Happy summer! We spend a lot of time thinking about what to cook this time of year, but lately we've been just as interested in how it's served. Shrimp cocktail with a trio of sauces in mismatched coupes. Roasted potatoes with a smattering of edible flowers. A build-your-own hot dog bar spread across butcher blocks and paper.

The food still does the heavy lifting, but the details make the table. Here's what we're cooking and what we're serving it on.

We recently had Devin Finigan in the Test Kitchen making Maine Lobster Rolls with Miso Brown Butter Aioli and a Champagne sidecar—the kind of bright meal that feels perfect for June. Here are four more recipes that sound just as good.

Watermelonade

No-Churn Butter Pecan Ice Cream

Summer Squash Toasts With Smashed Feta

Dilled, Crunchy Sweet Corn Salad With Buttermilk Dressing

Summer Kitchen Edit

Whether you're setting the table for a backyard dinner, carrying a pitcher of lemonade outside, or scooping ice cream into colorful bowls, the right kitchenware can make everyday meals feel a little more fun. We're sharing a few favorites below, but click through for the full edit of summer kitchenware we're loving right now.

1. A stove-to-table dutch oven.

2. Part glassware, part conversation piece. 

3. A kitchen classic for a good reason.

4. Garden-inspired dinnerware.

5. The prettiest cake stand.

The sweetest way to end any summer meal is with something cold. This year we're returning to favorites like Nigella Lawson's no-churn coffee ice cream with homemade magic shell, a lemon sorbet and Prosecco palate cleanser, and margarita ice cream for nights that call for dessert and a drink in one. 

-Food52

P.S. If you're eyeing a few of these pieces, now might be the time to add them to your cart. Several of our favorites happen to be on sale this week.

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