My entertaining style is definitely of the more laid-back variety. That’s probably why I, Lauren, like summer entertaining the best, as this time of year just lends SO naturally to gathering friends together over simple, fresh food. As we head into the warm months, I know I’ll be hosting as many casual get-togethers as possible on our patio. Who’s with me? So today I wanted to share a little outfit inspiration for your summer entertaining needs.
Between daydreaming about our next vacation (we’re thinking Greece & Turkey) and anxiously waiting to use a set of melamine plates (in brilliant shades of blue) that I snapped up a few weeks back for outdoor entertaining, I’ve being feeling completely inspired to host a Mediterranean-style al fresco dinner at our home. Add to that the fact that our current favorite dinner (as in, we’re eating it weekly) is to set out a feast of Mediterranean dishes like spiced chicken kabobs, apricot-mint couscous, homemade hummus, cucumber-tomato-feta salad and grilled flatbread, it seems only fitting that we take dinner for two and turn it into dinner for a crowd of friends, very soon.
Inspired by the Mediterranean theme of the food and a casual yet chic vibe, I paired some of my favorite summer staples—white jeans, comfortable espadrilles and a straw fedora—with a just-perfect top in my favorite color combination. I love how the top’s easy, breezy fit balances out the skinny leg of the jeans while also showing off your sun-kissed arms. The white stitching around the edges of this top also had me at hello—I’ve said it before, but I’m a total sucker for good details!
To me, this outfit balances seasonal style and comfort like no other…it’s a simple look I’ll definitely be wearing on repeat all season long. What are your summer fashion and entertaining staples?
Get the Look: Anthropologie Top | AG Jeans | Gaimo Espadrilles (bought in Spain, similar here) | Straw Fedora (similar) | Crate & Barrel Plates | Target Tumblers
I love these posts–she looks so adorable, and the food looks AMAZING! I want to have an outdoor dinner ASAP.
Right?!?! Each time Lauren does one of these I come closer and closer to booking a plane ticket to Madison WI to visit!
Clara, you’re welcome to visit any time!
Aww, you’re so sweet! Glad to hear you enjoy these posts – they’re a blast to create!
Love the colors in this post! That top looks so comfy and flow-y for summertime, and I love the little vases / votive holders with fresh herbs, so much easier than an elaborate centerpiece — a simple switch to tea lights when the sun goes down, and you can keep the party going!!
Thanks, Cassandra! I love that you picked up on the detail of the herbs tucked into votives — it’s my favorite new trick and an easy swap with tea lights come dusk. And yes, the top is uber comfy!
Beautiful! I’ve been coveting a wooden serving tray similar to yours
I would highly recommend a visit to Istanbul – it is my favorite international city that I’ve visited, and you can get your fill of hearty traditional Turkish foods – spiced chicken, beef, lamb, rice, hummus…yum!
Christina, my root wood serving tray is available at Target! A great, affordable find. And that’s so great to hear Istanbul is one of your favorite cities…we’re definitely planning to make a stop there!
Lauren, I’m in Cannes right now, at the Film Festival; it’s very intense and energy-sapping experience; so many trends and beautiful pieces to choose from. I’m reading Marie Clair, and I’m waring exactly this for the get-together this evening (it’s the surprise birthday party of my best friend):
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/36050/22/50-best-new-season-dresses-spring-summer-2013.html#index=24&uiSynced=true&slider=off
All the best!
Love the dress…that sounds like a heavenly experience – enjoy!
Lauren, thank you! I really enjoyed it. I love your pictures! What a sunny place you are living at!
what a cute post! love your top!
I love the have a dinner that is Mediterranean inspired!