6 Ideas for Casual & Chic (and Easy!) Summer Entertaining

I don’t know if it’s because it reminds me of my childhood and that “school’s out!” feeling, or if it’s something deeper, but summer feels different in so many ways. There is just something about the spirit of this season – even for those of us who have long been out of school – that makes it special. It’s like everyone let’s out a collective sigh and just relaxes a little bit more.

Whether it’s spending a day at the beach, taking a dip in the pool, or indulging in an ice cream cone, these things all say “summer” to me. And of course, lazy days, sandy toes, and sleeping in, all go with summer, too. But probably my absolute favorite thing about the season is summer entertaining!

Lingering on the patio after the sun goes down, sitting around the fire pit with some wine and friends, a simple grilled dinner eaten under the stars – these are all ways you can make special memories this summer. So today I’m sharing 6 Ideas for Casual Chic Summer Entertaining as part of my friend Krista’s Seasonal Simplicity Summer Series!

1. Casual Lunch (or Dinner) on the Patio

This is a set-up I actually shot a few weeks ago (before I changed to the new outdoor chandeliers), but I wanted to share it since it’s such a great example of our casual entertaining.

For a lunch, brunch, pot luck, or casual dinner outside, gather your items and set them up on the table. In this case, there’s no need for a fancy tablescape. I used a galvanized carrier to hold napkins and glasses, and simply set the plates and flatware in stacks on the table.

Lanterns keep the vibe casual, as does adding potted plants to the table.

I did plop some flowers in a vintage galvanized French pitcher for a little color, but that was the extent of my efforts. Simple is the name of the game here! In fact, lots of times if we are hosting a casual gathering or it’s just family, this is how we entertain!

2. Grill Night with Friends? Create a Classic Blue & White Table

A classic blue and white palette, simple white farmhouse flowers, and lots of texture makes for a casual but chic table that’s perfect for any night of the week. 

3. Coastal Themed Table Perfect for a Seafood Boil (or just Grilled Fish!)

I love that this table says summer in such a traditional way. Shells and some vintage Japanese fishing floats create the theme without going too far, and the napkins add lots of color.

4. S’mores (or Any Dessert, Really!) by the Fire

Grab some lanterns, lots of candles and sticks to roast your marshmallows and you are good to go! I can’t think of a simpler or more quintessentially summer ritual! More tips and details are in the original post.

5. Romantic Summer Table for a Special Evening

Some nights are just more special than others. A going away party for a recent graduate, a girls’ night out, a pre-wedding or engagement celebration – this gorgeous table with peonies, roses, and vintage silver feels perfect for a night that calls for a little extra oomph!

6. Wine with Friends on the Patio

One of the easiest ways to enjoy the evenings in the summer is with some before dinner wine and nibbles. Arrange to have dinner out (or order it in), and all you need to do is bring out some wine and a few appetizers to enjoy. This is one of our favorite things to do before going to dinner or a movie with friends!

*please note some affiliate links have been added to this post*

To get to all my summer entertaining ideas, along with all the details and sources of each, go to the Tablescapes tab at the top of the home page, then click on “summer.”

You can also download my e-book all about tablescapes, A Calendar of Tablescapes. Simply click here or on the icon on the right hand side of the page, subscribe to Maison de Cinq, and you’ll be sent the entire e-book for free!

Happy (Summer) Entertaining!

Sheila
xo

Today I’m joined by over 20 of my talented blogging friends who are also sharing their outdoor spaces and summer entertaining ideas with you…

The Happy Housie // Place of My Taste // Rooms FOR Rent // Two Twenty One // Hallstrom Home

Taryn Whiteaker Designs // Modern Glam // Inspiration for Moms // The DIY Mommy // Life is a Party

The Handmade Home // Lolly Jane // Finding Silver Pennies
// All Things With Purpose // She Gave it a Go

Clean & Scentsible // My Sweet Savannah // Maison de Cinq // Amber Tysl // Lemon Thistle

Southern State of Mind // This is Our Bliss