A One-Stop Guide to Easy Summer Entertaining

Related To:

Easy Tabletop Ideas for Summer Parties

Beach Towels make great table clothes! Vintage anything is always fun, the plates used are vintage. Tupperware makes transporting food easy. For easy clean up plastic utencils are just the thing.

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012,Television Food Nerwork, G.P. All rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012,Television Food Nerwork, G.P. All rights Reserved

From afternoon pool parties to late nights spent gathered around the fire pit, summer's all about alfresco entertaining. But between planning the menu, deciding how much food to purchase for your guests and setting the table — not to mention cooking the food — seasonal bashes can quickly become overwhelming for the host. Thanks to Food Network's Grilling Central, however, and go-to entertaining resources like a party calculator, tabletop tips and crowd-pleasing recipes, you'll be guaranteed to pull off effortless and enjoyable soirees all summer long.

The key to easy entertaining is preparedness, and whether you're hosting a few relatives or the whole neighborhood, it's best to have plans for the days ahead of the bash and for the gathering itself. Once you've picked out your recipes, it's time to shop for them. How much food to buy depends on what you'll be serving. Check out this easy-to-follow party calculator to learn what to expect in terms of how your guests will approach the food and drinks.

Food Network Kitchen explains, "The more [food] options you have, the less you need of each." For main dishes, adults will likely eat anywhere from 6 to 8 ounces of protein, and with sides like pasta salad, you can plan on having enough to serve 1 cup per person. When it comes to summer sippers, "guests will consume 2 drinks in the first hour, and 1 drink every hour after that," according to Food Network Kitchen. It's best to have a mix of alcoholic beverages available to suit everyone's tastes.

Whatever kind of get-together you're hosting, you'll want the tablescape to match: either formal and sit-down-style or relaxed and buffet-based. The table at the top is bright and takes advantage of plastic utensils and plates.

Easy Tabletop Ideas for Summer Parties

For a buffet, offer pre-bundled silverware (pictured above), so guests can easily manage their plates in their hands.

Easy Tabletop Ideas for Summer Parties

Core Bamboo Plates

Photo by: Marshall Troy ©2012,Television Food Nerwork, G.P. All rights Reserved

Marshall Troy, 2012,Television Food Nerwork, G.P. All rights Reserved

Fresh herbs and soft-colored florals (pictured above) add a touch of elegance to a garden soiree.

Check out the Barbecue Party Calculator, and browse more tabletop ideas to get inspired before your next summer event.

Related Reading:

Next Up

Save the Seeds After Carving Your Pumpkin — Here's What to Do with Them

Learn three new ways to flavor this fall-favorite snack.

The Greatest Tools

The Kitchen hosts share new and innovative ways to use three classic kitchen tools—the cast-iron skillet, the fish spatula, and the rasp grater. Learn how to teach old tools new, exciting tricks!

How to Make a Cabbage Vase for Spring Table Decor

The perfect spring feast isn’t complete without the perfect table decor! The Kitchen shows you a fun and unique way to spruce up your table…with an item straight from the garden.

Slow Cooker Hacks

Your trusty slow cooker is brilliant for so much more than just soups and stews. Here are some favorite tricks from the crew at The Kitchen.

3 Ways to Use Frozen Ravioli

Learn The Kitchen co-hosts' three ideas for putting frozen ravioli to work.

Piece of Cake "Lazy Brunch" Party

New Year's Eve is a late night for many people, but that doesn't mean you can't entertain on New Year's Day. The Kitchen has a few super simple ideas that make for a fun brunch with minimal effort--you can sleep in and still be a great host!

Halloween: Party Food Crafts

Throw a scary-good Halloween party with these frightfully easy and delicious party food crafts that are sure to impress your guests!

What Not to Do: Party-Planning Edition

Hear from the co-hosts of The Kitchen to learn their top tips for what not to do the next time you entertain.

POLL: What's Your Favorite Way to Entertain for the Holidays?

From cocktail parties to cookie swaps, FN Dish wants to know your favorite way to entertain during the holidays.

Make Your Own Spa with Refreshing Frozen Towels

They'll keep guests cool at your next outdoor party.

On TV

Outchef'd

8am | 7c

Outchef'd

8:30am | 7:30c

Chopped

11am | 10c

Chopped

12pm | 11c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30pm | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30pm | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30pm | 2:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

4:30pm | 3:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

5:30pm | 4:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

6:30pm | 5:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

7:30pm | 6:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

8:30pm | 7:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

9:30pm | 8:30c
On Tonight
On Tonight

Beat Bobby Flay

10pm | 9c

Beat Bobby Flay

10:30pm | 9:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

11:30pm | 10:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

12:30am | 11:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

1:30am | 12:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

2:30am | 1:30c

Beat Bobby Flay

3:30am | 2:30c

What's New