Outdoor Dining Essentials

Who’s ready to host some backyard BBQs and neighborhood potlucks? Outdoor dining and entertaining is one of my favorite topics because there is just nothing more relaxing than spending time outdoors, cooking, and conversating over cocktails (and now mocktails) with friends and family!

Today, I’m sharing all the essentials you’ll need to enjoy the upcoming seasons outdoors. Read on to see my favorite citronella products, grilling tips, Summer side dishes, patio furniture finds, and so much MORE!

If you’re looking for ways to revamp your outdoor patio, I have tons of blog posts and resources for you. See our first patio project before and after here.

Last May, we moved into our new home build and couldn’t love it more! The high ceilings extend to our covered patio and it really feels like a true extension of our home. You can read more behind the scenes of how I decorated our covered patio on this blog post.

Outdoor Entertaining Must-Haves

As you get ready to host more outdoor gatherings this year, you’ll want to make sure you have the basics covered. For my Southern readers, you know what this means…

Make sure you’re covered in the pesky pests department! Here are a few of my favorite products to ward off any unwanted guests (flies, mosquitos, etc.)

Go All Natural: To keep mosquitos away from your outdoor entertaining spaces, try planting some of the best plants we know mosquitos hate. Basil, citronella, lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary are some of my favorite plants to ward off mosquitos.

These Buggers Travel: Make sure you have a few sprays on hand. This is my favorite smelling bug spray!

Do y’all think citronella candles work? I’m not sure they do. I’m going with the plant route and the spray solutions this year. Also, a good strong fan helps keep bugs away from you, your guests, and your food!

Spring and Summer Served: Best Summer Side Dishes

Before we dive into the main dishes, let’s talk side dishes because we all know these are the superstars of Spring and Summer cookouts. I love signing up to bring a side dish when we get together with friends and family. Most of my side dishes are light and healthy! Of course, I’ll indulge in the mac and cheese and banana puddings but I always like to make sure most of my plate is filled with vegetable-forward side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:

• Watermelon & Feta Salad
• Broccoli Crunch Salad
• Kale and Quinoa Salad with Avocado Dressing
• Deviled Eggs
• Heirloom Tomato Tarts
• Black Bean and Corn Dips
• Guacamole (Chipotle Copycat)

Grilling Recipes and Tips

The best time of year to grill is Spring and Summer! Hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, vegetables, and even some fruits are amazing to throw on the grill. I really love all the prep and action that goes into a day of grilling. I think it’s the most fun because it’s something my husband and I can do together! I typically take care of the marinades and seasonings, and I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you today!

• Universal Grilled Chicken Marinade 
• Grilled Veggie Tacos
• 3,2,1 Smoked Ribs on the Traeger
• Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for our Back-in-the-sack hot dogs OUT NOW!

Get your outdoor space ready. Shop our inspiration board below!

SHOP PATIO PICKS

1. Accent Barrel Chairs (set of 2)
2. Accent Arm Chairs (set of 2)
3. Conversation Set
4. Dining set for 4
5. Teak Lattice Sectional and Coffee table set
6. Large Seating Set 

1. Sectional with Firepit
2. Great priced gray wooden coffee table
3. Woven Teak Sectional + Coffee table
4. Modern settee (great for front/side porch)

• Floral geometric Ivory Garden Stool
• Z side table
• Gray Wicker Side Stool
• Boho side stool
• Cream Garden Stool
• Gray Round Concrete Stool

1. Wooden Dining Set for 6
2. Coastal Inspired Dining Set
3. Rope Chairs Dining Set
4. Classic Gray Wooden Dining Set

SHOP MORE PATIO FINDS