Entertaining
Good food, simple details,
memories made
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A More Relaxed Approach to Entertaining
Entertaining still takes effort, but a good plan makes all the difference.
I’ve linked a few of my favorite recipes below, and if you want the full patio version — drinks, appetizers, timing, and all — start with Happy Hour on the Patio.
Casual Patio Lunch
Citrus water with fresh mint
Chilled Prosecco
Seasonal fruit platter
A light lunch, one good main dish, something cold to drink, and Johnny B in charge of the patio. I call that teamwork.
Coffee or espresso
Candlelight outside
Soft background music
When the sun goes down and it’s time for dessert, coffee, and a little bit more time outside.
Dessert Night
Lanterns or candles on the patio
An evening of appetizers, something chilled to drink, and plenty of time to catch up.
Happy Hour on the Patio
More From the Kitchen
A few more favorites for the patio — plus plenty of salads, desserts, and drinks to explore.
My favorite summer salad. I could eat this 3 times a week. Four might be pushing it, but I’m willing to risk it.
This is one of my mom’s favorites. Fresh berries, a flaky crust, and exactly the kind of dessert I want on a summer table.
Tangy, cold, and very hard to argue with at brunch. For some reason adding tomato juice makes having a cocktail at 9:00 am perfectly acceptable.
Favorite Pieces for the Patio
A few pieces I use often for patio lunches, happy hour, and evenings outside.
I love lanterns on the patio. You can find them very reasonably at resale stores or thrift shops. If you insist, Amazon has plenty.
Linen napkins add texture and make even a casual table feel pulled together. I know, Johnny B doesn’t get it either but trust me on this one.
I use wood platters for everything from cheese and crackers to burgers off the grill. They carry easily, hold plenty, and look good enough to leave on the table.
Made for patios, poolside drinks, and outdoor dinners. They look like glass, but nobody has to hold their breath when one gets knocked over.
It’s always my goal to make entertaining look effortless, but the reality is that there’s a list, a timeline, and possibly even an Excel spreadsheet behind it — I’ve just become good at hiding the chaos under a nice tablecloth.
The Plan Behind the Pretty Table
These are a few of the tools that help me keep the details organized—and the chaos mostly out of sight.
Pantry & Spice Labels
Free, printable, and designed to make your shelves look polished—even if what I thought would take an afternoon turned into three trips to Staples, two redesigns, and a few do-overs.
AVAILABLE NOW
Hosting Guides & More
Game Day on the Patio
A free hosting guide with the menu, shopping list, prep timeline, setup checklist, and decorating ideas—all organized before kickoff.
AVAILABLE NOW
Love a night in?
These days, my favorite happy hour is on the patio — no reservation, no real shoes, and the drinks are exactly the way I like them.
If you would like more ideas for happy hour, join the flock. I’ll send you the latest from the nest.
Entertaining from the Blog
More ideas for patio evenings, menus, and having people over without overcomplicating it.
A Halloween dinner on the patio with smoky split pea soup, Bourbon & Broomsticks cocktails, pumpkin Bundt cake, and spooky sugar cookies. Use decorations you already own, add a little color, and invite your friends.