School is winding down, vacations are scheduled and the days are definitely getting longer.  As summer rolls around we begin to spend more time outdoors in our yards and gardens.  We have company over more often and many times these get-togethers will occur on the spur of the moment.  Here are some tips for easy summer entertaining to make your summer life less stressful.

6 Tips for Easy Summer Entertaining…

Simple should be your summer theme

The entertaining of summer should not be time consuming and complicated.  Instead we want to enjoy our friends and family.  It shouldn’t take days to prepare for a backyard picnic or BBQ.  Stay away from time consuming meals and drinks.  Don’t worry about everything being perfect.  Just set out some simple foods, crank up your grill and put beverages on ice.

Keep your kitchen stocked with easy to prepare items

Create a few menus for the summer with simple appetizers, grilled meats and desserts.  Then stock your pantry and freezer with the foods you need to prepare these menus.  You can use my summer menu planner below to create your plan.  Then when you invite friends over you know exactly what to fix and you have everything you need.  No running to the store at the last minute.  Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Appetizers:

• Veggie Tray with Ranch Dressing
• Hummus with pita bread chips
• Tomato Basil Bruschetta
• Fresh Salsa with tortilla chips

Grilled Meats:

• Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Dill
• Teriyaki Beef Kabobs
• Hamburgers
• Grilled Chicken simply seasoned with Johnny’s Seasoning or BBQ Sauce

Sides:

• Refreshing Cabbage Salad
• Corn on the Cob
• Grilled Vegetables such as Zucchini Strips
• Potato Packets (Pre-cooked Potatoes, sliced & seasoned with butter and parmesan cheese. Wrap in foil packets and throw on the grill with meat)

Dessert:

• Brownies with Ice Cream
• Sunshine Cake
• Fruit Cobbler
• Platter of Fresh Fruit with Yogurt Dip

Gather and store lawn games in an accessible place

One of the pleasures of summer is to be outside.  There are so many fun outdoor games that you and your friends might enjoy.  Croquet, Cornhole, Ladder Ball, Bocce Ball and Horse Shoes are just a few popular lawn games.  Keep all of these games stored in one area of your garage so that they are quick to grab when needed.

Purchase all summer supplies early

When you plan your summer menus also consider what you will need for serving.  Then buy enough supplies for multiple get-togethers.  Again no last minute store runs.

Here are some potential supplies to stock up on:

• Paper Plates, Cups and Napkins
• Candles (Regular and Citronella)
• Bug Spray
• Propane (Be sure to fill your tank at the beginning of summer)
• Briquets if you use a regular grill
• Bottled Beverages
• A few bags of crushed ice if you have room in your freezer

Set up your yard with outdoor lights to add charm

Lighting up your backyard can add so much ambiance to your outdoor gatherings.  Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Hang strands of string or rope lights around your deck banister and from tree branches.
• Use hanging strands of orb lights from trees and porches.
• Put simple solar lights in flower borders or containers around your yard.
• Set out candles in hurricane lanterns or mason jars.
• Light tiki torches in flower beds or lawn.

Let company help out

Don’t take all the responsibility on your shoulders.  Decide in advance what your friends and family can bring if asked.  A salad, dessert or appetizer is easy to have someone else bring.  Don’t hesitate to let someone help you in the kitchen if they offer.  Multiple hands get the work done faster and then everyone (including you) will have more time to enjoy each other’s company.

Summer is just meant to spend outdoors!  When you can combine that with friend time it is doubly wonderful.  By planning ahead and being prepared you will be more willing to have company over.  And it will be more relaxing and enjoyable for you.

Planning your menu in advance can simplify the process.  Use the Summer Menu Planner to create several menu ideas for your gatherings.  No more fretting over what to serve your guests.  Sign up for my Cottage Notes Email below and you will get instant access to the printable.