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Are you the party host or hostess that loves to have all the entertaining essentials on hand? Do you think it’s fun to have certain items on hand just for a summer or holiday party? I am that girl! I LOVE pulling out special holiday decorations and platters that are specific to certain holidays. In this post, I will share with you some of my all-time summer entertaining essentials.

What’s so lovely about summer parties is the fact that three of them, Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day are all celebrated with the same red, white and blue colors of the United States flag. Because of that fact, we all get three opportunities to use the same items repeatedly each summer. I love that as it helps me justify always picking up another cute decoration, platter, pillow, or wreath. Here are some of my recent finds:

This is a darling Uncle Sam nutcracker that is one of the Entertaining Essentials.

In this post...

Item #1 Nora Fleming Platter (Entertaining Essentials)

Have you ever heard of Nora Fleming? She is a Chicago-based designer who has developed the coolest collection of white stoneware platters. They are all white as white is universally complementary to most foods. In addition, each platter has a small hole in the corner where you can display any of her darling ceramic minis. What are minis? See Item #2 in this post.

Have you ever heard of Nora Fleming? She is a Chicago-based designer who has developed the coolest collection of white stoneware platters. They are all white as white is universally complementary to most foods. In addition, each platter has a small hole in the corner where you can display any of her darling ceramic minis. What are minis? See Item #2 in this post.

One of the entertaining essentials is a white Nora Fleming platter with a flag "mini" decoration in the corner.

Item #2 Nora Fleming Minis (Entertaining Essentials)

These little ceramic pieces are so cute and festive. And they are a terrific gift for the host or hostess that has Nora Fleming items. The little ceramic minis are customized to every holiday and occasion. I have this flag one, but here’s a cute Uncle Sam hat, and little ketchup and mustard bottles.

One of the entertaining essentials is a white Nora Fleming platter with a flag "mini" decoration in the corner.
One of the entertaining essentials is a white Nora Fleming platter with a watermelon "mini" in the corner.
One of the entertaining essentials is a white Nora Fleming platter with a ketchup and mustard bottle "mini" decoration in the corner.

Item #3 Red, White, ad Blue Tablecloth (Entertaining Essentials)

This patriotic tablecloth is easy to clean and so festive. It looks great with red gingham napkins as well (see Item #4).

One of the entertaining essentials is a red, white, and blue checked and star tablecloth for all three patriotic holidays.

Item #4 Red Gingham Napkins (Entertaining Essentials)

These red gingham napkins are really fun for summer entertaining. They go with any kind of decor and lend some whimsy to any table setting.

One of the entertaining essentials is a set of red and white gingham napkins.

Item #5 Uncle Sam Nutcracker (Entertaining Essentials)

Isn’t this Uncle Sam nutcracker so cute for your buffet table or counter? My grandkids can’t wait to play with it every summer!

Item #6 Red-Striped Tablecloth (Entertaining Essentials)

I love a red and white striped tablecloth. It’s so crisp and clean-looking. It pairs well with blue placemats (see item #7).

This entertaining essential is a red and white striped tablecloth.

Item #7 Blue Placemats (Entertaining Essentials)

These pretty blue woven placemats look terrific on top of the red-striped tablecloth.

And here, this entertaining essential is a red and white striped tablecloth. which I have overlayed with woven royal blue placemats.

Item #8 Bandana Napkins (Entertaining Essentials)

These red, white, and blue bandanas are perfect for any barbecue all summer long! And they wash up with ease!

And here, this entertaining essential is a red and white striped tablecloth. which I have overlayed with woven royal blue placemats.  Lastly, I added red, white, and blue bandanas as napkins.

Item #9 Cute Sleeveless Striped Shirt

While we’re discussing red, white, and blue entertaining essentials, let’s look at this darling sleeveless blue and white shirt. Isn’t so cute. I’m pairing it today with blue linen shorts, but it would also look good with jeans or white pants.

A cute entertaining essential for the patriotic holidays is a blue and white striped cotton sleeveless shirt.

Item #10 Darling Star Earrings

I snatched these star-shaped earrings right up when I saw them online. They’re small, classy, and festive. Check them out!

A cute entertaining essential for the patriotic holidays is a blue and white striped cotton sleeveless shirt.  I paired a darling set of star-shaped red, white and blue earrings.

Ok, lovely readers, that’s it for my Entertaining Essentials for summer events. I hope you enjoyed the list and if you have any questions, please pop them in the comment box below or feel free to DM me @drjuliemarshall. I would love to hear from you. Also, let me know if there is a topic you would like me to cover in future blogs. Thanks for taking the time to read my post and please share it with any like-minded friends.

XO,

Dr. Julie

PS Here are a few more posts for you to enjoy:

Dr. Julie’s Fun Friday Finds – Guest Room Essentials

Dr. Julie’s Fun Friday Finds – What to Bring to the Beach

Fun Fourth of July Food

Easiest Appetizer Ever

Spectacular Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Red, White and Blue Outfits for Summer Holidays

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