Summer is such a fun time, don’t you agree?! (Ok, so if it’s brutally hot where you live you might disagree slightly!) To me, summer is all about spending time outside and entertaining. The majority of gatherings I have throughout the year, normally take place in our backyard.
To entertain al fresco here are my 6 Elements of Summer Entertaining:
1. Lots of colorful plants
Colorful plants can be all the decor you need! Layer potted plants for an array of colors and texture.
2. Lighting
Lighting is SO important when you are outdoors. You want to make sure your guests can see each other after the sun has gone down. I like to use a mixture of string lights, outdoor chandelier and candles.
3. Seating
Comfortable seating is always a must have at any party! Clump seating together for more intimate conversations.
4. Dining Area
Most gatherings involve FOOD, so make sure there is adequate seating around tables.
{A tutorial for my easy outdoor table will be coming soon!}
5. Serving Table
If you have the space, set up an area for the food. I use my potting bench as a large buffet table.
6. Cozy and Comfortable
The best outdoor parties are those that involve relaxing time spent together with friends. Make sure your space is cozy and comfortable, to encourage your guests to sit and stay awhile. (Hopefully that is your main goal! 😉 )
Find more entertaining ideas from my post about having Less Stress when hosting a party!
I’m joining 29 other bloggers for our ELEMENTS OF SUMMER tour…
Be sure to check out some of the other amazing bloggers!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
I’m joining the party at Living Well Spending Less: Thrifty Thursday!
These are all great tips for outdoor entertaining, Angela! Loving those strings of lights.
Gorgeous, everything looks so inviting. Love, love, love all the fabulous pillows and color.
Great tips! I’ll bet your friends love it when a party invitation come from you. Your outdoor space is so inviting!
Your pictures are so inviting and gorgeous! You have everything needed for a wonderful party and I’m sure you’re a wonderful hostess! Thanks so much for joining us on our tour!
It all looks so pretty Angela! I love the idea of using a potting bench as a buffet!
What a great space! Love it all…so inviting!
Nancy
Angela, I never thought about there being 6 elements to entertaining. I bet you host wonderful parties. Have a great week!
These are such great tips. I so badly want to have some string lights on our deck this summer. They create such a great ambiance. I’m just wondering how to get them hung high without a pergola or the like?
Kim, I used the 3M outdoor light hooks to attach them to the house. For the deck without the pergola I attached flag poles (I don’t know if you can see it in the photo), but you could also use a tall piece of wood or pipe in the ground. It doesn’t have to hold a lot of weight.
You have wonderful way of presenting a comfortable and fun environment for entertaining. Hugs P.S. I invite you to share at my hop tomorrow.
I think I like the cozy and comfortable part the very best! Wonderful tips, all! I’d love to come to one of your parties!
A Summer get together in your back yard sounds like a wonderful way to spend an evening Angela. Love all the thoughtful touches and those fun colorful outdoor pillows too!
Love everything! We ‘re just getting settled in a new home and are trying to incorporate as many of these elements as we can in our small space!
You forgot one — have a beautiful outdoor space to hosts those guests! Love your entertaining space!
🙂 Linda
LOVE your outdoor dining room!! All of it is so pretty!
What fun! Summer looks like a fun time at your house. I especially love the idea of using the potting bench as a buffet. That’s brilliant!
Love the table and serving areas! Those flowers are just beautiful! 🙂
Your parties always look so fun Angela! Wish I could come and hang out with you in your beautiful outdoor space. Of course I might just have to put on some AC/DC so you can show off more of the dance moves from Haven! 😉 Still remember how fun that was! Hope your summer is off to a great start sweet friend and I’m so glad we are part of this series together.
Perfect elements for summer entertaining! So many ideas to copy 😉 Have a lovely summer.
Great ideas, Angela! LOVE the fire pit. So happy to be on this tour with you!