Summer Entertaining

Quick Tips for Outdoor Decor and Cocktails

Summer entertaining is perfect for outdoor hosting, and we all need quick and easy ideas to make it effortless.

Today, I’m sharing how to put together an easy-cut flower arrangement in minutes, tips for creating a classic summer tablescape, and my favorite warm-weather cocktail perfect for a summer party.

Creating Effortless Cut Flower Arrangements

One of the joys of summer is bringing the bounty of your garden into your home or outdoor space. Start with a few antique pitchers and vases for an effortless summer tablescape.

This year, I planned my cut flower garden to ensure a constant supply of blooms. My garden is currently bursting with roses, purple coneflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and soon, dahlias.

A quick pro tip for cut flower arrangements is to choose varieties with long stems, making it easier to create beautiful, abundant arrangements.

Setting a Classic Summer Tablescape

When entertaining outdoors, I love to lay down a flax-colored linen runner as a base. Next, I use seagrass mats for their textural quality and stoneware plates that go with everything. For accents, I use my favorite glassware, vintage flatware, and red and white striped linen napkins.

The final touch is to add loose-cut flower arrangements down the center of the table, using varying tones in the vases for an effortless and beautiful look.

Mixing Up a Summer Cocktail: Limoncello Spritz

Let me teach you how to make a refreshing Limoncello Spritz to complete your summer entertaining setup. You’ll need:

• 2 oz Limoncello
• 3 oz Prosecco
• 1oz Club soda
• Ice
• Lemon slices and mint for garnish

Add ice to your glass to make a single serving, followed by 2 oz of Limoncello, 3 oz of Prosecco, and 1 oz of club soda. Stir well, then garnish with a lemon slice and a couple of mint sprigs.

Ready to Entertain

I hope you’re as excited as I am to host friends and family this summer. We’ve already had a couple of events and look forward to more beautiful alfresco meals.

Shop These Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

If you enjoyed this post, please let me know your favorite entertaining or decorating tip from today’s post in the comments. For more design inspiration, follow us on Instagram at @ashleychildershome, Pinterest, and our website ashleychildershome.com.

As always, thank you so much for reading, and remember, good design is for everyone. Create a home that inspires you, have fun decorating and entertaining outdoors this season, and fall in love with where you live, one space at a time.

XO, Ashley