When it’s too hot to cook, easy outdoor entertaining is the way to go! I’m sharing my tips for a no-cook dinner and a simple table setting that will make your guests feel relaxed and special.
My friends Annie and Cindy are joining us along with Julie from Life Of Bliss with links at the end of the post.
Eating Outside In Comfort
Obviously, it’s best to start your party later in the day when it’s hot outside. We have ceiling fans to move the air and citronella candles and a Dyna Insect Trap to combat mosquitos and flies.
A Tablecloth Instantly Makes Outdoor Entertaining Easy
I love to throw a tablecloth on an outside table for a quick festive look.
We bought this tablecloth on our recent trip to Lisbon, Portugal. Here is a similar checked one on sale at Serena & Lily.
Simple Ring Toss Game For Your Party
We’ve played this surprisingly fun and inexpensive ring toss game in bars in the Bahamas. Our son, Tommy found this on Amazon and installed it for us.
Hearty No-Cook Main Course Chicken Salad
This recipe from How Sweet Eats has so many tastes and textures with nuts, dates, corn, cheese, and marinated red onion (which is so nice to always have on hand in the fridge). It uses a rotisserie chicken so with the exception of the bacon, no cooking is involved.
Another super easy dessert that I learned about from my cousin, Janice is this Strawberry Shortcake using glazed vanilla bean scones from Trader Joe’s. You can make fresh whipped cream or use a good canned version. It’s delicious!
That’s how to easily entertain outdoors when it’s too hot to cook. Let’s see what my friends recommend from other parts of the country…
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Perfect as always!
So kind, Lori!
Mary Ann,
You have created a warm, inviting oasis in your back yard. I am sure that everyone that comes to visit feels welcome and well fed.
You have a lovely outdoor area. I especially like using a tablecloth. Why have I never thought of it? The menu looks delicious and I have added the Trader Joes scones to my shopping list.
Thank you, Rosemary!!
Hi Mary Ann,
What a beautiful back yard. You created a warm and welcoming space. The table setting is pretty, you always do something unique for the occasion.
I love to set the table, Katherine!
Mary Ann! I love seeing your pretty table and patio with the view of the pool! Your menu is perfect for august!!
Xx
Hi Mary Ann
Love your salad recipe! I am going to make it next week! Love your outdoor pool area. You have created quite an oasis!
We live in Arizona and are experiencing a very HOT summer. I am always looking for recipes where I don’t have to hear up the stove or grill, and these look wonderful the shortcake is brilliant. . Thank you!
I am sorry about the loss of your dear cousin Janice. Peace be with you and all her loved ones.
Thanks so much, Phyllis. I’m staying at her house and her presence is so missed.
Mary Ann, Love your table and the pretty tablecloth. I had those same chairs outdoors before! They are great.
I mostly do no cook meals when it’s hot. We do a lot of salads and last night made caprese sandwiches. I like the roast chickens that are available now so easy.
I am so sorry to hear about your dear cousin. Nothing like cousins… and time spent with them.
Sending you hugs,
Kim
Thanks so much, Kim. You are such a good cook and hostess.
Actually when I thought about it, it was more like 40 years ago that I saw the ring toss game in Antigua.
I had to laugh when I saw they are actually selling the old ring toss game for money. The first time I saw this was 20 years ago in Antigua. It was just a nail, a washer and a piece of string. LOL
HA! I know. But gathering the stuff takes time when you can have it all the next day with Amazon.