Ahhhh summer. Is there a more perfect time of year? The answer is no, there is not! The nights seem endless and there’s just so much more of life to live when it’s warm outside. While I admit I haven’t spent as many nights out on the deck over the past few years as I would have liked to with the craziness of life, it is one of my favorite things about the warm weather. I know there’s all these daunting, picture perfect tablescapes and dreamy backyards gracing our social media feeds this time of year, but I promise, you only need a few things when it comes to summer entertaining.
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The most important summer entertaining tip you can possibly abide by is to keep it simple! Here’s a few things to add to your get-together checklist:
A Crisp Rosé
Is it really even summer without sitting on the deck under twinkle lights sipping rosé? Recently, I was introduced to Cavit Rosé. It’s fresh and slightly sweet with notes of cherry, raspberry, watermelon, and strawberry, making is oh so perfect for those savory summer nights spent relaxing with family and friends. My favorite way to enjoy rosé, especially this time of year, is with a splash of sparkling water and garnished with a bit of fresh fruit! Keep an eye out because I’ll be sharing the specific details for this summer cocktail in an upcoming post.
Mochi Ice Cream
If you know anything about me, it’s probably that I love ice cream. So, I’m always looking for the coolest and latest ice cream trends, which is where My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream comes through. Mochi ice cream is a Japanese sweet rice dough wrapped around creamy delicious ice cream for the sweetest, melt-in-your-mouth summer treat. It’s almost impossible to eat just one because the contrasting textures and mouthwatering flavors will absolutely leave you wanting more. The double chocolate is definitely my favorite (but there’s 8 totally flavors to pick from in cast chocolate isn’t your thing)! Don’t eat it straight from the freezer though or it will be super cold on your teeth and you’ll set yourself up for a brain freeze! Let it sit for 2-3 minutes before putting it in your mouth to ensure you have the best mochi experience. Take this $1 off coupon with you and find My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream at a store near you. Click here for cash back with the Ibotta app!
Fruit Salad
No backyard get-together is complete without this summer staple! When Shaun and I went to hang out at my mom’s last weekend, I put together strawberries, mango, blackberries, and blueberries for our fruit salad. Apples, grapes, pineapples, and/or raspberries would also be a great addition to this mix. For a unique twist, try serving with a poppy seed dressing like this one.
A Bright Romper
Rompers are just the best! When you’re entertaining at home, or heading out for a summer night on a friend’s deck, you don’t want to look overdressed. Not only do rompers make it easy to get dressed, but they’re cute and casual all in one. I bought the fuchsia one I’m wearing a few years ago, but I found some similar ones here, here, and here. For more summer outfit essentials, click here.
Chic Citronella Candles
Decks need citronella candles, but let’s face it, most of the candles that keep the bugs away are more functional than visually pleasing. I found a few that are not just easy on the eyes, but they’ll actually add to your decor! These candles have a whimsical blue pattern on the tin jars, these ones come in colorful ceramics, and this one is in a beautiful swirled glass bowl.
Twinkle Lights
Nothing sets up deck ambiance like twinkle lights. No matter what shape your deck is in, pretty string lights will make it instantly look and feel cool and cozy. They add the perfect glow to the evening so that you don’t have to keep any big lights on (which also helps to keep the bugs away!). I’m obsessed with these globe lights in the photos that my mom has had literally forever, but I was able to find you similar strands here, here, here, and here. These mason jar string lights are also so cute. Always make sure that any strand lights you buy for the deck/patio are safe for outdoor use.
What are your summer entertaining must-haves? Share them with me in the comments below!
