Summer is here! It’s time to pack a basket, find a patch of grass, and eat something delicious outside. For me, summertime is all about simplicity.

When I’m hosting during the summer, I try to use the grill for as much as I can, tossing on burgers, veggies, even citrus for cocktails or stone fruit for dessert. And did I mention, grilled s’mores!? I like to serve a mix of sides that are great at room temperature and come together quickly, so there’s less time spent in the kitchen and more time for hanging out. 

Nature provides all the ambience needed for eating outdoors, but a few fun napkins, candlelit lanterns, and a good playlist make summer evenings pure magic. Cheers to hosting and cheers to summer!

RECIPE DEVELOPER · COOK · FOOD WRITER

Author of Cooking in Real Life, a regular contributor to The New York Times, and the person behind @lideylikes — where she shares the food, home, and life things she's excited about.

This week, I’m sharing easy recipes centered around in-season produce and get-togethers that are casual and laid-back.

Potato & Chickpea Salad

Ladies Who Lunch Salad

Greek Chicken Burgers 

Salted Maple and Blueberry Icebox Cake

Pack a Picnic

Putting together a picnic can feel like a lot of work. I like to keep a bag ready to go with the essentials: lightweight enamelware plates, drinks tumblers, a bundle of flatware and serving spoons, mini salt and pepper shakers, cloth napkins, a few paper towels for spills, a wine key, and a bag for empties. (Plus my recent favorite since having a baby: water wipes!) Pro-tip: Add a bud vase and a pair of scissors for an instant, foraged centerpiece for your outdoor setup! 

When you’re ready to go, simply add food—homemade or takeout—and a blanket, and you’re picnic-ready without any hassle. 

1. Enamelware Pitcher & Cups 

2. Tablecloth that doubles as a throw

3. Picnic basket with built-in cooler—chic and functional

4. Foldable table for picnics

5. Tea light outdoor lamp

6. My favorite knives for cheese and spreads

I hope this inspires you to take the show on the road (or at least into the backyard) this summer. Outdoor hosting doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s better when it’s just the opposite. My favorite summer memories from growing up were those nights that seemed to go on forever—ice cream sandwich in hand and grass underfoot. As an adult, I look for ways to recreate that magic: cozy family dinners on the porch, lounging with friends around the firepit, and putting my own stamp on classic summer dishes. 

-Lidey

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