Entertaining Ideas for the End-of-Summer Bash

As the lazy days of summer begin to come to an end, it’s time to plan for the end-of-summer bash. Here are a few of our favorite decorations and accessories for the occasion.

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Festive Lighting

Lanterns add character, ambiance and illumination to outdoor living spaces. These lanterns from Restoration Hardware can either be placed on a flat surface or hung from tree limbs or porch rafters. For safety reasons, consider choosing flameless candles for your lanterns. Just remember not to leave flameless candles where rain can get to them and destroy the electronics.

Keeping it Cool

This remote controlled oscillating fan provides both an attractive accent piece and additional comfort to summer outdoor living. Built-in lighting enhances the comfort for evening gatherings. The space-saving tower design and quiet motor allows for optimal placement near sitting areas. In addition to cooling things down, the air movement also helps keep bugs away from your party guests.

Now, That’s Hot!

Turn your outdoor space into a gourmet outdoor kitchen with this powerful, yet economical, brick oven. Available in either domed or pyramid styles in either bronze or silver vein, the mobile version of Belgard’s brick oven offers the flavor of wood-fired cooking with a small footprint and is available in classic wood-burning and hybrid wood/gas models. The movable cart allows you reposition your outdoor kitchen to suit your party’s needs.

Yummy Goodness

Nothing ensures the success of a party like simple and tasty appetizers. This cast iron cheese baking dish from Crate & Barrel allows you to bake brie and other cheeses on the grill, where they can be infused with smoke to add additional flavor. The heavy duty two-piece baker can also accommodate savory or sweet sauces to enhance the decadence.

Elegant Refreshments

What makes a party festive? Why festive drinks, of course. This teardrop shaped beverage dispenser with solid wood pine lid provides an elegant container for your party cocktails and brings distinguished formal beauty to your outdoor space. For ideas on how to fill this 2.5 gallon container with festive liquid refreshment, check out our crisp summer cocktail blog.

Eye-Catching Accessories

If you’re looking for a unique way to serve hors d’oeuvres or dinner rolls, then look no further. This playful ocean-themed Pottery Barn bowl attaches to any patio umbrella pole to provide a serving spot for either a bowl or loose rolls without taking up counter or table space.