5 Tips for Easy summer entertaining

It is all about easy summer entertaining over here – and this year, that means inspired & at home easy summer entertaining also.

Today I am sharing 5 tips for making those at home everyday meals feel like they are a special occasion. Even on a Tuesday.

Set the table

I know this sounds like such a simple, basic suggestion. But you know… even when we know how to dine like the good old days- where we pass the food around the table – how many times do you fill your plate in the kitchen? I know we are guilty of taking the simple approach often. But if you want to make an everyday occasion feel special- set the table. Bring out those formal elements and mingle them with the informal and serve the food on the table just like you do during a holiday.

Gather from the garden & the kitchen

If you haven’t been out and don’t have fresh flowers in the house- step outside and see what inspires you. Even a bunch of greens can be perfect – plus you do a little trimming at the same time. Some of my favorites to bring in for the table- mints, spirea, fern, branches of any kind and good old boxwood and ligustrum.

And you can also forage through the fruit and veggie baskets in the kitchen for adding a bit of charm to the table. Peaches, figs, plums, oranges and persimmons are some of my favorites scattered along the center for a bit of oomph.

Add a bit of ambiance

Another somewhat everyday kind of suggestion- but when was the last time that you added candles to the table and dined by candlelight? For many- it was a special occasion. But one of the things I love about candles is that they instantly make that everyday dinner feel like a special one. And a bonus- candlelight makes everyone look better.

Find an inspired place to set a table

It doesn’t have to be an elegant location or even one that you would normally think of. You can place a dining table nearly anywhere that you can think of – as long as it is safe and accessible. And in your yard- think outside the box.

How about that spot under the big tree in the backyard, by the pool or garden shed dressed with twinkle lights, on the path that leads to the garden- and even right in the garden area? Inspiration is everywhere – you just need to look for it sometimes.

Entertaining at home and having it feel ‘inspired and like a special occasion can be so much fun. Especially right now when things are a unsettled and we are looking for an adventure or a getaway- creating that get away in your backyard is a great thing to do to inspire your whole family.

And if you are looking for more ‘Inspired’ ideas for gatherings- like this table set in a barn in a vineyard and the table at the lake above- you can find these and many more ideas in my new book ‘French Country Cottage Inspired Gatherings’.

Don’t miss what my friends are sharing today- happy Thursday all.

Summer Flower Arrangement From The Garden

A Simple Summer Tablescape for Casual Dining

Summer Dinner Ideas

Easy Summer Dining Table

Summer Dining In The Garden

Goat Cheese Appetizer Board

Lemons and Wild Daisies Tablescape

Summer Table Settings

Romantic Outdoor Table Setting

5 Tips For Easy Summer Entertaining

Easy Summer Dining Tips

Easy Ideas For Outdoor Summer Dining

21 Simple Summer Table Decorating Ideas

Lake View Summer Tablescape

Simple Summer Table

An Easy Summer Dinner on the Patio