If you haven’t tried Ecco Domani’s Pinot Grigio, it’s the perfect light-bodied, refreshing, drink-with-everything summer wine, so I really don’t need an additional excuse to buy it.  It’s crisp and subtly citrusy, with light floral notes—which means it’s ideal for the dishes we love to serve (and eat!) in summer.  But in addition to the delish wine this summer, they also spun out this stripey dream of a bottle with alice + olivia and—plot twist—it just became the adorable MVP of my summer tablescape as well.  

Summer hosting gameplans should be as effortless as possible.  Partly because summertime hangouts can happen out of nowhere, but also because…it’s summer.  You kind of just want to relax and enjoy, you know?  It’s too hot to get super fussy.  Whether this means dinner parties on your patio, last-minute catch-ups with friends over a picnic in the park, rooftop gatherings to celebrate things big and small—it’s all happening outside.  Seasonality plays a role in hosting during summertime in a way that it doesn’t in any other season so from surroundings to fresh recipes, it all has to be summer-ready.  Below, dive into my favorite tips for hosting every kind of warm-weather gathering on a patio, on a roof, or any other place (literally) under the sun.

1

Invest in Seasonless Serving Dishes

If you invest in the right serving bowls, platters, utensils, and glassware to have on hand, half the work is done for you.  I’ve shared my go-to list of the 9 essential serving pieces you should have on hand (here, if you missed it) and I’m telling you, these key pieces make even the simplest recipes pop (even those store-bought gems that came from a jar).  Think of your tabletop necessities as a chance to easily create a signature hosting look.  Are you a gold-tone flatware host?  Is imperfect pottery your thing?  Choose complementary pieces (even if you’re a nothing-matches kind of host), throw them in a cupboard and know that your future tables will basically set themselves, stress-free.

2

Keep Decor Simple and Easy

Summer is decor. During the holidays, your mind is focused on centerpieces, hanging garlands, creating atmosphere, etc. But summer really makes its own style, so you can keep decor easy, without your space feeling undone. Simple florals pull a table together with little more than fun paper straws and napkins, or sweet summer linens. If your table is missing a little something fun, bring in wine glass markers for a personal touch to your stylish outdoor soiree.

3

Prepare for the Elements

Summer is delightful, but not without her… charms. Certain things need to be on hand to make an evening outdoors comfortable, no matter what. To keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay, opt for citronella candles like these beauties (or these) which are disguised as cute tea lights. Tuck a few summer-weight blankets in a corner for an unexpected breeze (these are my absolute favorite), and make sure you’ve got a contingency plan for your stylish outdoor soiree in case of rain. 

4

Keep the Menu Simple

It’s hot outside!  Don’t forget to cook like it.  Avoid lots of dairy (which can spoil in the heat) and any recipes that will lose their deliciousness on a hot day.  Opt for my favorite watermelon, feta and tomato skewers (recipe here on Ecco Domani’s blog!), a salsa + guacamole situation for casual snacking, and veggies and hummus for cooling and satisfying crunchiness. (Is crunchiness a word? It is now.)  And as I mentioned above, a big-batch, seasonal drink like my favorite white peach sangria (recipe here!) is your key to keeping beverage options fun and effortless. 

As mentioned, I’m sharing two of my favorite simple summer recipes—watermelon, feta and tomato skewers PLUS the best-ever white peach sangria—over on Ecco Domani’s blog.  While you’re there, be sure to check out the amazing giveaway they’re hosting where one lucky winner will get an adorable picnic basket stuffed to the brim with everything you need for the perfect outdoor soiree!  Cheers!