Looking for easy backyard summer entertaining ideas? Here’s everything you need for the perfect summer party.
Father’s Day was amazing. The kids were all home and made dinner and we played games and told stories and I dressed in a cute pink and red outfit. And somewhere between wearing two bright colors on the color wheel and a homemade chicken pasta dish, I realized how much I missed them.
After they left I became very emotional.
With an extra dose of sabi on top.
sigh.
They walked away and I stood on the porch and thought about the day I said goodbye to the backyard.
It was heart wrenching.
All those lazy summer days.
All those parties.
All those times together as a family.
It was more than just a backyard. It has been a gathering place for celebrations, moments, milestones and spending time with friends and family.
And now?
I’m so glad we’re back together – me and my backyard. I’m so glad we have more summer days, parties and family get-togethers coming up.
I’ve never met a celebration I didn’t like.
So, today I’m sharing 11 summer entertaining ideas with you – from my backyard to yours.
11 simple and easy backyard entertaining ideas for summer
// Fruit-inspired dishes //
1. Add a bold palette
The only thing better than a bold lip (I’m looking at you red lipstick) is a bold palette.
I found this set at Walmart for only $5.
Yes.
About the price of a fancy coffee cup for these fruit dessert plates that are perfect for pairing with my collection of white plates.
You can see them here.
// serving board with feet //
2. Add a footed serving board as a centerpiece
I added this serving board to the center of the table.
They make the perfect centerpiece and instantly elevate the entire meal.
Pun totally intended.
You can add a piece of roasted meat to the center and let everyone graze, or you can use it to serve salad and bread as I did here.
// Jute tablecloth //
3. Turn a tablecloth into a chair cover
This is a simple DIY project.
I took a tablecloth, cut it in half and smoothed the edges.
Then I threaded jute twine (you can use ribbon too) through both sides and tied it to the chair and repeated the process for each of the other chairs at the table.
You can use any woven tablecloth (but here’s a link to one that you can cut and destroy).
// The entire patio set //
4. Add extra seating
I am the luckiest duck in the entire world to have found this patio set.
It looks very high end, just like the other set I wanted, but it was expensive.
Look at those details.
It’s very next level and very unique.
You can purchase the pieces individually or the entire set together.
You can see the entire collection here.
And the sofa placed here.
And the chair is here
And the Ottoman is here.
5. Add a small charcuterie board to each place setting
This worked perfectly for dinner.
Often times with a charcuterie board people get confused.
Why not have a little meat for everyone at the party?
I added cheese, fruit, nuts, and meat to go with the bread and salad.
These are the best (and very affordable) charcuterie boards.
You can see them here.
//woven pillow //
6. Add pillows to chairs for extra comfort
I always like to deal with any external party as I would any internal party.
This means comfort.
Adding a cushion to a chair creates instant comfort (and helps short people like me keep their feet on the floor).
You can see this beautiful (and affordable) woven pillow here.
// Presentation box //
7. Keep all your party supplies in one place
Isn’t this serving tray the cutest?
It has a handle and spaces for silverware, plates, napkins and cups.
And it’s less than $20.
You can see here.
// glasses set //
8. Make plain water special
I drink water all the time, so I’ve started serving it at parties now (especially in cute cups like these).
But why serve plain water when you can add a slice of lemon, lime, or even strawberries or blueberries?
You can also make ice cubes from the frozen fruit inside.
And you can see the glasses here.
// small grazing board //
9. Add a small grazing board
This is one of my favorite serving pieces ever.
I have used it for many parties.
Comes on one long board with individual serving trays. You can adjust, move, and even lift the drawers and use them in separate locations during the party, too.
You can see the mini grazing board here.
// planter on stand //
// Planter Basket // Woven Pillow //
10. Add a planter
There are so many great options for growers.
I love this basket planter that comes with its own plastic liner (and is under $10).
You can see here.
This stand plant has its own plastic liner as well, which works perfectly in a backyard setting.
You can see here.
I use both with my favorite diplomas.
//Hyasynth Basket //
//Hyasynth Basket //
11. Keep it simple
Don’t overthink entertainment.
fact?
While the charcuterie boards, DIY preparations and table settings are amazing.
It’s the heart of the entertainment that is truly special.
You see, in a day and age when fast food restaurants were dining rooms.
(Quite an aside: No judgment here — I’m looking at you Chick fil A dinner.)
Family dinner is something you see in the movies and many of us are like ships passing in the night from crowded to busy…
…Spending time together is a bright light in a gloomy world.
So I’m setting my table.
And sitting with my family (especially since everyone will be back again next week to celebrate Denton’s birthday).
To press the pause button and listen to ordinary moments of an ordinary day.
To pull a chair up to the table and help them understand that they are loved.
Here’s to backyards everywhere.
And the people who love them. 🙂
Affiliate links are used in this post.
