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Summer always seems to fly by way too fast, doesn't it? With the realization that I have to report back to my school job in less than a week, I decided it was the perfect time to gather everyone for a delightful family dinner. In this post, I'll walk you through how to plan and execute the perfect mid-summer soiree, complete with links to the recipes I used and ideas for future al fresco dining options!

Inspiration from the Farmer's Market

My best artistic creativity is often sparked by something small. A few weeks ago, I attended a local farmer's market with my mother and daughter. The scent of fresh green chilies roasting, the assortment of juicy fruits and crisp vegetables, the sweet taste of newly harvested honey, and the vibrant flavors of locally crafted balsamic vinegars inspired me to create this evening.

Creating a Vision

Once I had a vision for the event theme, I went into full research mode. I envisioned a European, al fresco dining experience with dishes inspired by fresh farmer's market ingredients. Using key phrases like "European al fresco dining" and "fresh farmer's market recipes," I scoured the internet and took screenshots to form a vision board. For this, I used Canva.

Home Shopping for Decor

With a clear vision in mind, I embarked on a little "at-home shopping" adventure. I love reusing and repurposing items from around the house to create a unique setting. I transformed an entryway table into a beverage station, gathered various LED candles, borrowed serving bowls from my mother, and mixed and matched other elements to bring the soiree to life.

Planning the Menu

Next, I made a list of items to purchase for our dinner. Baking fresh French bread is one of my favorite pastimes, and I had all the ingredients on hand for this simple yet delicious bread. You can find the recipe [here]. Inspired by a recent Instagram trend, I decided to try a butter board using Kerrygold butter, peach bourbon vanilla jam, and honey.

For soup, I wanted something refreshing for the hot weather. After some research, I found a recipe for Strawberry Gazpacho. Although the original link was broken, I found a similar recipe [here]. I also made a crisp salad inspired by one my mom makes, with spring greens, blueberries, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and Italian dressing.

For the main dish, I chose Bruschetta Chicken Pasta. I added a drizzle of dark chocolate balsamic vinegar from the farmer's market for an extra touch. For guests with dietary restrictions or less adventurous palates, I also made chicken parmesan.

Setting the Scene

Details make all the difference. We planned the dinner for later in the evening to avoid the heat. To add some pizzazz to our backyard, I adorned our young fruit trees with solar powered fairy lights and strung bistro lights around the table for a magical ambiance. I found a lovely wine chiller on Amazon and filled the mold with flowers from our garden.

Entertainment and Final Touches

To keep our guests entertained, I set up a projector screen in one corner of the yard (our son is obsessed with tornado movies) and prepared the fire pit for a cozy atmosphere. We had a s'mores station ready with ingredients provided by one of our guests arranged on a bar cart, along with mini popcorn boxes and a bug spray/hand sanitizer station.

Although we didn't get to grilling peaches and pears with vanilla ice cream for dessert this time, there's still a little bit of summer left to make it happen!

Other Al Fresco Dining Ideas

In the future, I'd love to host a Mediterranean inspired outdoor dinner complete with hummus, grilled kebabs and baklava.


I can almost guarantee I'll be hosting a fall al fresco event. Perhaps with apple inspired dishes and of course pumpkin spice, lots of cozy blankets, and flannel!


If we have a mild fall, I might even consider an outdoor Friendsgiving. I envision a backyard football game while the turkey is in the deep fryer, losing team does the dishes!


I hope this guide inspires you to create your own unforgettable mid-summer and beyond soiree. Enjoy the remaining days of summer with family, friends, and delicious food!


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Hey there, fellow adventurers of the heart! Let's face it: rainy days have a knack for throwing a soggy wrench into our outdoor date plans. But fear not, for I've got a swoon-worthy solution that will have you and your special someone dancing in the rain – metaphorically, of course. Picture this: a rainy day, cozy blankets, delectable treats, and a dash of romance – all neatly wrapped up in the delightful package of an indoor picnic. Yep, you read that right! Today, we're diving into the world of indoor picnics, where luxury and love collide to create an unforgettable dating experience, rain or shine. Imagine this scene: raindrops gently tap against your window, creating a soothing rhythm as you and your date snuggle up amidst a sea of cushions and blankets. The ambiance is electric, the conversation flows effortlessly, and the connection between you two deepens with every shared laugh and whispered secret. That, my friends, is the allure of indoor picnics. It's like Mother Nature herself is giving you a nudge, saying, "Hey, slow down and savor the moment." Now, before you go moving all your furniture around willy-nilly, let's talk strategy. Crafting the perfect indoor picnic setting is an art, my friends. Choose your battleground wisely – a spacious living room or even the intimacy of your bedroom can set the stage for your indoor escapade. Scatter cushions and blankets like confetti, dim the lights, and sprinkle a touch of magic with scented candles. If you're feeling extra fancy, toss in a vase of your date's favorite flowers or showcase a cherished photo that sparks a heartwarming memory. You're not just setting up a picnic – you're creating a canvas for romance. Now, onto the pièce de résistance – the food! Gone are the days of struggling with picnic baskets and ants. We're talking gourmet spreads that'll make your taste buds tango. From finger-licking sandwiches to elegant charcuterie boards that would make a French chef blush, the options are endless. And guess what? You don't need a culinary degree to pull this off. With a little love and a dash of creativity, you can whip up a meal that'll have your date's heart doing somersaults. Of course, an indoor picnic isn't just about the food; it's about the moments you create together. Cue the cozy conversations that linger into the night, the playful banter that turns into inside jokes, and the shared laughter that brings you closer than ever. Bust out the board games, challenge each other to a puzzle showdown, or kick back and let a movie whisk you away to another world. The magic of an indoor picnic is that it's not just a date; it's a canvas where you paint memories that will last a lifetime. Indoor picnics aren't a one-and-done affair – they're the start of a beautiful tradition. Imagine looking back on a rainy day with a smile, reminiscing about the countless indoor picnics that have become a cherished part of your love story. The best part? You can tailor each experience to reflect your unique journey, adding new elements and surprises along the way. It's not just a picnic; it's a love-filled journey through time. Now, I get it. Setting up an indoor picnic might seem like a lot of work, especially if you're juggling a busy schedule. But fear not, fellow romantics, for there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Enter Not Your Mama's Picnic – your secret weapon to effortless luxury. We take care of the nitty-gritty details, leaving you free to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the company of your special someone. It's like having a personal cupid who sprinkles fairy dust for an enchanting evening. So there you have it, my rain-soaked adventurers. Rainy days might try to put a damper on your plans, but with indoor picnics, you can turn drizzles into dreams and showers into memories. Embrace the warmth of a cozy setting, indulge in mouthwatering delights, and create connections that weather any storm. Whether you go all-in with a DIY masterpiece or opt for the delightful ease of Not Your Mama's Picnic, one thing's for sure: indoor picnics are the rainy day luxury your heart has been waiting for. So go ahead, gather those cushions, light those candles, and let the magic unfold – rain or shine.


Indoor picnic set up with pillows and blankets and a fruit spread styled on a storage trunk with a movie playing in the background
Intimate indoor picnic and a movie


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