Summer Entertaining: What we’re eyeing, how we prep, and all the fun!
There’s something about summertime that makes entertaining feel easier, lighter, and honestly…more fun. The longer days, slower evenings, and casual moments with family and friends always inspire me to create spaces that feel welcoming without feeling overly styled.
This summer, I’m gravitating toward relaxed entertaining pieces that still feel elevated - woven textures, oversized serving bowls, soft striped linens, colored glassware, and cordless lamps that make outdoor evenings feel extra cozy. I love when a space feels thoughtful but still comfortable enough for pizza nights, lounge days, and kids running barefoot through the backyard.
When I’m hosting, I focus less on perfection and more on creating a feeling. I always prep the kitchen first because everyone somehow ends up gathered there anyway. I set out serving pieces ahead of time, light a candle, turn on lamps, and make sure the house feels warm and inviting before guests arrive.
And honestly? I try not to overcomplicate the food. Some of the best summer nights happen around simple meals, good music, and conversations that last way longer than expected.
As an interior designer, summer entertaining always reminds me that the most meaningful spaces in a home are the ones truly lived in - the kitchen table full of leftover snacks, the patio at sunset, or the family room full of tired kids after a long day outside.
Those are the moments that make a house feel like home.