7 TIPS FOR EASY AND ELEGANT SUMMERTIME ENTERTAINING
Summertime entertaining can be both easy and elegant, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the company of family and friends. Entertaining in the summer months provides a wonderful chance to host gatherings that are effortless yet sophisticated, allowing you to savor the company of loved ones. It’s the most convenient season for entertaining, as you seek hassle-free methods to host groups of family and friends. Check out these ideas to ignite your creativity for easy yet elevated summer entertaining.
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Summer Party Ideas
Summer is the perfect season to host a gathering that combines the warmth of the sun and the joy of good company. Whether it’s a relaxed backyard BBQ, a vibrant beach party, or a sophisticated garden tea party, the options for an stress-free and enjoyable summer soiree are endless. Imagine a backyard transformed into an open-air movie theater for a movie night under the stars, or an ice cream social where guests can indulge in creating their own sundae masterpieces. The key to a successful summer party lies in simple, yet creative themes and activities that cater to all ages and preferences. These 6 ideas are easy, allowing you to enjoy the fun with your guests!
Backyard BBQ Bash: A classic summer party theme, a backyard BBQ is both easy to set up and casual. Fire up the grill for some burgers, hot dogs, and vegetable skewers. Complement these with a variety of salads, like potato salad and coleslaw. Set up some outdoor games like cornhole or frisbee for relaxed entertainment. For décor, think picnic tables with colorful tablecloths and string lights for when the evening sets in.
Beach or Pool Party: If you have access to a beach or a pool, a water-themed party is a fantastic way to beat the heat. Encourage guests to bring their swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen. Activities can include water volleyball, a sandcastle-building contest, or simply lounging on floaties. Serve light snacks and refreshments like fruit skewers, chips and salsa, and iced beverages.
Garden Tea Party: For a more sophisticated but equally effortless gathering, consider a garden tea party. Use your garden or patio space to set up tables with elegant tableware. Offer a selection of teas, lemonade, and finger sandwiches. Scones, pastries, and fruit platters can make for delightful tea accompaniments. This theme allows for a more relaxed gathering, where guests can enjoy conversations amidst a beautiful outdoor setting.
Movie Night Under the Stars: Transform your backyard into an open-air movie theater. Rent or set up an outdoor projector and portable projector screen, provide comfortable seating with bean bag seating, blankets, and pillows. Choose a family-friendly movie that everyone can enjoy. Serve classic movie snacks like popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs. This laid-back setting is perfect for families and allows everyone to unwind under the night sky.
DIY Ice Cream Social: Who doesn’t love ice cream in the summer? Set up a DIY ice cream bar with various flavors of ice cream and toppings like sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, and syrups. This can be a fun and interactive way for guests to enjoy their desserts. Pair this with some light snacks and refreshing drinks.
Picnic in the Park: For a change of scenery, a picnic in the park can be a delightful way to spend a summer day. Pack a few picnic baskets with sandwiches, wraps, fruits, chips, and some refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade. Bring along some picnic blankets, an outdoor picnic table, a few outdoor games like bocce ball or a kite, and enjoy a relaxed day under the sun.
Each of these themes offers a unique way to enjoy the summer season while keeping the stress levels low. The key to a successful summer party is to keep things simple, focus on good company, and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Low Maintenance Summer Dinner Party Ideas: Easy Buffet Style Entertaining
Buffet style entertaining has always been my go-to for hosting gatherings, and for good reason. There’s something truly delightful about the freedom and creativity it offers, both to me as the host and to my guests. The way I present the food is not just about taste but also about creating an inviting visual experience. I tend to focus on a simple yet elegant tablescape, which not only saves me time but also enhances the overall aesthetic of the event.
The true charm of buffet style lies in its casual, interactive nature. It encourages guests to move around, select their own portions, and engage in more diverse conversations. This setup frees me from the constant back-and-forth to the kitchen, allowing me to be part of the festivities and interact with my guests. It’s a joy to see friends and family come together, sharing laughs and stories over a spread of delicious food.
For those considering a buffet for their next gathering, there are endless possibilities to explore. For starters, Greek Salad Skewers and Broccoli Pasta Salad offer a refreshing and healthy option. A charcuterie platter is always a hit, providing a variety of flavors and textures that cater to all tastes. For a more interactive and customizable experience, a taco bar with a variety of toppings lets guests create their perfect taco. Adding some spice and excitement to the mix, flavorful chicken satay skewers are a must-try. And of course, homemade pizza never fails to please a crowd, with options for different toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
In conclusion, buffet style entertaining is not just about the ease of preparation; it’s about creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to relax, enjoy, and indulge in a variety of culinary delights. It’s a celebration of food and friendship, where everyone can find something they love, and the host can enjoy the party just as much as the guests.
Elevated and Easy Ideas for Buffet Style Summertime Entertaining
For a recent gathering I opted for something really easy and fun. I pulled together two charcuterie boards, which I made ahead of time. In addition to the charcuterie boards, I included an additional platter with soft spreadable brie accompanied by a fig preserve and pita chips.
I added roasted tomato and red pepper hummus that I had made several days prior, and whipped up a fresh pesto sauce using fresh basil from our garden (a quick 10 minute sauce all done in the blender).
For a nice twist on things, I made a batch of pizza dough in my breadmaker. After the dough had rested for several hours, I split the dough into four equal amounts and put two of the dough balls in the freezer for future use, and kept two out to make pizza.
Jim and I created two pizzas for this gathering. One was a naked pizza that we cut into tiny slices for dipping in the homemade pesto sauce. The other was topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. The pizzas made a nice addition to our buffet table.
For drinks we opted for a homemade white sangria. The sangria went perfectly with the other items on the buffet, and everyone loved it!
