Summer entertaining is in full swing for many of us. Outdoor entertaining lends itself to so many variations. You can keep it as simple as packing a picnic or as complex as a full-service event with caterers and event specialists to make your event really a day to remember.
Here are a few ways to make your day magical no matter how casual or elaborate it is. For a casual picnic, bring a pretty tablecloth, linen napkins, wine glasses and even a small vase with a bouquet. Alternatively, you can pick some wildflowers or grasses on your way to your picnic setting.
I have a small, portable, roll-up table that can easily be carried and set up at the site. Often if we are at the beach, we bring seating pillows and lanterns, too. For food we usually go with
everything premade and packed into the picnic basket. These picnics make a late afternoon into evening memorable.
If you are entertaining at home, divide your yard into zones if you have the room. One area for seating, a great umbrella for shade, a designated cooking area and a dining area. Think of your outdoor space as rooms and decorate accordingly. If you are fortunate to have a pool, dining or having cocktails by the pool always sets a summery mood. Having a pool with a dedicated pool house or gazebo also adds outdoor interest and helps make outdoor entertaining easier.
There are so many options for outdoor furniture. If you are limited on space, select slingback chairs and lounges so that you don”™t have to worry about storing a huge pile of cushions. If you prefer a plush look with seat and back cushions, use outdoor furniture covers or store your cushions in a separate storage unit. This will preserve the life of your cushions and will keep them in good shape. It”™s also helpful after a heavy downpour. If the sun comes out, you won”™t have to wait for your cushions to dry.
It”™s also important to pay close attention to the umbrellas you choose. Select umbrellas that really shade and filter out the sun. Umbrellas that are vented at the top keep air circulating and prevent your umbrella from blowing away in strong winds or storms. To extend your patio time, consider an outdoor heater. There are so many stylish ones, and they make staying out longer on a chilly night a pleasure.
When entertaining at home, try to set up a cocktail and soft drink station prior to guests arriving. Serve a pitcher of a signature drink and offer wine, beer and soft drinks for the event, again, keeping it simple. Keep food effortless, too, by either featuring foods that can be served at room temperature or taken right out of the fridge. If you can pre-barbecue some of the food that”™s even better. This will leave you more time with your guests instead of sweating over a hot grill.
For larger gatherings, I set up everything buffet-style rather than a formal sit-down. Don”™t forget the flowers. I love using flowers from my garden and farm-stand flowers to fill a couple of vases from my collection. Adding a few summer grasses to the bouquet creates a casual feel. Guests will love that your attention to detail made the event so special.
For a more formal party such as a wedding, there are so many event specialists to create your magical day. I recommend interviewing a few of them and see which ones are within your budget and vision. If you are having trouble zeroing in on your vision, they can help with recommendations.
Remember: Summer entertaining is about having a fun time with family and friends, so make it easy. It”™s such a short season that I hope you enjoy every second of it.
For more, email Cami@camidesigns.com or call 914-447-6904.
