There’s something about summer entertaining that invites a slower rhythm—sun-kissed afternoons, barefoot conversations, and those perfectly imperfect moments you end up talking about all year. My philosophy? Keep it fresh, make it beautiful, and don’t overthink it.
Start with the food.
Always. I begin with what’s in season, which means a weekly trip to the farmers market. There’s something grounding about choosing ingredients by touch, scent, and instinct. Here’s what I reach for this time of year:
- Watermelon: Look for a large yellow spot where it rested on the ground, dull (not shiny) skin, and give it a knock. If it sounds deep and hollow, she’s ripe and ready.
- Corn: If it’s fresh, don’t even bother cooking it. Slice it straight off the cob and toss into salads, it’s crunchy, sweet, and unbelievably good.
- Avocados: You know the drill, firm but with just a bit of give. If you buy too many, consider it meal prep inspiration.
One of my summer staples?
An Avocado Corn Chicken Salad that’s fresh, hearty, and unfussy. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly and doesn’t require you to hover over the stove.
Avocado Corn Chicken Salad (Inspired by Olivia Adriance)
Salad:
- 4 ears of corn, kernels removed
- 3 large avocados, cubed
- ¼ cup shallots, finely chopped
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- 4 Persian cucumbers, chopped
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped (see recipe below)
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp champagne vinegar
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 heaping tsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Chicken Prep:
- Season 4 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a mix of paprika, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder.
- Sear in avocado oil (3 tbsp total—1 for marinade, 2 for pan) until golden, then transfer to a 400°F oven for 7 minutes.
- Let rest, slice, and toss into the salad with dressing. Voilà.
Now for the table.
You don’t need a florist or twelve taper candles to create something beautiful. I lean into soft blues, creamy linens, and organic textures. Sand-filled vases with tea lights. Collected shells with guests’ names hand-lettered as place cards. Small details that make the table feel personal, relaxed, and like summer without trying too hard.
The secret to a perfect evening?
A chilled bottle of rosé, a spotify playlist that drifts from jazz to lo-fi beats, and food that lets the season do the heavy lifting.
When the vibe is right and the table’s set with care, the rest takes care of itself.
