Summer is here and that changes the hostess game entirely. No longer are you cooking up a storm of casseroles and soups inside, but finally you get to crack your kitchen window, leave your porch door wide open and *heres the best part* have you husband man the grill. There’s nothing better than a great hamburger or steak prepared at home by someone else! But, in true southern fashion– the work isn’t done for us gals. This leaves time and energy for the FUN stuff, in addition to cooking up all the sides to accompany your man’s grilled up main dish, I like to take this time to make my table a little more special. It doesn’t have to be anything wild– just a little table runner, some fresh blooms and a set table will do the trick.

Our back porch is one of the best parts about our house, I wanted to be super cozy all year round (see: fireplace)… but I think it’s super special in the summer *once Mosquito Joe stopped by and treated our yard*. Making memories with our friends and family in this little place really makes our house feel like a home. I love having people over all year round (and I’ll share this fall and winter how that looks different for each of those seasons) but in the summer we tend to gather outside and that means bringing the cozy + inviting atmosphere of our home out with us. Here are my tips + tricks for hosting this summer:

1.Go on and set your table ahead of time– I think this really sets the tone for your event. Whether its a causal cookout with a few friends or a baby shower for a crowd, a set table is an easy touch to take your party up a notch.

2.I love adding fresh florals– on the table AND around the house/porch! Flowers are such a pretty way of showing you went the extra mile for your guests. If you buy them at the right time of the year, this can also be an affordable options, too! It’s wise to invest in your vases, so when you pass by the peonies for $6.99 at Trader Joes, you know they’ll have a pretty little home.

3.I also love keeping the beverages I am serving guests on the table and easily accessible for them– it’s sometimes hard for a hostess to mingle, keep a party going and also make sure drinks are always filled… so, an easy fix for the beverages is keeping them out and part of the tablescape (it also doesn’t hurt to make sure they’re aesthetically pleasing).

4.Speaking of the tablescape, I love adding linens to pull the entire look together. This is where i usually convey the mood of the event– whether it’s a gingham tablecloth for a causal bbq, a crisp linen runner for a sunday night family dinner or dark & romantic cloth napkins for a dinner with friends. Anchor your linens with a centerpiece and/or florals down the length of the table and you’re set!

ENJOY! And feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you’re hosting– inside and outside– this summer!