There’s nothing like a summer party, particularly if it’s held outside under the stars. Over time, I have found that a few items are crucial to help get through those summer meals in style. With these basics in hand, you can easily change an ordinary night into one to remember.
The only other things that you will need to include are a table for your great friends to gather around, a fire pit for cooler evenings and a few bottles of wine. — Brandi from Your Average Ordinary
Sur La Table
Pizza Peel – $34
Grilled pizza is among the simplest summer meals to make. Do not let anyone tell you that you want a pizza stone for your grill: It is possible to throw that pizza directly on there. However, you’ll need a peel!
Williams-Sonoma
Williams-Sonoma Pitcher – $45
A pitcher such as this one would be perfect to hold iced tea or some trendy flavored water at an evening summer party.
Brook Farm General Store
Tourne Serving Bowl – $55
A simple bowl can carry a lot for a summer party, from berry salad to corn on the cob. I really like how this one would actually allow the food take centre stage.
Pottery Barn
Talavera Melamine Condiment Set – $32.50
This condiment set with sweet strands will serve you well, whether you are throwing a Mexican fiesta or making ice cream sundaes.
papercupdesign.com
Wooden Ice Cream Spoons – $7
Summer isn’t summer if you don’t end a meal with a huge scoop of ice cream or gelato. These wooden spoons would be so adorable at a party — maybe with a small message on these?
Bake It Pretty
Ice Cream Truck Party Cups – $12.50
What child’s summer party would be complete without adorable ice cream cups? And these arrive at an ice cream truck.
The Container Store
Brocade Napkin Basket – $7.99
I always tend to forget napkins at my parties, however, they’re essential — particularly if you’re barbecuing. This white napkin basket will look great on any table, especially with some brightly colored ribbons.
West Elm
Bamboo Cheese Board + Dome – $24
A glass dome keeps away the bugs, but this cheese board and dome are still stylish enough to grace the dining table of an outdoor party. And I don’t believe there is that a party a party without cheese that is great.
Sundance Catalog
Valencia Bottles, Set of 3 – $20
These bottles would be a great way to keep water or juice to the table without the fear of spills. I can only imagine how sweet they would seem alongside a platter of pancakes or french toast.
Farmhouse Wares
Glass Jam Pot with Fabric Cover – $12.95
There’s nothing better than walking away from a party with a jar of homemade jam in your hands. These will also look fantastic on your outdoor breakfast table.
Sur La Table
Marshmallow Skewers – $10
The best way to end a summer night is using a huge bonfire. And also a bonfire isn’t complete without some roasted marshmallows and s’mores. Skewers are, of course, a necessity.
Brook Farm General Store
Tea Ball – $3
Summer days are measured in glasses of cool brewed tea. I really like that this tea ball provides you the liberty to experiment with new loose teas for all those iced tea mixtures.
Brook Farm General Store
Popsicle Mold – $39.99
Popsicles always help you cool down in the summer, and there’s nothing better than the ones you make yourself (rather from freshly-picked fruit).
Sur La Table
Cuisinart Four Slice Belgian Waffle Maker – $49.95
Waffles topped with berries and syrup on a weekend? That’s the perfect start to a summer day.
Wisteria
Chalkboard Mugs – $39
If I am having a few people over on a cooler night, these would be my java mugs of selection.
Terrain
Pastry Board – $44
With so much amazing fruit season, I like to make lots of pastries on the summer. This would definitely help me get my sizing directly — without resorting to a measuring tape.
Terrain
Simon Pearce Hartland Cake Set – $395
A small splurge, however, any cake could shine on this rack. And with so many summer birthdays in my life, this becomes an essential.
Terrain
Slate Cheese Board – $40
If a summer rainstorm need to move your party inside, this cheese board will be perfect for demonstration and tagging of cheeses. And I love that it can be utilized year-round.
West Elm
Sea Measuring Cups – $19
I really like how these measuring cups can easily twice as pretty table bits such as salsa, salt or other condiments.
One Sydney Road
Square Acacia Tray – $38
These very simple wood trays (which can easily double as plates) would actually organize all of my pizza ingredients and allow me to get them outside to your grill.
Next: More Tabletop Basics