Entertaining Essentials for Sweat-Free Summer Gatherings

Source: Camille Styles

Sometimes the best summer gatherings are the spontaneous ones. And even when it’s a scorcher outside, you can keep your cool during an impromptu hosting opportunity as long as you keep a supply of entertaining essentials. Here is a list we compiled of all the items you need to enjoy spontaneous and sweat-free entertaining this summer.

Unbreakable glassware: This one is a must if you plan to do most of your summer entertaining outdoors! Nothing can break up a good time like broken glass. Invest in some acrylic glassware.

A collection of containers: We love Interior Collective’s advice: “Keep a cache of containers on hand.” Simple and chic containers like mason jars and hurricane vases can hold everything from fruits and flowers to candles and even silverware to make serving and decorating easy.

Beverage butlers: Whether you’re entertaining alfresco or you’re escaping the summer sun indoors, make sure you have a handy tray, tub or beverage cart to chill and serve several drinks at a time.

Splashes of color: This may sound a bit broad, but the idea here is to remind you that pops of summery color can come from anywhere. Whether it’s a fun set of place mats and cloth napkins or flowers freshly cut from your own yard, a splash of seasonal color can set the perfect tone for a summer get-together.

Ambiance lighting: Stock up on tea lights, candles and some string lights or lanterns. Nothing sets a summer scene better than some flickering candles or twinkling lights.

Cheese, fruit and nuts: As Sandy reminds us in her guide, 30 Days of Summer Entertaining, you will always be prepared for an impromptu get-together when you keep your fridge and pantry stocked with cheese, fruit and nuts. They make for the perfect instant appetizer!

While we are famous for our gourmet cheese, fresh fruit and nuts here at Hickory Farms, our Italian Ice Cream Truffles are a summertime favorite, as well! So leave the dessert to us this summer, and serve up our special ice cream treats that come in 12 summer-inspired flavors from Apricot with White Chocolate Chips to Coconut with Almonds. To see the other flavors and to order your truffles today, visit our online store.

Swimsuit-Friendly Summer Recipes

Summer should be a time we look forward to, but even the phrase “swimsuit season” can sometimes make us feel a little less than excited. But we’ve got some ideas to help you stress less and get ready to really enjoy the summer fun in the sun. Here are some inspiring recipes to help you get ready to hit the pool or beach this summer!

As we all know, drinking more water is the simplest thing we can do to stay healthier. Self magazine proposes that just drinking one glass of water before each meal can “help you lose weight, improve your skin and feel more energetic.” It really is that easy! But if you want to make this step even easier (and more enjoyable) try making your own delicious and nutritious fruit-infused water creations!

Start with some of your favorite fruit combos like lemon, lime and orange or strawberry and kiwi. Then, try throwing in an herb or even a vegetable. Mint goes great with almost any fruit! The Free People blog recently shared these three recipes that feature ingredients like berries, cucumber, cilantro and dill. As Nutrition Stripped says about homemade flavored water, the only rule is to experiment and have fun!

Source: Nutrition Stripped

Keeping all-natural frozen fruit treats in your freezer can help you redefine your relationship with snacking to become best friends, not enemies! All you need are some fruits, juice, 5 oz disposable cups and craft sticks. These frozen fruit pops from Gina’s Skinny Recipes look as delicious as they are cute!

Source: Gina’s Skinny Recipes

As Health magazine says, “Dessert doesn’t have to erase a healthy meal!” Satisfy your sweet-tooth craving with dark chocolate-dipped fruit. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are a timeless classic, but try getting creative with chocolate-dipped bananas or chocolate-dipped pears. For added texture, sprinkle on some crushed nuts, too.

Source: Young, Broke & Hungry

What are your favorite healthy eating tips and tricks for beating the swimsuit-season blues? Share in a comment below!

For fabulous baskets and boxes of the freshest fruit and gourmet nut selections, browse the Hickory Farms online store.

3 Simple & Summery Table Settings

Summertime should be about easy living, even when you’re entertaining. So we sought out some of the simplest ways to dress up tables for summer. These tablescapes are like a breath of fresh air, and the best part is that they’re a breeze to recreate on your own at home!

Placing seashells around the table can transport guests to their favorite sandy shores, but we love this creative way to bring the beach home. Start with a fun tablecloth and colorful napkins, and then place a vintage postcard of a beach at each setting.

Source: Babble

Burlap is something all entertainers and DIY-ers should keep a supply of at home. Incredibly inexpensive and versatile, this natural fabric always comes in handy. Here, a burlap tablecloth is brightened with cheerful pops of yellow. When it comes to summer table settings, you can never go wrong with fruits and fresh flowers. We also like how the flowerpots are placed in bright blue gifts bags to add extra color.

Source: Alexandra Rowley via Country Living

With the right table, you can nix the tablecloth all together and go au natural! This simple table setting proves just how far flowers and one gorgeous piece of seasonal fruit can go. Now, picture a bright red chile or a beautiful purple eggplant. Any colorful seasonal veggie or herb can work just as well!

Source: Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens Hobick

Fashion designer Trina Turk told Elle Décor that when it comes to summer entertaining, she likes bringing indoor furniture outside and hanging light fixtures from trees. We love this idea; it opens the door to plenty of creativity! You can use store bought lanterns or even make your own out of decorated mason jars and twine.

Another great summer entertaining idea is to serve your food outdoors like a grab-and-go picnic. Nathan Turner, author and interior designer, mentioned to Architectural Digest that he likes “to place everything out like a minibuffet and let people build their own salads…It’s a perfect warm-weather lunch.”

How you serve up summer parties is up to you but we recommend using a little creativity and keeping it light and summery.

What are your favorite ways to set tables and serve up summer parties and gatherings?