Outdoor entertaining in the summer is fun. Yes, fun! Here’s my favorite tips to make for a successful night when we invite friends and family over for dinner.
Our home is a place that we love to share with others. We love to share the history. We love for people to come and enjoy the view. I feel like we’re sharing a piece of our lifestyle in the country and that’s why whenever we can, and our schedule allows, we enjoy summer grilling with friends and family.
Bonus points for the fact that I find outdoor entertaining to be easier than when we have to be indoors. The kids can run around and play while we cook on the grill. If you have the itch to create a great dinner outdoors with friends and family this summer, here’s a few tips that lend themselves to a nice evening with very little effort.
My 5 Favorite Tips For Outdoor Entertaining
Tip 1 – Paper Plates. Enough said.
Just do it. Paper plates make it so much easier to entertain outside. However, I do pair it up with cloth napkins and real silverware. It’s easy to throw the napkins in the washing machine. It’s easy to gather the silverware and put in the dishwasher. But there is something that feels overwhelming to look at a stack of dirty dishes! I like to grab the good paper plates. You know, the ones that won’t let dinner seep through. Paired with the other items I mentioned, you have a beautiful place setting that will be a breeze to clean up.
Tip 2 – Create a simple “do it yourself” drink station.
I like it when people feel at home and can get what they want when they need it. To make that easy, I have simple options available right when people start arriving. One of my new favorites is the Southern Breeze Cold Brew Sweet Tea Bags. I put out a big pitcher of ice water, and friends can make their own sweet tea on the spot since they are individually wrapped. Whether they like the peach tea or the regular, it’s up to them! It has zero calories which my sweet tea, Tennessee born husband loves.
Tip 3 – Don’t overthink the appetizer.
Along with drinks, I like to have a snack ready for the kids and for the adults. Popchips have become my go-to. They have a very classic flavor. My favorite is the barbeque popchips. They are tangy with a hint of smoke, but not greasy since they are never fried. That’s a win when kids are around! I just open a bag and put it in a nice bowl for guests to enjoy when they arrive. And I’ll be honest, I need to have a snack around because I’m usually pretty hungry before everything is ready.
Tip 4 – Simple Centerpieces Make All The Difference
I like to have something on the table to make everything look purposeful. I typically grab a flower bouquet and any jar I can find at home and combine them to make a simple addition to the table. I also add things from the house like our antique silver salt and pepper shakers. It’s funny how a few fresh flowers and a bit of silver dress up the picnic table but take very little effort.
Tip 5 – The Better the Meat, the Better the Meal.
So, here’s the thing. It’s easier to grill and provide a great meal, when the meat is good quality. When Fareway Meat Market sent me their date nite bundle through their meat delivery service, I was super excited to try it. Their company stems from 80 years of quality and is Midwest raised. I can honestly say, we enjoyed the best pork chop I’ve ever had. We paired it with grilled asparagus and corn on the cob. Oh, so good.
Here’s what I received via their date night bundle:
• Two 10 oz. Iowa Pork Chops (reg. $24.99)
• Two 8 oz. America’s Cut Boneless Pork Chops (reg. $19.99)
• Two 12 oz. Beef Ribeye Steaks (reg. $39.99)
Regular Price: $84.97, Bundle Price: $59.99
You can enter code “meatlover” to receive $20 off your first order.
All in all, I find it so much easier to entertain in the summer using these tips. The table looks grand, but the company is the best part. And because our friends and family can sit around outside and enjoy the view while we have a delicious meal, it’s makes it all the more special.
Do you like to outdoor entertaining in the summer? What are your favorite things to grill?
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. All opinions are my own.
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