8 Things You Need For Summer Entertaining
I know, summer is marching by fast! Don’t worry…these 8 things are going to make your summer entertaining a breeze!
1. A good frosé recipe…or any wine slushie recipe, really.
Nope…don’t let those trend forecasters tell you otherwise; frosé will be a summer staple until the end of time. This Watermelon Mint Frose recipe from The Kitchn is always party perfect. Although it only needs a few ingredients, you will need to get everything prepped the day before, so plan accordingly. Check out this roundup for even more slushie ideas, from sangria to bellini…
2. A fancy beverage holder
Yes, I said fancy. Because you can use it all summer long to hold bottles of everything and take it into holiday season to hold bottles of everything. You can’t keep using plastic buckets and coolers. From wine to champagne to soda and sparkling water bottles, this stainless steel, rose gold coated beauty from Pottery Barn is worth the investment. It is on my to-get list once I can get rid of some stuff to make room for it. Wait…I may have too many beverage holders as it is…
3. A hydration station
You have to break up the boozing with infused waters and non-alcoholic beverages. Set up a hydration station with various dispensers (I am loving these from Williams Sonoma) and fill with lots of cold beverages.
4. Cute, shatterproof drinkware
Summer means lots of outdoor entertaining and that is not where you want your nice glasses. From melamine to plastic versions like Sugar and Cloth’s cactus tumblers, they are a must in your entertaining arsenal. Use them for more that just drinking, from holding snacks and condiments to serving ice cream.
5. Ditch the condiment bottles
Dress up your sauces and add-ons and upgrade your table with a fun condiment display idea! I have always been a big fan…and the suggestion to use a new muffin pan to corral them has always been a simple, popular option. I’ve done it for toppings at every type of decorating party. I know, you are going to ask where my platter and glasses are from; they are from the no-longer-available Pier 1 Tasting Party line. But you can find a similar platter on Amazon.
6. Oh yes, the photo props
Much like frosé for summer, photo props will be with us at parties. Don’t fight it, embrace it with this kit from Target. Don’t forget the backdrop… 
7. Bright lights, big city
If your party is headed outside when the sun goes down, make sure to have some string lights. They can be strung across the yard or even along the dinner table for instant ambiance; head back to Target for this fun version that phases through its colors.
8. Grazing platters/tables, edible table runners, whatever you want to call them
Last year, I predicted them. This year, they are ruling summer tables everywhere! There are countless variations, hindered only by your budget and imagination….from antipasto to fruit and desserts. Kristi Murphy shares her tips on creating her 8′ foot version. By no means does yours need to be this big, work with your own space. A large platter is just as amazing.
Any summer entertaining tips to share? Leave a comment, we would love some ideas…