Few Things are Better than Summer Nights
I don’t know about you guys, but we can hardly wait to celebrate the Fourth of July this week. We’ll be spending the majority of the holiday outdoors, just as we did last year with our lowcountry boil.
Here’s our red, white, and blue tablescape if you’re in need of a little inspiration.
Summer evenings outside though can be somewhat unpredictable. Summer showers, bugs, and dropped plates are a few of the hazards that one can encounter, even with the best laid plans. Here are a few the things we pack to avoid an unplanned surprise from spoiling our summer evening:
Sweaters and throws. It’s always a good idea to keep an extra throw blanket or a sweater or two in the back of your car during the summer. We’ve been known to spontaneously hit the driving range or go on a twilight walk. Having a few extra layers handy gives you a leg up without even having to think about it.
I live in layers practically all year round, but especially in the summer. The days are steamy, but things inevitably start to cool down at night. I always carry a sweater with me to our evenings in The Plains to toss on over a shift dress.
Acrylic glasses. Melamine and acrylic are materials made for summer nights outdoors. My friend, Genny, told me ages ago as I was pulling my wedding registry together that the one thing she wishes she’d registered for was melamine dinnerware. Friends, I am here to tell you she was right. We picked ours out and I’m so happy that we did. For the most part, porcelain plates and glassware are just too delicate to bring up to a rooftop or out on the lawn (unless you’re on a terrace or patio, of course).
We went with these acrylic wine glasses, which we use all the time. We also have this green set of melamine dinnerware and love it. Both of these have held up so well for the last three years. I highly recommend them!
Things that won’t wilt in dew or heat. There’s nothing sadder than a wilted dish. I’ve learned which dishes last outside and which ones don’t, often the hard way. You can always count on a pasta salad, veggie tray, and nuts to be the hardiest items on a picnic table. Opt for green beans dressed with pesto over a lettuce-based salad that will wilt with heat.
Flame-less candles. Keep things well-lit by interspersing a few flame-less candles or tealights. They’re the perfect way to keep your food – and friends – recognizable once the sun has set. If you’re in a place that allows flames, opt for citronella candles to keep the bugs away.
We picked up a few of these mesh food domes at Sur la Table for polo the other day and can’t wait to see how they work. They are under $5.00 on sale, friends. Stock up!
Summer Beverages. Summer is not the time for heavy drinks. Keep things light and carefree with rose, sparkling water infused with fruit, and light wines. One of our favorite things to do is pair champagne or prosecco with different liqueurs and a sprig of something fresh. For example, a glass of prosecco with a splash of St. Germain and a sprig of rosemary. Have fun mixing and matching. Mint leaves, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs are fabulous to have on-hand.
This post contains affiliate links, but all are tried and true Magnolia Stripes favorites.
