Favorite New Essentials for Summer Entertaining

My husband and I went to a wine tasting last night--one of our outings to learn our new town.  I discovered a few great things during that date night...

1. When you live in a small-ish town everyone at one event (wine tasting) will ultimately show up at the next event (dinner).
2.  Every town has great shopping gems.
3.  I've been missing out on some great summer entertaining essentials.

I may have window shopped more than I tasted wines. Here are some of my new favorite entertaining goods.

Govino Shatterproof and Plastic Stemless Wine Glasses
These glasses look like real glass and feel great, not like cheap plastic cups. And they have a groove for your finger to comfortably rest in.  I've searched for decent plastic ware when entertaining outside and this is finally it.  Govino Wine Glass Flexible Recyclable Shatterproof (Set of 4)

Le Cadeaux Melamine Dinnerware

Much lighter than my usual stoneware and china, these plates are perfect for summer entertaining. Bright colors. Unbreakable. Perfect for carrying a plate from the kitchen to the patio.  4 Salad Plates Le Cadeaux Melamine Breakproof Verdura Pattern

Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking

This book is gorgeous. Recipes that scream yummy and beautiful photos.  Even if you don't cook just put this book out to make it look like you do, and enjoy pictures.  Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking

Entertain Outside without Mosquitoes

I love eating and entertaining in our backyard during the summer, but I absolutely hate mosquitoes and other warm weather pests.  To keep them away there's a few attractive tricks to keep your patio and deck clear of bugs, while also creating an inviting ambiance.

Two things mosquitoes dislike are citrus and citronella.   Fill a vase or a pitcher with sliced lemons for your table centerpiece.  Hang glass votive candle holders from trees or shepard hooks.  To keep the lemon theme going use yellow citronella  votives, like these I found on Amazon. Yellow Citronella Votive Candles, Set of 20  Tiki torches are also a great way to warm up your backyard and keep bugs away using citronella oil. 

From the yellow lemons to the yellow votives to the yellow flame of the torches your outdoor entertaining space will glow with warmth and the only guests will be those you invited.  Now all you need is an adorable yellow dress...I'm in love with this one from Anthropologie.