We are in the middle of the dog days of summer and it’s as hot as can be right now! When it comes to summer entertaining, the key is to keep things simple and casual, and if you have access to a pool, beach or lake, well, that’s all the better. Even a sprinkler works in a pinch!
While it might be nearly impossible to beat the heat, it’s still much more fun to enjoy the warm weather with friends. We love entertaining in the summertime, and here are a few of our favorite tips:
Keep it Simple
There’s nothing easier than hosting a potluck cookout. Provide the meat and ask friends to bring a dish to share.
Although we grill year-round in the south, summer is really the season for cooking out, and a bonus is that it keeps the kitchen cool! A few of our favorite recipes for the grill include this marinade for flank steak, these hamburgers, these fajitas, and these pork chops.
If you have a smoker, then you can also make perfect pizza. Here’s a fool-proof recipe that we use at our house. When we want to get fancy, we make this fig and prosciutto version.
Kebabs are always a hit, too, using fresh summer vegetables from the farmer’s market and a variety of meat cuts (here’s our easy recipe).
To truly simplify clean-up, consider using paper plates and napkins, or to minimize waste, I recommend these reusable plastic baskets with paper liners:
Keep it cool
In addition to keeping the heat outside by firing up the grill, make sure that your guests have plenty of shade if they’re going to be eating outdoors. If you don’t have a covered or screened porch with beautiful views of the water, a colorful market umbrella does the trick just as well.
Keep younger guests cool by keeping iced buckets of soda nearby…
…and cold adult beverages are always a hit!
Our favorite mojito recipe is a summer favorite and can be premixed in large batches.
Dessert can also lower the temperature by a few degrees if you choose to serve ice cream or frozen treats.
Keep it clean
When the party’s over, there are invariably spots and spills that need to be cleaned up, and we are brand loyal to Spot Shot Instant Carpet Stain Remover. There’s nothing better for removing food and drink stains on your carpets and area rugs–even the dreaded red wine spills! Amy and I have used Spot Shot for years, especially because it works so well on older stains that have had time to set.
Just spray, let the foam soak in, wait five minutes, and blot with a white cloth or towel. Repeat as needed until you’re thrilled with the results:
Entertaining is so much easier when clean up is a breeze!
To learn more about Spot Shot and get lots of great cleaning tips, visit the Stain Fighting Community on Facebook.
Spot Shot is available at Walmart stores nationwide. Click here to find a store near you, and don’t forget to grab your $1 off coupon here.
Happy entertaining, and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Christy! Thanks for the great ideas! Hope your moving in is going well!
Heidi
Thanks, Heidi! I think I’m done with my share of the moving (and painting, thank goodness!).
Great ideas for me to use for my last get together before school starts (Aug. 26).
Hope the move is going well.
School starts for us that same day, Rebecca! Enjoy these last weeks of summer.