Serving up great conversations.
As the warm breeze and longer days of summer set in, its the perfect time for delightful summer entertaining with friends. When you host a summer outdoor gathering, you have the chance to bring together friends to share in and create unforgettable moments. It's a time to foster connections and create a sense of togetherness. If you've been waiting to throw an outdoor dinner party, read on!
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In This Article
1 How Many Guests To Invite
2 The Menu
3 The Budget
4 Creating an Aesthetic Tablescape
5 A Laid-Back Centerpiece
6 Conversations and Connections
7 The Ultimate Goal of Summer
Entertaining With Friends

How Many Guests to Invite
First and foremost, as a host, your goal in entertaining is to bring people together and create connections. The easiest way to achieve this is by keeping the guest list intimate. As a host, inviting fewer guests allows you to spend more quality time with each individual, engaging in meaningful conversations and creating lasting memories.

The Menu

The Budget
Another common question people ask is for tips to host on a budget. Hosting a memorable summer outdoor dinner doesn't have to break the bank. Outdoor gatherings are very informal so if you don't have an entire matching set of chairs-don't sweat it. Mix and match seating or tableware for a relaxed atmosphere. Another tip to keep costs down, is to focus on a few simplistic dishes for your menu. The menu does not need to be extensive. Pasta is a simple, budget-friendly idea to serve your guests, which is always a favorite. Or any combination of a meat, fresh seasonal vegetable salad, and bread will make a wonderful menu. For drinks, consider serving refreshing fruit-infused water, homemade lemonade, or iced tea can add a touch of freshness without a substantial financial investment.

Creating an Aesthetic Tablescape

A Laid-Back Centerpiece

Conversations and Connections

The Ultimate Goal of Summer Entertaining With Friends
We've done the shopping for you, selecting a few casual, outdoor dining basics to jump start your gathering. Click any image below to shop!