Summer Entertaining Guide

Summer Parties, Simplified

Three game plans and table settings — one paper, one plastic, one permanent — for outdoor entertaining that’s high on style but low on stress

Summer Parties, Simplified
Deborah Jaffe
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Barbecue Party
The Supplies
Paper place mats with yellow stripes and place cards with yellow polka dots.
To Buy: Place mats, $14 for 25; place cards $7 for 10: www.carrotandstickpress.com

Yellow Sunshine nine-ounce paper cups (in 19 colors, so you’re sure to find a match for any table).
To Buy: $2.50 for 24: www.partycity.com

Paper Partyware scalloped Italian dinnerware.
To Buy: Dinner plates, $7 for 10; dessert plates, $6.50 for 10; round bowls, $9 for two: www.naregint.com

Isabelle Party Watercolor Floral Collection by Meadow.
To Buy: Plates, $3 for eight; napkins, $3 for 16: Target, 800-800-8800 for stores.

Red, orange, and yellow plastic-lined cardboard Blumeboxes.
To Buy: Six inches tall, $20 for five; and 10 inches, $22 for five: www.plumparty.com

The Upgrades
Let guests cool off by tapping into their inner Scarlett with paper-and-bamboo fans.
To Buy: $1 to $2.50 each, www.pearlriver.com.

Keep kids happily occupied with Doodles: A Really Giant Coloring and Doodling Book.
To Buy: $19, www.anthropologie.com.

Personalized recipe cards let guests take your secrets home with them.
To Buy: $45 for 25, www.designhergal.com.


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