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Poolside Entertaining: Summer Patio Ideas

Al Fresco· Backyard· Blue/Violet/Purple· Cocktails· Dinnerware· Entrees· Green/Yellow· Serveware· Style By Season· Summer· Tablescapes· Theme Parties

patio ideas
Easy, relaxed and casual – that’s how I like to entertain in the summer

Finally! Summer is here and we can entertain poolside and enjoy time with family and friends outdoors in our backyard! It gets pretty hot here in Arizona, but almost everyone has a pool to dive into and we do as much cooking and grilling outside as we can, which helps keep our indoor kitchens cool. Partnering with West Elm, I’m bringing you the best of their outdoor entertaining and summer patio ideas for your next pool party! Read on to see how to combine their durable melamine dinnerware, vacay-inspired decor and a seasonal salad recipe for a perfect, yet relaxed summer gathering.

patio ideas
Oranges, yellows and aquas are the color scheme for this pool party
summer party
Because my ramada is shaded, I can set this table ahead of time, even early in the morning, while it’s still cool out, so it’s ready for guests
summer party
I focused on pretty hues that reflect the refreshing pool and sunny summer days

The Table Linens

summer tablecloth
I’ve loved using different items for table covers, other than traditional linens lately – this is actually a picnic blanket that can also be a towel.
patio ideas
Patterned napkins in blue are given a bit of bling with these fabulous aqua coral napkin rings from one of my favorite luxury table designers, Kim Seybert. They’re definitely the jewelry for this poolside summer entertaining table!

Shop the table linens here:

Summer Poolside Entertaining Place Setting

place setting
Seagrass chargers with whimsical melamine plates mean that a dropped plate by the pool is no problem!
summer table
An overhead shot of my poolside table – relaxed, easy and non-breakable!

Shop the place setting here:

Decor & Centerpiece

rattan lanterns
Natural rattan and white bamboo lanterns emit a cozy candlelight to transform any poolside entertaining space into serene setting
patio ideas
What gives a beauty, summery feeling more than coral? I’m not sure, but that’s why I absolutely had to add these to my table. I used them on my bookshelf after as a decorative piece!
patio ideas
For florals, all I needed were two small vases of orange flowers for this table – the lanterns and coral filled the rest of the space

Shop the tabletop decor here:

Patio Ideas

patio ideas
Serving a meal under my ramada gives enough shade, but also allows us to keep an eye on kids who jump in and out of the pool all day!

Adding special decorative touches and accessories that are also functional makes using your outdoor dining space even easier.

patio ideas
Here’s a patio idea: lanterns! They’re a great way to add ambiance and lighting to your outdoor space. I love these white wicker one that evoke a warm summer vibe.
utensils
I used my favorite ocean-inspired vases to hold environmentally-friendly bamboo utensils – these can be passed down the table for everyone to grab their own, eliminating the need to set flatware for each place setting
outdoor pillows
My large end chairs always get a fresh set of pillows for the season, and these colorful ones are no exception. They remind me of a beach at sunset!

Shop the decor pieces here:

What to Serve

summer cocktail
Vodka Watermelon Lime Coolers might just be the best pool cocktail for those warm summer nights
drink caddy
More patio ideas: this acrylic tray and drink caddy add some color to the table and because they’re non-breakable, I don’t have to worry about dropping it!
drink caddy
A drink caddy makes it easy to carry multiple glasses at once – which means less trips back and forth!
summer salad
I like to keep my dishes light when serving outside – no one wants a heavy meal when it’s hot.

Click here to see the recipe for my Mexican Harvest Summer Salad.

patio ideas
Summer means salads – serving them in a pretty melamine bowl with wicker serving pieces makes it even better

Shop the tray, glassware and serveware here:

pool party
What could be more refreshing than a dip in the pool after a meal shared by friends??

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing how I entertain during the summer and this inspires some fresh patio ideas for poolside summer entertaining season!

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Comments

  1. Lori says

    It’s gorgeous as usually Lory!! I love the utensils in the vases and the lanterns are amazing!! It’s a table I’d love to hang out at!

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