Summer Entertaining Simplified: The Entertainment

Welcome back to my crash course in summer entertaining! Today’s topic is a fun one– how to keep your guests entertained throughout an outdoor summer soiree. When I think of summer entertainment I think of outdoor games like badminton, bocce ball, croquet, horseshoes… They’re all a lot of fun, but not everyone wants to be swinging a club or racquet in 95 degree weather! I like to provide my guests with a way to engage in some friendly competition from the comfort of their seat, without the risk of spilling their chilled beverage of course.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

You can find these little pegboard games at the dollar store. I grabbed a couple, along with some playing cards and a mini puzzle. Because I knew I wanted to have the games readily accessible on the table, I picked up some little linen and gold polka-dot sacks to tie them in with the rest of the décor. While at the craft store I also grabbed chalkboard sticker labels, a gold paint pen and a shiny bucket to hold it all together.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Playing cards and dice are both great because there are so many different games you can play with each of them. I couldn’t find plain loose dice so I decided to make my own to match the rest of the party.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Everything you need can be found at any craft store:

• Small wooden cubes
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Paint pen
• Small fabric gift sacks
• Adhesive labels

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Simply paint each cube with your acrylic, allow the paint to dry and add your dots with the paint pen.

Photo Credit: Janet Howard Studio

Remember that opposite sides will always add up to seven. That is, one and six should be opposite each other, as are two and five and three and four.

With just a little extra effort your guests will have entertainment at their fingertips and you will never have to worry about the party losing momentum!

We’ve covered decor and entertainment so far. Up next? Creative ways to beat summer’s most notorious party poopers — heat and bugs! You won’t want to miss my all-natural and beautiful alternatives to pest sprays and candles!

The Series

• Décor
• Entertainment
• Obstacles
• Centerpieces
• Panzanella Salad
• Peach & Arugula Salad with Crispy Bacon
• Grilled Chicken with Gremolata

For more tips from this series, visit Camp Makery.