I typically do a dessert bar, but with the hot steamy Florida weather in full force, I really did not want to turn on the oven. So I opted for a quick 20-minute No Bake Cheesecake.
Easy and Elegant Tablescape Ideas
Tablescapes are one of the easiest ways to make your guests feel special. But they don’t have to be fancy or take a lot of time.
I used a tropical table runner on my island, anchored by a tropical placemat on either end. I have a rustic three-bucket aluminum serving piece that I use for cutlery and napkins.
And another easy, but elevated way to keep things simple is to use clear plastic plates instead of china, and heavy duty plastic cutlery instead of silver. If I don’t mind the cleanup involved, I will use dishes and silverware.
For other tablescape ideas I have used tropical sarongs as tablecloths, smaller dishtowels as napkins, and other creative ideas. You don’t have to go the traditional route with your tablescapes!
I’ve even used just my plain dining room table, which is coastal rustic, and created a stunning tablescape using mismatched candlesticks and depression era glass filled with marbles.
Adding to the imaginative tablescape ideas you’ve already explored, here are five more easy yet fun and whimsical summertime entertaining tablescape concepts:
Nautical Theme: Embrace a seaside vibe by using a blue and white striped tablecloth, accented with seashells, starfish, and driftwood pieces. Centerpieces could include glass jars filled with sand and candles, or small boats. This theme is perfect for evoking the feel of a beach getaway.
Garden Party Elegance: Utilize the natural beauty of your garden by incorporating fresh flowers as the main attraction. Place small potted plants or floral arrangements down the center of the table. Use pastel-colored plates and napkins to complement the floral centerpieces, creating a serene and elegant garden atmosphere.
Fruit Fiesta: Create a vibrant and colorful tablescape using fruit as your inspiration. Arrange a variety of whole fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and pineapples down the center of the table. Pair this with bright-colored tablecloths and napkins to enhance the lively, summery feel.
Picnic Style: For a more casual affair, spread out a classic red-and-white checkered picnic blanket over your table. Use wicker baskets as serving pieces and mason jars for drinks. This relaxed style is perfect for a laid-back summer barbecue or picnic-themed party.
Bohemian Chic: Go for a boho look with mismatched, colorful tableware, and an eclectic mix of textures and patterns. Use a combination of different runners and place mats, add some geometric-patterned napkins, and scatter an array of lanterns and candles for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Each of these ideas allows you to express your unique style while creating a special and memorable experience for your guests. With these simple yet effective touches, you can easily transform your summertime entertaining into an enchanting affair.
Using these types of non-traditional decorating ideas sets you apart, and gives you a chance to show off your personal creative style. So go ahead and step out of the norm of the same old way of entertaining and let your imagination and style take center stage!
Recipes
These are a couple of my favorite recipes to add to the table for summertime entertaining. No table would be complete with a delicious cocktail and a sweet dessert to top of the day!
Berry Lemonade Fizz Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup
- Crushed ice
- Sparkling lemonade or club soda
- Lemon slices and berries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine the mixed berries, lemon juice, and sugar/simple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds (optional).
- Fill glasses halfway with crushed ice.
- Pour the berry mixture over the ice, filling each glass about halfway.
- Top with sparkling lemonade or club soda for a fizzy effect.
- Garnish with lemon slices and a few whole berries.
- Serve immediately for a berry delicious mocktail experience.
White Citrus Sangria
This sangria is super fresh, delicious, and very fruit forward. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at one glass!
White Citrus Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of white citrus wine we suggest a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris
- ¼ cup brandy
- ½ liter bottle sprite
- Fruit mix
- Sliced pineapple for garnish optional
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup Triple Sec
- ¼ cup Limoncello
Instructions
- Step One
- Slice a selection of fruits (we love strawberries, watermelon, grapes, apples, and blueberries)
- Place fruits in a bowl and sprinkle ¼ cup of sugar over them.
- Add Triple Sec
- Add Limoncello
- Toss with fruit and refrigerate for several hours to overnight
- Step Two
In a large pitcher:
- Add 1 bottle white wine
- Add ¼ cup brandy
- Add ½ liter bottle of sprite (if you want to add more sprite, add to taste)
- Add fruit
- Stir, and serve over ice
- Scoop a spoonful of the fruit into the sangria glass
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple (optional)
Berry No Bake Cheesecake
This no bake cheesecake comes together in a pinch and is the perfect end to a summer party!
Berry No Bake Cheesecake
Ingredients
- Ingredients Pie Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup melted butter
- Ingredients Filling
- 2 packages of softened cream chees
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Ingredients Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp sugar use confectioners sugar for sweet whipped cream or cane sugar for less sweet
- Ingredients Fruit Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries washed drained and sliced
- 1 ½ cup fresh blueberries washed and drained
- 4 tbl sugar
- 4 tbl Triple Sec
Instructions
- Fruit Topping
- Place sliced strawberries and blueberries in a bowl
- Add sugar and Triple Sec
- Toss together and then set aside for 15-30 minutes
- Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter. Press into the bottom and sides of a pie pan and pop into refrigerator for 30 minutes
- In a large mixing bowl add cream cheese, sugar, lime juice and vanilla and beat together until smooth.
- Gradually add in heavy whipping cream.
- Beat until stiff peaks form, and transfer to the chilled pie crust.
- Whipped Cream Topping
- In a large mixing bowl add 2 cups heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract and sugar. Slowly whip together, gradually increasing the speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. Place on top of the filling, and spread across the top
- Add the marinated fruit on top of the whipped cream topping. Place in freezer for a minimum of two hours and no more than 4 hours prior to serving.
Summertime entertaining is one of my favorite things to do. Nothing is better than getting together with good friends and family around delicious food and drinks! Hopefully, these ideas will inspire your next summer get together and make planning a bit easier!
Entertaining Recipes, Drinks and Tips
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