I love to gather friends, family and neighbors together to see as the sun sinks to the horizon on warm summer nights. I enjoy the chaos of children running in and out of the house and yard, flashlight tag and conversations over the fire pit or barbecue. I’ve been noticing that when I have designated fun items at the beginning of summer, impromptu parties and entertaining are a breeze, and when they are shatterproof, all the better. I generally prepare a huge crate of some type and stock it with utensils, melamine plates, glassware, platters, napkins and the like. I would love to share a few items that can help you set a casual yet trendy outside entertaining area with just a bit of preparation, and no broken glass encouraged. — Sasha from Lemonade Makin’ Mama
Crate&Barrel
Jelli Green Flatware – $1.95
I love the cheerful apple green colour of this flatware set. And the glowing pop on the ends will keep them from getting tossed into the garbage by injury — not that that’s ever occurred before.
One Kings Lane
Ikat Dot Dinner Napkins, Navy
I love the playful ikat pattern on those cloth napkins. I feel like gatherings turn into instant parties.
Pottery Barn
Sea Glass Outdoor Drinkware – $28
Only looking at those shatterproof glasses makes me feel refreshed. They look just like sea glass, and also the best part is that they are dishwasher safe, which makes for fast cleanup when guests depart.
West Elm
Outdoor Steel Beverage Bucket – $29
This is one of my favourite entertaining pieces. It is really flexible, and I like to keep it onto a potting bench that I use when entertaining. I fill it with all types of items: drinks, ice cream in Mason jars, beach paraphernalia and picnic supplies. It retains a lot!
One Kings Lane
Nested Wooden Storage Boxes
To make prep work simpler as I gather equipment for casual entertaining, I keep a nice crate available to keep everything organized. All these are charming and rustic.
West Elm
Enamelware Dinnerware Set – $24
I’m a no-fuss kind of girl when it comes to entertaining. I have a tendency to enjoy straightforward food, simple decorations and lighthearted conversation. I locate this enamel dinnerware for a excellent choice because it pairs easily with all sorts of decoration and lets the food speak for itself.
Pottery Barn
Galvanized Metal 6-Pack Bottle Caddy – $29.50
To begin with, I love that this jar caddy would look great inside or out, all yearlong. Second, it is a fantastic item to have popped up with a few bottles of wine, some sparkling water and lemonade. Then, you can be assured that you have your drink options insured the next time that the occasion for spontaneous fun arises.
Crate&Barrel
Marimekko Pieni Unikko Turquoise Placemat – $26
My picnic table is plain white, so I am always trying to find a way to add some interesting pops of colour. The darker colours within this placemat design make it wonderful for messy children.
canvas
Blonde Cutting Board with Handle – $48
Every time I need to slit a lime or tomato, I find myself hunting for a cutting board. These come in several sizes, so a few little ones would be perfect additions to tuck in my outside entertaining crate.
Williams-Sonoma
La Med Melamine Salad Bowls – $59.95
I eat a lot of salad in the summer months and they are able to find a little repetitive over time. These brightly colored salad bowls won’t break and may even add a little excitement to another salad night.
One Kings Lane
Napkins, Black
I would likely save these elegant black and white napkins for special outside entertaining occasions, rather than hot dogs and s’mores. They would be perfect for book club night with a simple table setting and some white candles circulated.
Williams-Sonoma
DuraClear Margarita Glasses, Multicolored – $59.95
Speaking of publication club night — those shatterproof margarita glasses make the cut to get party-ready preparation. The best part is that everybody will be able to keep in mind the colour of their own glass and prevent misplacing their drinks!
Pottery Barn
Sea Glass Outdoor Salad Plates – $28
I have a small obsession with ocean glass hunting whenever I’m near the ocean. These fairly plates would be the colour of sea glass, and they’re unbreakable.
Williams-Sonoma
Nito Chip & Dip Tray – $49
Snacking guests are happy guests. I enjoy setting out nibbles while closing food preparations are occurring. This easy-clean chip and dip tray is a nice size for holding a number of appetizers.
West Elm
Outdoor Metal Rectangular Tray – $19
Some things can’t be prepared until the last moment, so I utilize a menu that is roomy to gather condiments along with other miscellaneous products. This way, I’ve got an easy way to transport them out.
Goal
Threshold Grillmaster Picnic Utensil and Napkin Holder Picnic Caddy, Red – $9.99
This melamine caddy is one of my favourite products. It appears sweetly vintage, and it is dishwasher safe.
FRONTGATE
Three-quart Pitcher – $34.50
I love the simplicity of this unbreakable pitcher. The best part, for me personally, is that it also has a lid — nobody enjoys fishing drunk flies out of their sangria.
Pottery Barn
Rope Melamine Serving Set – $18.50
I could buy a pair of those serving utensils in each colour. They look like porcelain but are really melamine and are so pretty with their subtle detailing.
IKEA
Omväxlande Tray – $11.99
I am always hunting for a platter to hand to the man behind the barbecue. The next time that happens, I will be prepared with this lightly hued metal tray.
Sugar and Spice Decor
Trimaran Stripe Denim/Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Pillow – $48
You can’t forget some cushy pillows for your relaxation of your guests because you amuse. Nowadays, it’s simple to discover outdoor fabrics that are anything but boring. A classic stripe is my first choice.
Next: DIY Project: Reinvented Party Table