August Musings: What I'm Loving for Beautiful Summer Entertaining
From timeless tabletop essentials to beautiful barware, these are the pieces I'm reaching for all summer long.
Photography by Hannah Schweiss Photography
August has always felt like the heart of entertaining season.
The evenings linger just a little longer, fresh flowers seem to find their way into every room, and gathering around the table feels effortless. Whether it's an impromptu dinner on the patio, cocktails with friends, or a slow Sunday lunch, this is the time of year I naturally reach for the pieces that make hosting feel beautiful without feeling complicated.
One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "Where did you find that?"
So each month I'll be sharing a curated collection of the pieces I'm genuinely loving and using in my own home. These aren't impulse purchases or passing trends. They're timeless finds that make everyday living feel a little more beautiful and every gathering a little more memorable.
If you're looking to refresh your entertaining collection this season, here are the pieces I'm loving this month.
Beautiful Serving Platters That Elevate Every Meal
A beautiful serving platter is one of the hardest-working pieces in your entertaining collection.
Whether you're serving grilled vegetables, roasted fish, fresh fruit, artisan breads, or desserts, presentation instantly transforms an everyday meal into something memorable.
I love collecting timeless pieces crafted from marble, ceramic, wood, and natural stone because they transition effortlessly from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties.
These are the serving pieces I reach for again and again.
Shop my favorite serving platters and entertaining pieces.
Elegant Glassware That Makes Every Drink Feel Special
There is something about beautiful glassware that encourages people to slow down.
Whether you're pouring sparkling water, serving a signature cocktail, or opening a favorite bottle of wine, the experience immediately feels more intentional.
I love mixing vintage-inspired glasses with modern silhouettes rather than buying matching sets. The collected look brings warmth, personality, and effortless sophistication to every table.
These are the glasses I find myself reaching for all year long.
Linen Tablecloths and Napkins I'll Use Forever
Studio Mcgee Linens
If I could recommend one entertaining investment, it would always be beautiful linen.
Linen instantly softens a table while creating a relaxed elegance that never feels overly formal. The natural texture and gentle wrinkles are exactly what make it feel inviting.
I love layering neutral tablecloths with dinner napkins and cocktail napkins in warm creams, olive greens, muted blues, and earthy terracotta. They transition beautifully from season to season and never go out of style.
These are the pieces you'll find yourself using for years.
Shop my favorite linen tablecloths, dinner napkins, and cocktail napkins.
The Small Details Guests Always Remember
The smallest details often leave the biggest impression.
Beautiful napkin rings.
Elegant wine coasters.
Place card holders.
European bass salt and pepper mills.
Thoughtfully chosen tabletop accessories.
These finishing touches quietly communicate care before your guests have even taken their first bite.
They're also some of my favorite hostess gifts because they're beautiful, useful, and timeless.
Shop my favorite tabletop accessories.
Decorative Vases That Deserve to Stay on Display
Fresh flowers have become one of my favorite everyday luxuries.
Even a handful of grocery store blooms feels elevated when placed inside a beautiful vase.
I'm consistently drawn to sculptural ceramics, hand-blown glass, natural stone, and timeless vessels that feel just as beautiful empty as they do filled with flowers.
The best vases become part of your home's story, changing with every season and every arrangement.
Shop my favorite decorative and floral vases.
Beautiful Barware That Makes Hosting Effortless
One of my favorite entertaining rituals begins before dinner is ever served.
Mixing a signature cocktail.
Opening a chilled bottle of wine.
Preparing fresh citrus.
Setting out beautiful glasses.
Lighting a candle.
A thoughtfully styled bar naturally invites conversation and helps guests settle into the evening.
These are the entertaining pieces I reach for every single time I host.
Shop my favorite cocktail shakers, ice buckets, decanters, bar tools, and entertaining accessories.
Mood Board
I've never believed beautiful living should be reserved for holidays or milestone celebrations.
The most meaningful gatherings usually happen on ordinary evenings around familiar faces, simple food, and genuine conversation.
Over the years, I've learned that creating a welcoming home isn't about owning more. It's about collecting timeless pieces that you'll genuinely love using over and over again.
When your home is thoughtfully prepared, entertaining becomes less stressful, more joyful, and far more meaningful.
I hope this month's favorites inspire you to invite someone over, light the candles, pour a beautiful drink, and create another memory around your table.
Because some of life's most memorable celebrations begin with a simple invitation.
P.S. Ready to host with more confidence? My Host Beautiful Dinner Parties: A Girlfriend's Guide to Hosting Without the Stress or the Guesswork is filled with practical hosting tips, planning checklists, table styling ideas, and simple strategies to help you create meaningful gatherings with ease. It's the perfect companion to these favorite finds and will help you celebrate beautifully all year long.
