Easy Summer Entertaining on the Deck

Whether it’s for a party of two or up to six, I have some pretty but oh-so-easy ways to enjoy summer entertaining on the deck with your family and friends!

Since summer has officially arrived this past weekend, it’s totally time to invite the friends over and get outdoors. My favorite outdoor spot? I love summer entertaining on the deck! It’s the best place to spend lots of time eating (of course) and just hanging out.

And this year the deck got an update with some new items that we have already been loving! All these new additions make summer entertaining a breeze. Your guests will be so impressed! 🙂

Patio Dining Area

Let’s start with the dining area because we all know food is where it’s at! Our dining area is set up right as you walk out the patio door. We have been in need of a new table and chairs for awhile. So when I saw these on sale back in April, I snagged them!

The chairs are super comfortable by themselves. But when I spotted these striped reversible pillows, I knew they would be perfect for our outdoor set up!

I love how looking at the back of the chairs with the pillows inserted, you see a checkered pattern. Didn’t plan it but I’m liking the accidental look. 🙂

I also found a few new accessories for setting the table as well. One day strolling through Target (like you do 🙂 ) I spotted these striped dinner plates. And you know my love affair with stripes so – here they are!

We’ve been needing some new outdoor placemats as well so I thought these gray ones would look so good with the new striped plates. Love the texture that the rattan placemats add to the whole table setting.

Almost every uncovered outdoor deck needs some good sun cover. This gorgeous white and black umbrella I snagged on sale a month or so ago. It was on back order FOR. EVER. and I was worried it wouldn’t make it in time. But it did! It’s such a fun addition to the dining area – not to mention all the much needed shade it provides to this area as well.

Since getting this whole area set up – our little family of four has been eating out here almost every single night. And it makes this mommas heart so full! 🙂

DECK DINING TABLE SOURCES: Table | Chairs | Striped Pillows | Bench | Umbrella (Similar Here) | Rattan Ceramic Planters | Lanterns | Outdoor Flameless Timer Candles | Striped Plates | Gray Rattan Placemats | Mini Ceramic Citronella Candles |

ROOM FOR MORE

Last year we had a round metal dining table that only seated four people. And since my Mom and sister have moved to town – we are now more of a party of six.

So when I was looking for a new dining set, I was also looking for ways to expand our seating area without crowding the deck. Enter our new bench!

The bench is perfect for extra seating by the window when just lounging or for dining as well. We can simply slide it up to the table and instantly seat six! So nice and no more kiddie table. 🙂

TIME TO LOUNGE

The lounge area of our deck gets a ton of use in the summer months as well. Early morning coffee chats are the best when the lilacs are in bloom!

But even after the blooms have faded away, the late afternoon to evening hangouts here is one of my favorite ways to end a long summer day. Gin ‘n tonic in hand, feet on the coffee table. Life is good. 🙂

DECK LOUNGE AREA SOURCES: Reversible Rug | Bench (similar) | Side Chairs (similar) | Coffee Table (similar) | Black Ottomans (similar) | Light Gray Pillows | Reversible Striped Pillows |Charcoal Gray Patterned Pillows | Black Pot | Striped Pot | Oversized Black Planters | Large Citronella Candle | Lanterns | Flameless Timer Candles | Wall Planters |

Summer Entertaining Into the Evening Hours

No summer entertaining is complete without some fun lighting. String lights are amazing but if you have no way to hang them, lanterns with flameless candles can be super pretty too!

Just take a look at what I mean…

Hopefully now you have even more inspiration for summer entertaining on the deck at your house! Just a few tweaks made our backyard deck a much more livable place for entertaining. Now, who’s coming over? 🙂

MORE SUMMER ENTERTAINING AND DECORATING IDEAS

If you are looking for even more summer outdoor decorating ideas and tips, be sure to check out these posts as well:

• Summer Home Tour 2021 | Part I
• Easy Doormat Layering Guide for Summer
• DIY Summer Outdoor Tabletop Herb Garden
• Modern Summer Front Door Decorating Ideas
• Summer Porch Decor Ideas: Black and White
• Backyard Hammock Oasis Escape
• Updating the Backyard Deck
• How To Decorate Your Deck for Easy Outdoor Living

Speaking of summer outdoors, be sure to check out my friends creative outdoor ideas as well!

This week I’m joining some of my talented blogging friends for the Summer Seasonal Simplicity Series: Outdoor Spaces Tours! Be sure to check out all of the beautiful inspiration by visiting the links under the images below.

Sharing Tuesday…

Inspiration for Moms // She Gave it a Go // Grace in My Space // Deeply Southern Home

Life is a Party // Nina Hendrick // Happy Happy Nester // Craftberry Bush

Maison de Cinq // Hallstrom Home // House by Hoff // My Sweet Savannah

Sharing Wednesday….

The Happy Housie // Joanna Anastasia // Cassie Bustamante // The Tattered Pew

Life is Better At Home // Tatertots and Jello // Finding Silver Pennies // Lemon Thistle

A Pretty Life // Dans le Lakehouse // Clean & Scentsible // Willow Street Interiors