving fruit-infused water, punch or batch cocktails. Crafted of renewable solid mango wood from trees no longer producing fruit, the Brooks stand elevates the dispenser so glasses can easily fit under the spigot.
Tailgating Pros Cornhole Boards - 4'x2' Wood Pattern Cornhole Game w/Carrying Case & Set of 8 Corn Hole Bean Bags w/Tote $179- A staple at any summer gathering is playing endless rounds of cornhole with friends and family. First and foremost, the build quality of these cornhole boards is exceptional. Crafted from premium-grade materials, they are sturdy, durable, and built to withstand the rigors of intense gameplay. The boards have a solid wood frame, which not only adds to their durability but also lends an attractive, rustic charm. The surface is smooth and perfectly sanded, allowing the bags to slide smoothly without any unexpected bounces.
Ninja Outdoor FrostVault 45qt Wheeled Cooler with Cold Dry Zone, Integrated Fridge-Temp Dry Storage Drawer, Premium Heavy-Duty Insulated Cooler $249.99- We love this cooler. Ninja has never steered us wrong before. We found this cooler is quite roomy for its size. The ice stays days longer than our previous cooler. The convenient drawer has been great for storing produce that we want to keep cool and moist during the hot summer days. It’s easy to maneuver and has been a great addition to our summer outings.
Super-Italian: More Than 110 Indulgent Recipes Using Italy's Healthiest Foods $19.65- New York Times bestselling author Giada De Laurentiis. does it yet again by adding family favorites to our summer table using a pantry of Italian superfoods. A great starting point this summer to better health and longevity.
Careyes Recycled Glass Collection by Gaby Dalkin $9.95-$14.95- Every drink looks that much more inviting served in Careyes. Made in Mexico out of recycled glass, each tumbler is hand blown with a rounded body and sturdy sham that feels great in hand. Filled with cocktails, lemonade or soda, this collection will add character and artisan quality to sit-down dinners or casual get-togethers.
Southern Lady Magazine-Styling by Tracey MacMillan Russell. Photo by Stephanie Welbourne Steele.
To make your summer entertaining easy, I've included some of our tried and true summer recipes. These recipes are just a taste of some of our family's favorite recipes on repeat. I've even included my Grandma's Buttery Sour Cream Pound Cake, which we guarantee will not fall.
1. Blackberry Burrata Crostini with Honey 2. Wild Game Smash Burgers 3. Pork Chops with Peaches
4. One-Pot Puttanesca 5. Watermelon Salad 6. Classic Wedge Salad Platter
7. Nono’s Buttery Sour Cream Pound Cake 8. Firemen’s Key Lime Pie
After searching endlessly for our favorite summer cocktails. We found William Sonoma had done all the work for us... Plus there cocktail mixes make it simple & super easy. Here is a link for all your essential summer cocktail needs. Cheers!
1. Frozen Margarita 2. Sicilian Negroni 3. Rose Sangria with Citrus & Raspberries 4. Limonata Spritz
