The best outdoor entertaining ideas that are both budget-friendly and easy to implement.
July 3, 2024
Summer is here, and it’s time to take your entertaining outside!
Hosting a summer dinner party in your backyard doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
In fact, we’re big believers in simplicity!
Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy patio, hosting a summer dinner party can be both fun and easy on your budget.
Today we’ll explore some of the best outdoor entertaining ideas, perfect for small spaces and large gatherings alike.
From DIY décor to delicious recipes, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to create an unforgettable summertime celebration.
This post is sponsored by Cotier brand conversation starter napkins, all ideas and opinions are my own.
Get ready to impress your guests with your hosting skills and make the most of this summer!
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Set the Stage
Setting the stage for your outdoor gathering is all about creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Choose a theme or color scheme for your outdoor gathering.
For a summer dinner party, vibrant hues like turquoise, coral, and sunny yellow can evoke a cheerful, festive vibe.
While a more subdued palette of pastels or earthy tones can create a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
Once you’ve settled on your theme, carry it through all elements of your décor—from table settings and centerpieces to linens.
Incorporating theme-specific decorations, like tropical accents for a beachy feel or rustic touches for a farmhouse vibe, will create the perfect ambiance and make your outdoor gathering really stand out.
Lounging Area
Start by arranging seating to encourage conversation, using mix-and-match chairs, cushions, and blankets for a cozy feel.
String lights or lanterns can add a warm, magical touch as the sun sets, while a few strategically placed candles or torches can enhance the ambiance.
Set the Table
Consider a simple and stylish tablescape with a colorful table runner, napkins, and fresh wild flowers as a centerpiece.
If you’re feeling a little patriotic, gather red, white and blue plates, flags and vintage items, like a coke crate and milk glass vases.
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Create a Beverage Station
Creating a beverage station is a fantastic way to add convenience and incorporate your theme when entertaining outdoors.
Designate a table or cart where guests can easily help themselves to a variety of drinks.
Add infused water with fresh fruits, herbs, such as lemon, lime, cucumber or mint for a refreshing cooler.
Don’t forget to provide plenty of ice, glasses, and cocktail napkins.
A fun way for your guests to get to know each other are these fun Convokins from Cotier brand.
Equally as important as the decor when entertaining, is good conversation.
Personally, I feel it’s one of the most important elements of entertaining.
Often, we will put conversation ideas on strips of paper at each place setting.
In fact, my grandkids love to have these on the table and listen to exciting stories around the table.
Clearly Convokins napkins make conversation starters so easy.
These prompts are thought provoking and can really be enlightening.
This self-serve setup not only keeps the drinks flowing but also encourages guests to mingle and enjoy the party at their own pace.
With thoughtful planning, you’ll set the perfect stage for a memorable summer dinner party.
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Add an Umbrella
Adding an umbrella to your outdoor gathering space is a practical and stylish way to ensure your guests remain comfortable throughout the evening.
This planter box on wheels makes it easy to strategically position it over the dining table, seating areas, or the beverage station to maximize coverage and comfort.
Besides functionality, an umbrella adds a charm, enhancing the overall aesthetics of your outdoor entertaining space.
Plan Your Menu and Keep it Simple
Planning a delicious menu is certainly a key element for successful outdoor gathering.
But keeping the food simple is equally important to ensure you can enjoy the event along with your guests.
Opt for crowd-pleasers that are easy to prepare and serve, such as grilled meats, fresh salads, and seasonal vegetables.
In the summer we love to grill and I believe our favorite is a Chipotle Spiced Burger.
Other easy ideas include grilled or smoked marinated chicken, steak or pork.
The prep work is done ahead of time, plus it’s quick and easy to grill when your guests arrive.
And for sides we like to keep it simple with salads that are prepared ahead of time, like an easy corn salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or roasted sweet potato salad.
Consider dishes that can be made ahead of time, reducing last-minute stress and allowing you more time to spend with your guests.
A self-serve buffet or family-style meal encourages interaction and makes it easy for everyone to help themselves.
Finger foods and appetizers like bruschetta, skewers, gourmet chips and pico de gallo, fresh veggies and dips are great for casual snacking and mingling.
Host a Potluck
Hosting a potluck summer dinner party is a wonderful way to bring friends and family together while sharing the workload.
Invite each guest to contribute a dish, encouraging them to showcase their favorite summer recipes.
Consider a summer salad potluck or an appetizer potluck.
Invite your guests to bring their favorite appetizer and turn it into a meal.
A few of our favorite appetizers include cheesy bacon bombs, deviled eggs, and beef & green pepper stuffed mushrooms.
Don’t stress too much about the variety of appetizers with a potluck, certainly it makes the meal more interesting.
Set it up buffet-style, where everyone can easily access the delicious offerings.
A potluck also sparks conversation and connection, as guests exchange recipes and stories behind their dishes.
This is clearly a relaxing idea for a summer dinner party!
DIY Personal Pizzas
Set up a pizza-making station with a variety of pre-made doughs or crusts, along with an assortment of toppings such as fresh vegetables, cheeses, meats, and sauces.
This allows everyone to get creative and customize their own pizza to their liking.
Consider providing some unique ingredients like our Thai chicken pizza or arugula, truffle oil, and goat cheese to inspire gourmet creations.
Whether you’re using a grill, smoker, an outdoor pizza oven, or your kitchen oven, the cooking process is quick and engaging, allowing guests to watch their pizzas bake to perfection.
Not only does this activity serve as an excellent icebreaker, but it also caters to different dietary preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious, personalized meal.
DIY personal pizzas add an element of fun and creativity to your gathering, making it a memorable and delicious experience for all.
Summer Desserts
Don’t forget to include refreshing summer desserts, like fruit salad, grandma’s best no bake cheesecake, fudgy brownies with cherry chocolate chip cookie dough frosting or homemade ice cream, to round off the meal.
And if you have a fire pit, don’t forget the classic, Smores!
It’s always a hit at our outdoor gatherings!
In fact as the temperatures cool in the evening, the fire pit area is a favorite gathering spot.
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Activities and Entertainment
Activities and entertainment are key to keeping your outdoor summer dinner party lively and enjoyable.
Consider setting up classic lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or badminton to encourage friendly competition and interaction.
Another easy way to bring in the fun is with classic board games.
One of our family favorites is Farkle.
For a more laid-back vibe, create a cozy lounge area with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights where guests can relax and chat.
You might also want to set up a DIY photo booth with fun props to capture memories from the evening.
Music is essential; curate a playlist with a mix of upbeat and relaxing tunes to set the perfect mood.
If you have the space and equipment, consider showing an outdoor movie once the sun sets.
One of our favorite summer parties is our annual luau.
Not only do we enjoy setting the stage with island decor, but we love to invite Polynesian entertainers to share their culture.
Now doesn’t that look like fun!
By incorporating a variety of activities and entertainment options, you’ll ensure your guests are engaged and having fun throughout the evening.
Shop Outdoor Entertaining Ideas
We hope you found some outdoor entertaining inspiration for your next summer dinner party.
Please share your tips and ideas with us.
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