Summa summa summatime! As soon as the warm weather hits we try to eat outside as much as possible. Picnics, backyard dinners and pop up dinner parties, oh my! Last summer we ate outside a few times a week and I figured some tips that made it so eating outside was a cinch. I’ve partnered with Target to share some of them below…

1. Get a Regular Set Up! We got a table and chairs for a our back patio and all of a sudden we were eating outside several times a week. The easier you can make it the more likely you are to make it a routine. In this set up we used outdoor ottomans (find them here & here) as chairs for a casual get together.

2. Lighting! Every summer I set up cafe lights and keep them up while the weather is nice. I also keep a ton of candles and votives on hand for lots of mood lighting. Keep them fire-safe in a lantern or hurricane.

3. Keep a blanket, large cutting board and utensils in the car. We figured this out a few years ago. When we keep a blanket in the car with a cutting board all we have to do is stop in to a store and we can leave with the fixings for a really nice cheeseboard or spread for a group. Impromptu get togethers can happen at a moment’s notice.

4. Use tablecloths! Since the elements can make outdoor furniture a little dusty I usually do a quick wipe down and then throw on a fresh tablecloth or use butcher paper as a cover. It makes a big difference in making people feel comfortable.

Do you eat outside in the summer? I would love to hear what tips or tricks you use to get yourself eating outside more!

This post is brought to you by TargetStyle. Shop the new Home collection in stores and online.

Photography by Paul Ferney for Oh Happy Day
Styling by Alison Piepmeyer