This post is sponsored by Target. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Little known (or maybe widely known) secret…Target is my happy place. I have a Target within two miles of my house and that’s where I go to unwind if I need a break from my kids or if I am bored and need to get out of the house. During the summertime especially, I love the convenience of running into Target…sometimes it’s fun to spruce things up for a friend’s visit. Having a girlfriend over? Make the evening extra special by setting up a special area to relax in? Target makes it SUPER simple with their new outdoor dinnerware dining sets and tableware…check out what I did and my Outdoor Entertaining Tips!
Target has some gorgeous new plates out in a variety of patterns and colors! Since it’s summer and you’re outside…Tip #1: Don’t shy away from color!! Summer is the perfect time to go bold or go home with bright colors and bold linens! Since my front porch is mainly blue, I chose appetizer plates with regular sized dinner plates beneath them in complementing colors and patterns.
Tip #2: Mixing patterns and colors is IN! Make small details count for your guests. A fun colorful serving tray, a simple vase full of flowers, add stripey straws to your drink…or even make a custom drink creation for your guest. Mixing patterns draws the eye all over and will make your guest think you put WAY more effort into your get together than you likely did. Target makes it SUPER simple too with a wide variety of patterns and colors to choose from.
Tip #3: Add some whimsy. Add an unexpected element to your gathering to show your guest that you put a little extra thought into things! Target had a super cute banner in fun matching and coordinating patterns and colors…so I added it to the windows behind my front porch. It adds another pop of color to my setup and ties in the napkin colors, the plate colors, and some of the patterns. Not the banner type? Add some outdoor lights, put some lights on the inside of your outdoor umbrella, or add a patterned tablecloth or table runner–Target has a huge matching assortment to choose from too!
Tip #4: Add some fun elements to your setup. Target had some adorable “Summer Lovin” cups set out that aren’t breakable and are a fun little element to your set. Serve it with a pitcher of lemonade, iced tea, or go big with a homemade margarita on the patio!
Tip #5: Make your guest comfortable. I have a set of adirondack chairs for my guests to relax in, with pillows on their lower back and a fun little 5×7 outdoor rug below their feet. I brought indoors out with a few easy touches. Just because you’re sitting outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the luxuries of the indoors.
So there you have it…lots of tips and inspiration for getting ready for outdoor entertaining this summer and an easy setup idea after a quick trip to Target for under $100!
Links to products I used:
Serving Tray *not online*
Find your style @Targetstyle
