Outdoor Entertaining

Effortless Outdoor Entertaining ideas.

I absolutely love entertaining, especially at the lake cottage. After 12 years as a wedding and event planner, it may surprise you that I take more of an effortless approach – that is, unless you’ve been following along on my journey.

Psst… check out this post with 10 easy steps to create an outdoor living room if you love your outdoor spaces as much as we do!

Entertaining should be fun, celebrating time with family and friends, not fussing over perfection and the details rather than having an opportunity to mingle with them.

Today, along with friends {see below for links to all of their beautiful outdoor table settings} I’m sharing effortless outdoor entertaining ideas for any summer occasion.

I have a lot of easy centerpiece tutorials including how to create these simple hydrangea centerpieces. In less than 10 minutes you can make a table feel special and enjoy them throughout your home long after guests have departed.

However, you can also use a couple of potted plants in lieu of a centerpiece, perfect for outdoor entertaining. I like to keep my centerpieces low enough that guests can one another and enjoy conversation without disruption.

Next, set the table. It instantly makes a table feel special and guests will have a glimpse of how beautiful it looks before the after dinner mess. Add plates, silverware, linens and drink ware. For evening occasions I also like to add candlelight. Even when serving buffet style, I always set the table to create a memorable occasion.

You can mix and match indoor and outdoor serving pieces. As a minimalist, we have just one set of ivory dishes at the Lake Cottage, Dubost flatware, basic glassware and navy napkins. Classic pieces are always easy to mix and match and offer versatility for different occasions. No melamine or disposables necessary!

With the addition of a few flags it quickly transitions into a 4th of July table setting. If you’re celebrating the fourth, you’ll love these 4th of July Songs and 4th of July recipes.