Last days of summer simple bbq ideas
Here in California, we’re lucky to enjoy a long-lasting summer (let’s be honest, we’re lucky to enjoy great weather all year long!). Warm days extend well into September so we relish them and the cooling nights.
We use our yard whenever we can to host friends and family for intimate get-togethers. These are some of my favorite times!
For a simple, yet elegant gathering, I added some linen napkins to the outdoor tablescape. These (along with the outdoor melamine plates) are from Crate & Barrel, and I love the mix and match pattern that can be used for any occasion.
We have tons of blooms in our garden which make for beautiful and affordable centerpieces. With more than 30 rose bushes, I'm often cutting these and finding use for them around the house. I typically opt for white since it goes with everything, but you could easily mix in a yellow, orange, or pink variety for a pop of color. Make use of whatever flowers or greens you have on hand (lemons and limes work great too)!
We also have a mature Meyer lemon tree in the garden, and I was determined to make use of it. In full disclosure, I’m not an avid chef but I do love trying new cocktail recipes - especially those that are seasonal. For this gathering, we made Meyer lemon fizzies that were a total hit!
Hosting tip
I always buy wide-mouth mason jars (which typically come in bulk) for multiple uses (i.e. straw/silverware holder, vase, cocktails).
