Effortless Summer Hosting, Martha Stewart's Style
Get ready to elevate your summers with the Martha Girl movement! Say goodbye to the carefree, unpolished vibes of Brat Summer, and embrace a luxurious, homemade-but-stunning twist on outdoor entertaining. Imagine dappled light filtering through linen tablecloths, impeccable summer comestibles, and a purples wash of lavender growing nearby in the cutting garden.
Join the masses—scrolling through influencers showcasing their old copies of Martha Stewart Living magazines and hosting Martha-level dinner parties with beautifully set tables and handmade everything. 'Tis the season to lean into the joy of hosting, a sentiment that started way back with Martha herself.
To help you prepare for a summer soiree worthy of Martha's stamp of approval, we've tapped creative minds across social media for their modern takes on hosting. And how could we not turn to the queen herself for some timeless tips and inspiration? So sit down, break out your linen tablecloths, and get ready to immerse yourself in the perfect summer guide for creating a delightful and intentionally elegant garden party.
Martha's Timeless Tips
From her charming Bedford residence to the posh pool parties at her Skylands estate in Maine, Martha Knows Best has mastered the art of alfresco gatherings. Here are a few hints to help you channel your inner Martha this season:
- Start Small: Martha encourages hosting simple, intimate gatherings as a great way to test the waters and become comfortable with larger events.
- Focus on Quality: Invest in quality tableware, and repurpose items to create a unique, one-of-a-kind tablescape.
- Embrace Color: Add vibrant pops of color to your table through seasonal flowers, fruit-infused cocktails, and festive napkins.
- Light Up the Night: Incorporate twinkle lights, candles, and lanterns for a warm and inviting ambiance.
Outdoor Table Setting
A beautiful tablescape is the secret sauce to making alfresco dining even more enjoyable. Here's our favorite idea for a summer solstice tablescape:
- Adorn the table with twinkle lights, fresh fruits lining the runner, and thrifted vases filled with flowers and greenery from your yard.
- Tie dried lavender with ribbon around block-printed napkins.
- Combine antique china and linens, light colorful taper candles, and serve a selection of yummy summer dishes.
Menu Ideas
Now that you have the mood set, let's talk food. Here are nine mouthwatering summer menus guaranteed to wow your guests:
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Spiced Yogurt Sauce
- Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Fresh Corn and Crab Salad
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad
- Summer Peach Cobbler
- Key Lime Pie with Whipped Cream
- Fresh Berry Tartlets
- Strawberry Shortcake with Minted Whipped Cream
All that's left for you to do is grab your linen tablecloths, fire up the grill, and let the good times begin! With a little bit of Martha's magic and some creativity, you'll be hosting summer soirees that your friends and family will remember for years to come.
- Combine the luxurious, homemade-but-stunning twist on outdoor entertaining advocated by the Martha Girl movement with Martha Stewart's timeless tips for alfresco gatherings.
- As you prepare for a summer soiree worthy of Martha Stewart's stamp of approval, consider her advice to start small, focus on quality, embrace color, and light up the night.
- To create a delightful and intentionally elegant garden party, follow the secret sauce of alfresco dining by setting a beautiful tablescape, like the summer solstice tablescape idea.
- Impress your guests with Martha Stewart's menu ideas, such as grilled vegetable skewers, watermelon and feta salad, and fruit-infused cocktails.
- Join celebrity influencers and social media creatives in showcasing your take on Martha-level entertainment, blending pop-culture with fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and entertainment.
