Fire up the flavor: Whether you have a full outdoor kitchen, tricked-out grill or a smaller, portable one, cooking outdoors should be simple but still taste great. The best way to achieve this? When planning your menu, lean into the flavors of summer. Use fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables from the local farmers market to create a simple yet flavorful marinade for seafood or lean cuts of steak and pork. When it comes to grilling, the simpler the better. Or, if you’re more adventurous, hit the spice aisle at your local grocery store to create a unique dry rub for ribs or chicken or try your hand at cooking pizza on the grill. Make it an activity and have guests load up pre-made discs of dough with favorite toppings. Anything you can do to make things simple, flavorful and fun is key.
Build a better bar cart: Summer sips are often a bit lighter, so give your bar cart a makeover that fits the season. Think crisp white wines, summer-inspired beers, or grab a few different gins and garnishes and create a gin and tonic bar. Don’t forget the bubbles! Champagne, prosecco or cava are all festive choices that beg for delicious mix-ins that are full of summer flavor, like fresh raspberries, mint and lemon slices. Spritzes are also a perfect choice for summer sipping, as they can be enjoyed for the long haul while also cooling guests off on a hot day. Stock up on seltzer, infused simple syrups, fresh herbs and berries for easy and quick garnishes that also add flavor. Be sure to always have ice on hand. If you entertain often, invest in a portable ice machine so you’ll always be ready.
Set the table: We believe in treating your outdoor spaces just as special as we do our indoor ones, and that means dressing the table to the nines. Our Amalfi Stripe collection is a good example of a simple yet classic way to set the scene for a summer party. The blue-and-white stripes provide a neutral canvas to build upon. Add in colorful dinnerware, flatware and drinkware in punchy hues like fuschia, yellow and green to curate a festive table. Fresh blooms or herbs from your garden are a must and always add a touch of elegance, while also providing just a hint of fragrance. If you’ll be enjoying your guests well into the evening, be sure to arrange candles to provide a soft glow after sunset. Weary of bugs ruining the fun? Add citronella candles around your dining space to keep them at bay.
