Welcome, my friend Sandy Coughlin!
Early summer feels like the best time for gardening — the days are fresher, the air is cooler, and everything seems new and full of possibility. Later in the season the heat ramps up, weeds take over, and the work can feel tiring. Right now, though, is a perfect moment to start planning outdoor entertaining and to involve the whole family in the preparations.
When we know we’ll be hosting, we try to get everyone in the family to help. Shared effort not only lightens the load, it teaches responsibility and creates memories. A few practical tips that work well:
- Make a short list the day before with the chores you want the kids to do.
- Give a clear time frame for when tasks should be finished.
- Demonstrate how to do unfamiliar tasks so they feel confident.
- Accept that the result may not be perfect and focus on the experience.
- Keep the mood light and talk about the rewards of working together.
- After the event, reflect as a family about what went well and what could be improved.
One simple, fun example is letting the kids make the centerpiece.
Let them choose a low vase and fill it with water.
Have them snip flowers to the same length — daisies are perfect right now —
and arrange them on the table. They’ll be proud to see their creation at the dinner and it becomes a meaningful part of hosting.
Teaching children about hospitality is a gift: they learn attention to detail, teamwork, and the joy of welcoming others. It’s about passion and purpose, and a reminder that summer entertaining and yard work are family activities — it truly takes everyone to get things ready!
Note from Melissa: Isn’t that sweet centerpiece idea delightful? Sandy has a new book coming out filled with simple, inspiring ideas like this. I’m thrilled for her and honored to endorse the book. For those who want a preview of the type of inspiration inside, this post is a great example.
Reluctant Entertainer, The: Every Woman’s Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality
Do you plan to entertain outside this summer?
How do you involve your kids in entertaining?
PS: I almost forgot — there’s still time to enter the amazing pillow giveaway I mentioned. If you haven’t entered yet, you have one more day; I’ll close entries Wednesday night.