Embracing the Warmth: Melissa Gilbert's Guide to Outdoor Entertaining
As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, there's a palpable sense of excitement in the air. For me, the arrival of warmer weather means one thing: it's time to entertain outdoors.
There's something truly magical about gathering friends and family together under the open sky. The warmth of the sun on your skin, the gentle breeze rustling through the trees, the symphony of birdsong filling the air—it's a feast for the senses that simply can't be replicated indoors.
One of my favorite aspects of outdoor entertaining is the opportunity to connect with nature. Whether it's dining amidst a backdrop of blooming flowers or simply feeling the grass beneath your feet, being outdoors reminds us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
Of course, no outdoor gathering would be complete without delicious food to share. When it comes to entertaining al fresco, I have a few go-to favorites that never fail to impress.
Chicken Salad in Butter Lettuce Cups: To start the meal off on a fresh and elegant note, I love serving chicken salad in butter lettuce cups. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare—just mix shredded chicken with diced apples, grapes, celery, and a creamy dressing—but it's also a delightful finger food that requires no dishes.
Grilled Flatbread: There's something irresistible about the smoky flavor and crispy texture of grilled flatbread. It's SO incredibly easy to make, and finish —simply brush your flatbread dough with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite toppings (I love fresh tomatoes(, and grill until lightly charred. Trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser every time.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Chives: For a refreshing and light main course, you can't go wrong with grilled salmon. Simply season fresh fillets with lemon, chives, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender and flaky. The bright flavors of the lemon and chives perfectly complement the rich, buttery salmon.
Fresh Blueberry Cobbler: And for dessert, what could be more quintessentially summer than a fresh blueberry cobbler? Simply toss fresh blueberries with sugar and lemon juice, then top with a buttery biscuit topping. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—trust me, it's pure bliss in every bite.
As I prepare to host my next outdoor gathering, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. There's truly nothing quite like entertaining under the sun, surrounded by the people and flavors that make life so sweet. So here's to embracing the warmth, savoring the beauty of nature, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Cheers to the joys of outdoor entertaining!
10 comments
Thank you! Great recipes and content!! I love your chairs and table. Could you please share where they are from?
I’m so glad I found this blog! Everything- the food, clothes, decor, and especially the sentiment behind them, are so me. We could all use a bit of modern prairie these days. Thanks!
What a gorgeous feast for the senses and the season! Finding this site has been a balm for me, much like rewatching Little House has been for my husband and me! There is much to be said for slowing down and creating a cozy space for ourselves and our loved ones, it just soothes the soul!
<long time fan, but new blog follower…It all looks so refreshing colorful and delicious! I need a gal pal lunch get together!
This looks absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for the lovely inspiration and fabulous recipes.