Surprisingly Simple Summer Entertaining Tips

Lighting: String little lanterns or Christmas string lights on your artificial plants or across your china cabinet, over mirror in bathroom, anywhere you want some low lighting without the worry of open candles.  Also, simply changing a few light bulbs will create different moods, replace some white bulbs with peach or pink bulbs for a warm, sexy feel.  Try blue bulbs for a cool nightclub feeling space.

Flowers: Bigger the Better: You’ll need fewer when you select large, voluptuous buds.  A single Hydrangea or Peony in a vase container gives an impressive look to your table.

Beer/Sodas: Pick up some colorful large buckets at the Dollar Store, fill with ice and store drinks in them. Place two tubs at at either side or end of the room, people will mingle more as they go  back and forth to get drinks.

Specialty Signature  Drink  Offer just ONE: No need to buy tons of mixers and alcohol and play bartender all evening! Make one delicious and simple cocktail. Buy some Prosecco, it’s cheaper than Champagne, mix in cranberry juice,  squeeze a little lemon juice and serve from pretty pitcher.

Dessert: Keep it simple.  If you have a fire pit on your patio or deck, get your guests involved.  On a large tray, place graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars broken into squares, and long skewers and they can make smores.  Always a favorite and fun interaction with guests.  Don’t have a fire pit?  Just purchase  assorted cupcakes and simply display on beautifull tray or platter and watch them disappear.

Extra Seating: use the  large throw pillows you have,  even ones from your bed,  and spread them out around your living room floor or  around the coffee table or near the fireplace.  It’ll create a lounge-y exotic Moroccon feel, making everyone feel more relaxed.