Guest Picks: Summer Dining Essentials
Enjoy Meals Outdoors this Season with Help from a Few Key Tabletop Pieces
There's really nothing like a summer party, especially if it's held outdoors under the stars. Over the years, I've found that a few items are indispensable to help get through those summer meals in style. With these basics in hand, you can easily transform an ordinary night into one to remember.
The only other things you need to add are a table for your good friends to gather around, a fire pit for cooler evenings and a few bottles of wine. — Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary
The only other things you need to add are a table for your good friends to gather around, a fire pit for cooler evenings and a few bottles of wine. — Brandi from Not Your Average Ordinary
by Sur La Table
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Grilled pizza is one of the easiest summer meals to make. Don't let anyone tell you that you need a pizza stone for the grill: You can throw that pizza right on there. But you'll need a peel to help flip it!
by Williams-Sonoma
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A pitcher like this one would be perfect to hold iced tea or some cool flavored water at an evening summer party.
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A simple bowl can carry so much for a summer party, from fruit salad to corn on the cob. I love how this one would really let the food take center stage.
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by Pottery Barn
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| This condiment set with sweet spoons will serve you well, whether you're throwing a Mexican fiesta or making ice cream sundaes. |
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Summer isn't really summer if you don't end a meal with a big scoop of ice cream or gelato. These wooden spoons would be so cute at a party — maybe with a little message on them?
by Bake It Pretty
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What kid's summer party would be complete without cute ice cream cups? And these arrive in an ice cream truck.
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I always tend to forget napkins at my parties, but they are essential — especially if you're barbecuing. This white napkin basket would look good on any table, especially with some brightly colored napkins.
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A glass dome keeps the bugs away, but this cheese board and dome are still stylish enough to grace the table of an outdoor party. And I really don't think a party is a party without good cheese.
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These bottles would be a great way to keep water or juice on the table without fear of spills. I can just imagine how sweet they'd look next to a platter of pancakes or french toast.
by Farmhouse Wares
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There's nothing better than walking away from a party with a jar of homemade jam in your hands. These would also look fantastic on your outdoor breakfast table.
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by Sur La Table
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| The best way to end a summer evening is with a big bonfire. And a bonfire isn't complete without some roasted marshmallows and s'mores. Skewers are, obviously, a necessity. |
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Summer days are measured in glasses of cool iced tea. I love that this tea ball gives you the freedom to experiment with new loose teas for those iced tea mixtures.
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Popsicles always help you cool down in the summer, and there's nothing better than the ones you make yourself (preferably from freshly-picked fruit).
by Sur La Table
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Waffles topped with berries and syrup on a weekend morning? That's the ideal start to a summer day.
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If I'm having a few people over on a cooler night, these would be my coffee mugs of choice.
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| With so much incredible fruit in season, I like to make lots of pastries over the summer. This would definitely help me get my sizing right — without resorting to a measuring tape. |
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A bit of a splurge, but any cake would really shine on this stand. And with so many summer birthdays in my life, this becomes an essential.
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| If a summer rainstorm should move your party indoors, this cheese board would be perfect for presentation and labeling of cheeses. And I personally love that it can be used year-round. |
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I love how these measuring cups could easily double as pretty table pieces for salsa, salt or other condiments.
by One Sydney Road
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These simple wood trays (which could easily double as plates) would really organize all my pizza ingredients and help me get them outdoors to the grill.
Next: More Tabletop Essentials
Next: More Tabletop Essentials
Comments
Danielle Love all of these things but really, spending $350 on a glass cake plate? Funny, it looks just like my $14 one!
22 months ago · Like
jerijohn Some really super items in your list. Can't wait to try one or two. Always something new and exciting in the kitchen. JJ
22 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on July 23, 2011.
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