Day 1: Summer Entertaining is About the People

Welcome to 30 Days of Summer Entertaining!

As I was heading out of town earlier this week, I had a brilliant idea … why not post every day in June, 30 days of summer entertaining tips and inspiration for my readers?

I know every outdoor living space is different, be it a patio, deck, porch, side yard. But the bottom line is that for outdoor entertaining, no matter what your situation, it’s about bringing comfort to our guests, so that they feel warm and welcome in our homes, and also in our outdoor areas.

Summer is sweeter when you share it with friends. Some posts will be tips, ideas, pictures, and some recipes.

But the FOCUS = always on people.

Entertaining is not about impressing or out-doing one another. Throwing a party should always be about the guests and not about yourself as hostess.

I love how when we sit down for dinner, I often sink back in my chair, and relax. I love the conversation. It’s always good. And when our guests leave at the end of the party, there are definite mixed feelings of not wanting to say good-bye, as well as feelings of loving and appreciating them more because we got to know them in a more intimate way.

Yes, summer entertaining is all about the people.

30 Days to Summer Entertaining:

Day 1: Summer Entertaining is About the People
Day 2: When Perfect Robs You of Something Good
Day 3: Who To Invite to Dinner
Day 4: Planning the Menu for Outdoor Entertaining
Day 5: Setting the Table Using What You Have
Day 6: Using One Classic Water Glass
Day 7: Napkin Options for Summer Entertaining
Day 8: When You Feel Like Canceling the Party
Day 9: Leave Your Technology at the Front Door
Day 10: Candles That Enhance Good Conversation
Day 11: Serving Flavored Herb and Fruit Water
Day 12: Leafy Greens and a Tiny Bit of Agave
Day 13: Keeping Nut and Fruits and Cheeses on Hand for Easy Appetizers
Day 14: Move Your Table to a Different Space
Day 15: Greek Salad on a Stick and Getting the Kids Involved
Day 16: Three Lies of Perfectionism that Ruin Entertaining Moments
Day 17: Be Creative When You Run Out of Linens for Your Dinner Party
Day 18: Gather Around a Fire for Intimate Summer Entertaining
Day 19: Last Minute Father’s Day Invite and Pork Chops with Glazed Apricots
Day 20: Summer Entertaining GIVEAWAY from National Pork Board
Day 21: Create a Simple Appetizer Basket for Last-Minute Guests
Day 22: How to Change the Menu When Guests Cancel & Sweet Summer Salad
Day 23: Keeping the Conversation Strong with Summer Berry Crisp
Day 24: Music at a Summer Dinner Party
Day 25: Adding Dried Rosemary to your Barbecue
Day 26: Using Accent Dishes to Compliment Your Table Setting
Day 27: How To Barbecue Salmon on the Grill
Day 28: Summer Entertaining GIVEAWAY
Day 29: Keeping Kids Busy During a Summer Dinner Party
Day 30: The Night Ends with Affogato al Caffè