Updated June 2023

Tips for Easy Summer Outdoor Entertaining

It’s a Friday evening and you’ve wrapped up work. You’re whipping up a simple and refreshing cocktail, but want someone to share it with and gab. What a perfect time to call your crew for a group hang outside, perfect for that nice summer weather. I love hosting last minute, or being prepared if someone pops over unannounced. Here are some ways to easily throw together an al fresco get together,
even at a moments notice.

Here’s my fave tips for quick and easy entertaining!

Charcuterie….duh!

Keep items for a charcuterie board on hand - olives, cheese, crackers, a jam, some nuts, and pickles round out a board nicely. This fig jam is unreal. Pair it with some Mary’s crackers and a nice brie and your guests will be wowed!

Easy Recipes for a Dinner Party

Make your own pizza night! Trader Joe’s has delicious ready made pizza dough. Scoop that up with all the fixings! Let people get creative with their toppings and it will be so fun to create your own!

Or, grab a bag of frozen shrimp, season and cook it up with some chopped onions and pair with rice.

Or, or, pop some meatballs in a crockpot with your favorite sauce, then add some pasta with butter, garlic, cheese, and maybe lemon if it works with your sauce.

Entertaining Zone

Create a zone in your house where you keep all of your items for entertaining, so you can pull them out easily. In my zone, I’ve got cloth napkins (I go with patterns or dark colors, so stains will be covered) and stainless steel wine glasses to avoid any glass breaking mishaps!

Musical Entertainment

Does someone in your friend group play guitar? Have them bring it to play, and everyone will sing along! And, if not Spotify or Apple Music have excellent playlists already created for you to use.
You can even invite friends to play DJ by doing a Group Session on Spotify.

Simple Drinks

Keep cocktails simple and light - my personal fave is a spritz with lemon juice, lime juice, Spindrift flavor of your choice, and your preference of vodka or gin! No need to spend your time making fancy drinks when you can spend your time enjoying company! I also always keep a couple of bottles of wine on hand, just in case!

Sustainable Ambiance

Outdoor lighting makes everything feel elevated. Get some solar powered LED string lights to surround your hosting area. Or, reuse your finished wine bottles and put some fairy lights inside them.

Prep for the Elements

Public goods makes an incredible bug spray that is natural and really works. Also, be sure to have sunscreen nearby, especially for an afternoon hang! Pro tip: Trader Joe’s just released a Supergoop! knock off sunscreen for $9!

Blast from the Past

For summertime fun, raid your grocery store's frozen section and get some popsicles, fudgsicles, or ice cream sandwiches, ideas that will bring your guests back in time. It’ll be such a nice surprise!

Originally published July 2022