Down here in Texas, it gets HOT during the summer! On the nice days, we spend every second we can outside, but when it’s 90+ degrees we tend to bring the party inside. If I could have my way, I’d eat every dinner under the twinkling string lights on my patio! But when entertaining a large group, I always want everyone to be comfortable, which is why I typically opt for an indoor (outdoor themed) dinner party!.Today I’m teaming up with Rueda Verdejo wines to share my five tips on how to host a summer dinner party indoors!
1. Serve Guests a Cool Glass of Wine
Cool as in cold & cool as in “of the moment.” 😉 We always start pouring glasses for guests just as they arrive to get the party started. A chilled glass of white wine is the perfect antidote to Houston’s heat! Verdejo from the Spanish region of Rueda is a deliciously refreshing white wine that can be paired with just about anything. (I’ve paired it with both white fish & tacos … both of which were scrumptious!) I suggest trying the Shaya Verdejo! It’s a great wine for those who love Sauvignon Blanc or Pino Grigio. Wines from Rueda are available at local liquor stores such as Spec’s Wines, Spirits and Finer Foods and also wine.com. (Currently 10% off with the code Rueda!)
2. Fresh Blooms are a Must
What better way to bring the outdoors in than with fresh flowers? For a budget-friendly arrangement, I like to go with baby’s breath. Bushels are typically only $4 or so at your local florist or grocery. I like to divide four of them up into 7-8 vases of varying size & shape for a large arrangement that makes a statement.
3. Bring Your Outdoor Serving Pieces Indoors
I love the idea of decorating your tablescape as you would if you were still hosting outside. Shatter-resistant melamine plates are great for large group gatherings. Most come in vibrant prints and colors too. I love that my plates are more on the neutral side and kind of resemble rustic cream pottery. At first glance, you can hardly tell they aren’t! I also included acrylic wine glasses too. I bet you’d never guess these weren’t made of glass!
4. Spruce up each Table Setting with Fruit & Florals
It’s super simple to create your own stunning table setting, like those we’ve all seen on Pinterest, with fresh fruit & florals. Be sure to pick a seasonal fruit and one that’s not messy. Lemons are so summery and I love how the yellow color pops with everything else on the table. So it looks like it’s part of the decor (and not your meal) layer the fruit over a fresh sprig of floral, both atop the napkin. This way your plate is still fresh for dinner.
5. Have Fun with it!
Last but not least, have fun with it and ditch the stress. Your friends are there to be with you, have great conversation, to drink wine & eat free food! They won’t notice at all if the meat is a little dry or the casserole isn’t even. Once dinner is over, I like to let the party linger by stepping outdoors (hey, it should have cooled down by now) and sipping on wine underneath the stars. I’m sure your guests would enjoy that too!
You guys may recognize my dining room for this post + this post. And also be wondering, who’s dining room is that!? I had such a fun opportunity to shoot this project with Rueda Verdejo wines at On Point Custom Homes in Houston last week! I mean, just look at the fabulous natural lighting in that townhouse! As soon as I came home from the shoot, I set my table just as it’s pictured above. Now I’m like … Patrick, let’s host a dinner party stat!
—
xo, alice
—
photos by Lauren Rathbun
—
*Big thank you to Rueda Verdejo for sponsoring this post & for sending some delicious vino to try! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks to you for supporting the brands that make Lone Star Looking Glass possible.
