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The Perfect Summer Hosting Essentials
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items Everything I reach for to host the most beautiful, relaxed summer gathering. From timeless table settings to the best cocktail mixes to easy entertaining essentials, these are items your guests will remember.
Sections
5
Set the Table
Decor & Centrepieces
Serve It Beautifully
Outdoor Hosting
Drinks & Spritzes
Set the Table
Everything I reach for to create a timeless summer table, from crisp white linens to soft coastal colours that work all season long.
A tablecloth I’ll use for years. I love the crisp white and ivory for a classic look, but it also comes in over 20 beautiful colours, including the prettiest ocean blue and butter yellow for summer hosting.
European Linen Tablecloth
The woven texture adds just enough warmth and dimension while keeping the table feeling relaxed and effortless.
Organic Airy Gauze Placemats
Soft linen napkins that instantly elevate any meal. The Blue Fog shade is one of my favourites for a subtle coastal touch.
European Linen Fringe Napkins (Set of 12)
Classic white dinner plates that work for everything from casual barbecues to more elevated dinner parties.
10.5" Pinched Edge Dinner Plate Sour Cream - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
I love layering these with the matching dinner plates to make the table feel a little more polished.
Set of 4 Pinched Edge Salad Plates Sour Cream - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Beautiful for sparkling water, cocktails, mocktails, or even dessert. They add an elegant touch without feeling too fancy.
12oz Coupe Glass Clear - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Simple, timeless wine glasses that look beautiful on the table and work for everything from weeknight dinners to celebrations.
JoyJolt Stemmed Layla White Wine Glasses
The perfect everyday glass. The ribbed texture makes them feel elevated while still being practical enough for daily use.
8.4oz Glass Ribbed Cassin Short Tumbler - Threshold™
Decor & Centrepieces
The little details that make a table feel warm, inviting, and thoughtfully put together.
I love scattering a few bud vases down the center of the table instead of one large arrangement. It feels effortless, lets everyone see each other across the table, and works beautifully with fresh flowers from the market.
Claire Clear Glass Bud Vase
Fresh hydrangeas instantly make a table feel full and elegant. The soft violet tones add just the right amount of colour without overpowering the rest of the tablescape.
Violet Dream Hydrangea Bouquet
You can never go wrong with crisp white hydrangeas. They’re timeless, work with every season, and always make a table feel fresh and elevated.
White Symphony Hydrangea Bouquet
One of my favourite ways to add colour to a summer table. The coastal blue shade pairs beautifully with white linens and gives everything a relaxed lakeside feel.
12ct Coastal Blue Unscented Dripless Handipt Taper Candle
Simple, timeless candle holders that add just enough height and warmth to the table without competing with the rest of the decor.
Set of 2 Braided Metal Taper Candle Holder
One of those little details that guests always notice. They’re functional, but they also look beautiful left out beside your candles.
Summer Matches, Set of 3
A linen runner is the easiest way to pull a table together. I love layering it over a neutral tablecloth or using it on its own for a more relaxed, understated look.
Linen Table Runner
Serve It Beautifully
My favourite pieces for serving everything from grazing boards to desserts, meant for slow summer evenings and shared tables.
A rustic statement piece that makes any grazing table feel instantly more elevated. I love this for bigger gatherings where the board itself becomes part of the decor.
cheese board charcuterie board wine night
A softer, more refined take on a classic serving board. The scalloped edge makes it feel a little more decorative while still being completely functional for cheese, fruit, or appetizers.
Scalloped Wood Cheeseboard
A coastal-inspired serving piece that feels perfect for summer hosting. Great for small bites, seafood spreads, or layered snack moments.
Wood Oyster Serving Board
The cutest way to serve dips, olives, or snacks. These add a subtle coastal detail that feels fun but still elevated.
Vintage seashell chip & dip bowls
Perfect for desserts, pastries, or even fruit. It instantly adds height to a table and makes simple food feel more special.
Meri Meri Small Cream Reusable Bamboo Cake Stand
A practical hosting staple for lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails. It keeps drinks self-serve while still looking styled on a table.
Drink Dispenser - Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
A timeless pitcher for water, sangria, or iced coffee. Simple, versatile, and something you’ll reach for constantly when hosting.
90 fl oz Glass Tall- Pitcher with Handle - Threshold™
A bold, statement-making wine cooler that doubles as decor. It adds personality to a table while keeping bottles perfectly chilled.
MacKenzie-Childs Check Wine Cooler
Outdoor Hosting
Everything I’d use to turn a backyard or patio into an easy, cozy summer evening space.
The fastest way to make any outdoor space feel warm and inviting. I love the soft glow of globe lights for summer dinners that run late into the evening.
20ct LED Outdoor Globe String Lights - Room Essentials™
An easy layer for when the sun goes down. Neutral, simple, and something guests always end up grabbing without thinking.
Lightweight Woven Throw Blanket Neutral - Threshold™
Softer and a little more elevated than your everyday throw. Perfect for draping over chairs or piling on outdoor seating.
Ana Cotton Gauze Woven Throw Blanket
Practical and aesthetic at the same time. It keeps bugs away while still feeling like part of the table or patio styling.
Citronella candle in concrete bowl
A must-have for background music that actually sounds good outdoors. Small enough to move around but powerful enough to set the tone for the whole night.
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker
A rolling hosting essential that makes serving drinks and snacks feel effortless. Perfect for moving between kitchen and patio without breaking the flow.
Outsunny Outdoor Bar Cart
The “keep everything cold and easy” piece. Ideal for drinks, ice, and anything you don’t want running back and forth for during a party.
Coleman 316 120qt Chest Cooler
Drinks & Spritzes
The final detail that turns a table into a night worth staying for, with easy pours, summer classics, and a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic favourites.
A simple, refreshing base for a summer drink. Perfect on its own for a non-alcoholic option or as a mixer with vodka or gin for something easy and crowd-pleasing.
Simply Lemonade with Strawberry Juice
A slightly more elevated twist on classic lemonade. I love serving this over ice with fresh fruit for a pretty, effortless drink option.
Simply Lemonade with Blueberry Juice
An easy way to make a classic summer cocktail feel bar-quality without the effort. Just add soda water or bourbon for a simple mint julep.
Woodford Reserve Mint Julep Cocktail Syrup - 16 fl oz Bottle
A great shortcut for hosting. Makes it easy to offer multiple margarita flavours without having to stock a full bar setup.
Craftmix 12 Pack Margarita Variety Cocktail / Mocktail Mixer
Light, easy, and perfect for outdoor hosting. A simple grab-and-serve option that fits right into a relaxed summer night.
High Noon Vodka Seltzer Beach Variety Pack
A slightly more elevated canned cocktail option with tequila-based flavours. Great for guests who want something easy but still fun.
High Noon Tequila Seltzer Fiesta
A summer staple for hosting. Familiar lemonade flavours with an adult twist, ideal for casual backyard gatherings.
Simply Spiked Lemonade Variety Pack
A classic, no-fuss beer option that works for almost any group. Especially good for BBQ-style hosting.
Corona Extra Lager Beer
The “special moment” bottle. Perfect for toasting, celebrations, or just making an ordinary summer evening feel a little more elevated.
Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne