Our August family homes issue calls for a post on family entertaining. And who better to fulfill that wish than our brand new blog columnist, Mona Thompson of Providence Ltd. Interior Design!? Mona, an interior designer who co-writes her blog with sister, Talena Ray, is famous for her Sunday Suppers segment. We’re excited to see what she’ll come up with here each month. Well-designed entertaining is her bread and butter!
Everybody loves it when you move the party outside…
We’ve been asked to help you plan an outdoor gathering that’s low key, casual and lot’s of fun…these are great ideas that will have you winding down summer and sliding into fall.
Friends and family aren’t  interested in fancy show-off meals…but do enjoy really yummy food. Just because it’s family doesn’t mean we skimp on details…you want everyone to feel special and have a lasting impression of a really good time!
The party begins at the front door. Candles are so easy and really say welcome! Use them everywhere…
You’re gonna be outside…Think simple, Think organic, Think Whimsey…
Things we’ll use…
Old canning or jam jars work well as casual vases. They can also be used to serve beverages, hold votives, utensils, etc. A case of Mason jars is only $12.99.
Still plenty of fresh herbs and blooms in the garden to choose from. This makes the table decorations not only inexpensive but easy. You can also pick up extra at the Farmers’ Market or local nursery if needed.
Love this herb filled trough centerpiece…how easy is that?
So simple and pretty…
Most of us have a vintage sugar mold…
We always pot up lots of herbs and flowers in different small containers in the spring. These can easily be moved indoors or out for entertaining all season long.
Blur the lines between indoors and out.
Think of your outdoor space as an indoor dining room. Bring indoor chairs out for a wonderful mix.
No paper plates for this party. Love to add texture.
Creative doesn’t have to be expensive. Love these rattan chargers from Walmart…Only $3 each.
Dish towels make really fun over sized napkins or place mats…
Love these blue and white stripe towels from Williams- Sonoma.
Or add a real touch of whimsey with a collected assortment from Anthropologie…
Keeping the food simple doesn’t have to mean your usual fare…choose make-ahead recipes and let everyone pitch in to keep things fun and casual…
 Kabobs are a family favorite and the kids love them too.
You can get really creative with the combinations…
Anti-pasta…
Caprese…
Fajita Kabob…
Shrimp and the fixin’s…
Fruit…
You’re only limited by your imagination with kabobs…they can be prepared in advance and then thrown on the grill if needed.
And because we’re keeping things simple…dessert is a variety of store bought ice creams…oh but the presentation…it’s soooo good.
So stir up some lemonade…
or maybe a little Thai Basil Sangria…
.
You can just throw it in a bucket…
…tend to a few more details…and invite some family and friends over for one last summer gathering…they will be soooo glad that you did.
It’s your turn. Let’s talk.
*Images via Pinterest
