Whenever we need ideas for entertaining we look no further than At Home With Kim Vallée, from innovative ways to spruce up our garden, to easy ways to plan a party, we're constantly inspired. With the first long weekend of the summer (and a few deals to be had), we're going to stock up on all the basics for our patio table and a few extras to make outdoor entertaining easier.


Plates, bowls and platters in melamine and other shatter-proof materials aren't just practical, with all the fun print options, they allow you to show more character than you would at a traditional dinner table.
Clockwise from top, left: Anthropologie Continental Bird Plates (US$8.00 each); Anthropologie Farmer's Market Basket, Large (US$20.00); Target Sea Life Melamine Dinnerwear Collection (from US$32.00 for four); West Elm Bird Melamine Plates (US$20.00 for four); Pottery Barn Oyster Melamine Serving Bowl (US$34.00); Pottery Barn Starfish Melamine Bowl (US$10.50 each)


Round out your table with fun flatwear (ahem, you don't have to go disposable just because you're outside), or go rustic with rough-hewn condiment servers and napkin weights.
Clockwise from top, left: Veneerware Utensils & Sporks (from US$10.00 for 8 place settings); Michael Aram Fig Leaf Napkin Holder (US$59.00); Sabre Frosted Acrylic Flatware (from US$4.00); Pottery Barn Range Square Condiment Set (US$35.00)


Easy acrylic glassware lets you relax and tip one back without fear of broken glass, after all it's not a party unless someone knocks a glass over at some point. (Red wine hoses off the patio pretty painlessly!)
From left: Anthropologie Salud Goblet (US$10.00 each); West Elm Banded Acrylic Drinkware (US$14.99 for four/sale); Target Double Wall Tumbler (US$17.99 for six); Crate and Barrel Acrylic Stemless Wine Glass (C$3.50 each)


Any good hostess makes sure that her guests' drinks are always full, and might we add, well-chilled. Mix up a fruity punch or sangria and let guests top up whenever they like with a cool dispenser.
Clockwise from top, left: Creative Bath 3 Gallon Beverage Dispenser (US$29.99 sale); Pottery Barn Galvanized Metal Rolling Wagon Party Bucket (US$199.00); Trudeau Wine Chiller (C$44.99); West Elm Recycled-Glass Drink Dispenser (US$59.00)


Set the mood with plenty of lighting. