With summer parties just around the corner, we've created this outdoor entertaining guide with ideas for everything you need to host your summer get-togethers. From outdoor rugs to tips on the making your hostessing duties easier, keep reading for our best outdoor entertaining pointers for summer.
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Invest in outdoor tableware like melamine dishes
Not only are outdoor dishes easier to carry inside and out, they're more durable, easier to clean, and can be used at outdoor parties, BBQs, and picnics, too. Ours are made from BPA-free melamine, and we stock them in a range of styles and colors. Try the Vietri line for a more neutral look, or the Laura Park line for a bold and colorful vibe.
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| Shop the Laura Park Brooks Avenue Melamine Dishes |
Use a tray to carry things from the kitchen
Make your life easier and invest in a few pretty trays to carry things in and out of your kitchen or butler's pantry - you'll have dishes, flatware, serving platters, and table linens to carry to set the table, plus all your food ingredients for the grill. It's a lot to fill up your arms with, and a tray makes it a lot easier - plus it makes cleanup a breeze when the party is over.
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| Shop the Madcap Cottage Bamboozled Tray |
Keep bugs at bay with all-natural mosquito and insect repellent
No one likes mosquitos, but who wants to sit on a beautiful patio and be doused by that toxic-smelling bug spray all night? We stock a line of all-natural, effective insect repellents, from sticks to incense to candles. Buy a few options and leave them out for your guests to rub on if they want, then light candles as another way to keep insects away.
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| Shop the all-natural mosquito repellent balm |
Splurge on nice napkins for dinner
Our rule for entertaining is that dinner napkins should always be cloth napkins. Cocktail napkins can be pretty paper ones, like our new sailboat ones for summer (but can be embroidered, like our Sferra Beachcomber ones, if you want to go really fancy).
This summer, we're loving this Blue Pheasant lobster napkins for dinner parties.
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| Shop the Blue Pheasant lobster napkins |
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| Shop the Sferra Beachcomber Napkins |
Don't forget a vase for the table
Your table should always have fresh flowers, whether it's from the garden, the farmer's market, or the grocery store (tip: Trader Joe's and Costco both have great flower sections in a pinch).
Another tip? A pretty water pitcher doubles as a vase if you can't find your favorite vase right before guests arrive.
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| Shop the Etu Home Colorblock Vase |
Use an outdoor rug and pillows for durability
Outdoor rugs and pillows are made from special fabrics and materials to prevent sun damage and water damage. They're also much more easily cleaned than regular rugs and pillows - some outdoor rugs can even be bleach-cleaned!
Shop our outdoor rug collection here to find one that fits your style.
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| Shop the Dash and Albert Herringbone Linen Rug here |
Shop More Inspiration
Check out all our indoor/outdoor lookbooks and shop them on our website! 
