Endless Summer Nights- Sunday Morning Coffee

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Happy Summer! I am enjoying the endless summer nights in a way like never before. Dining on the back porch or by the pool has become a regular occurrence at our home. And I am loving it.

Dinner with Lights by the Pool
Volume 26

Thanks for joining me for Sunday morning coffee. Today I am sharing my weekly thoughts about entertaining, decor, crafts, and recipes, and ways to enjoy endless summer nights.

A Little Bit About Me

Summer Fun Dining Outdoors

If you are looking for me this summer, you might want to check in our backyard. Apparently, I have decided that I am going to entertain outdoors almost every night this summer.

One of the advantages of living in Southern California is that the endless summer nights are incredible. We don’t have a lot of bugs and the evenings cool down. I love that it doesn’t get dark until 8:30 and our new outdoor lighting from AQ Lighting is just incredible. (We installed it ourselves, by the way!)

How to Design Landscape Lighting 2

Endless Summer Nights Entertaining Tips

To me, the most important thing about entertaining is that it is inexpensive and simple to do. I never order flowers from a florist, as I arrange my own (often using grocery store flowers.) I always try to use items I already own and I always shop flea markets for things I can use to entertain.

My goal for every party is to create an awesome setting that makes every guest feel special. 

4th of July Patriotic Table Ideas and DIY

One of the most interesting things about a party is the location. In fact, if you find an amazing location, you don’t need any decor. Just flowers and a fun table setting.

In case you are thinking that you don’t have any new places to entertain, walk around your yard and look for new areas to set a table.

I wouldn’t be surprised if you found two or three places that you had never considered before.

I created this dining space last summer and I am about ready to host a dinner here again!

I love setting outdoor tables because they are so easy to do. With all of the beauty around you, just grab some flowers and a few non-traditional items for your table. Don’t grab a vase for your flowers, look for an unusual container, pitcher or jar instead. I used vintage jars for my flowers on this table.

Al Fresco Dining by the Pool

When I set this table I grabbed some fun vintage items for my table. I found my aqua seltzer bottles, a vintage battery jar for my flowers, and some old jars with my sea glass collections.

These non-traditional vintage items added so much to this table. Just think outside of the box!

Outdoor Dining and Summer Colors

My Favorite Summer Table Amazon Finds

Today I thought it might be fun if I share some fun items to help you create endless summer nights in your backyard!

If you would like to help me out, you can use my Amazon link or shop any of the items below. (You can also find my Amazon link in my Instagram highlights and in every blog post.) I make a small commission on your purchases but using my link does not cost you a penny! Thank you again for using my link to shop on Amazon.

Outdoor Dining Furniture

We have three different areas in our backyard for outdoor dining. It’s taken many years for me to get it right, but I love that we can dine on our patio, poolside, or under the large tree in our yard. Having more than one area to dine in your backyard is just so much fun.

Outdoor Dining Accessories

I love having lots of dining accessories to use when we are entertaining family and friends. I love lanterns and vases and candlesticks can add so much to your table too.

Outdoor Tableware Items

I love having melamine plates and plastic glasses for outdoor dining. But don’t hesitate to bring out your china and silver too! Occasionally I have been known to even mix the two. I know you aren’t surprised!

My Favorite Summer Dining Target Finds

I love these items for outdoor dining. Did I mention the plastic glasses are $2 each?

My Favorite Summer Entertaining Pottery Barn Finds

I am obsessed with the Marrakesh Melamine dinnerware. It is incredible!

Reflections on the Week

Last week was so much fun! I love everything I shared last week!

Which was your favorite?

My Favorite Beverage Recipes for Summer Entertaining

In the Backyard

My friend Janine at Happy Happy Nester shared this recipe for Fruity Sangria for a Summer Party. shared how to make a faux roman shade. I can’t wait to give it a try! Check out her recipe here.

Cocktails in Summer Colors

I made these Refreshing Cocktails in Summer Colors. They are just so delicious!

Good Things From Martha – Five Creative Ways to Keep Your Guests Cool at a Summer Party

Martha shared this article about ways to keep your guests cool at a summer party. I think this might be helpful to many of you!

What’s Ahead for The Week

Dining Room Summer Decor

I am heading to Atlanta next week to attend the Haven Conference. I am really excited to see so many friends, new vases, and all of the brands participating in the Conference.

Because I will be gone, I am rushing to get all of my blog posts done in advance. I will be sharing my summer home tour and you will see the newly styled living room, kitchen, and dining room. I am also sharing a backyard BBQ, some fun lighting ideas, and some Amazon Must Haves.

I am presenting at the Haven conference twice and my topic is Instagram! I am sure you aren’t surprised and I cannot wait. I am very excited about my presentation. It is a lot of new information and it is very interactive. If you are attending Haven, then please join me!

I am excited for next week at My 100 Year Old Home. I hope you are too!

Catch up on Sunday Morning Coffee

Shop My Home

Pin the image below to your entertaining boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!

July Sunday Morning Coffee

For more real-time updates, follow me on Instagram @My100YearOldHome

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5 Comments

  1. I love all your ideas…& really do love the outdoor dining ideas! However, how do you deal with mosquitos & such? Maybe they arent bad where you live….but it would ruin any attempt at this where Im at. Id love ideas to thwart them! Love your blog!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Brenda! They aren’t bad here in Southern California! We mainly just try citronella candles and bug spray if they ever come out, and that seems to do the trick!

      Reply

  2. I love the melamine too but am afraid to purchase because of the cutlery damage that happens. Have you found a way to avoid that issue?

    Reply

    1. I avoid serving something that requires serrated knives! And just make sure the food is not piping hot! I would suggest serving lighter foods on those!

      Reply

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