If the summer heat is hitting some of its all-time highs, here are three easy DIY tutorials for awesome outdoor entertaining.
Because let’s face it, if you don’t have air conditioning (and sometimes even if you do) it’s better to be outside in the shade.
I realize there are people for whom planning even the smallest of BBQs is an art, but I am not one of them.
When I entertain – especially outdoors – I want it to be as simple as possible. I just don’t want to spend a lot of time heating up the kitchen in an effort to have the “perfect” dish.
Serving healthy, tasty dishes, however, is important and so is having some fun.
Awesome Outdoor Entertaining = Drinks, Salads, And Family Fun
Thirst Quenching, G-Rated Lemonade Variations
So first things first: let’s talk hydration.
Good old H20 is always a must, but nothing is more refreshing than some homemade, G-rated lemonade. The variations on this summer staple are numerous so you’re sure to find something to please everyone.
To get you started, here are some recipes for a strawberry or peach lemonade.
And just like you and your guests, the drinks will probably be sweating a little bit.
So why not make some easy DIY fabric coasters to keep your tables safe from drink rings?
Now, I recognize that not everyone will partake of the G-rated lemonades so for those allowed to imbibe, these DIY insulated drink koozies are just the thing to keep your beverage cold.
Not to mention, if you make each one from a different fabric, no need to have your guests mark their bottle or cup with a Sharpie!
Pick A Summer Salad
Now that are drinks covered, cold salads are next on the list.
Adding a grain of some sort is always a winner and while cous cous may have been all the rage many years ago, quinoa has moved its way to first place for a lot of people, myself included.
I typically add some cucumber, peas, edamame, and a little green onion, then lightly dress the salad with an olive oil-based vinaigrette.
Keep It Fun and Comfortable
Along with sustenance, it’s also good to have some fun activities for kids of all ages. The easiest things are some form of a ball to hit or kick, along with a couple frisbees.
Another way to keep the kids moving around is to have them chase bubbles throughout the yard.
If you make this easy DIY bubble refill station everyone can have fun blowing and following the bubbles as they float aimlessly through the air.
While the kids are running around, the adults will typically lounge in the shade, but not if the patio furniture is a mess.
So, this post about how to clean and maintain your patio furniture is a great reference to keep the furniture in tip top shape.
Just Play It Cool, Boy, Real Cool!
Summer is a great time to entertain because of longer daylight hours and families who aren’t tied to a school schedule.
The heat definitely goes to my head sometimes, though (as you can see from my Broadway tunes reference in the header).
And just like the disclaimers for animals on a movie set, I feel like I have to explain that because of the drought, no unnecessary water was used for the purpose of this post.
So when outdoor entertaining options cannot involve water balloons or super soakers, one must seek out alternatives. This is why I turn to lemonade for hydration, cool salads for sustenance, and bubbles to keep the boredom at bay.
Share The Goods
What are your favorite ways to keep it cool without in the Summer when using water isn’t an option?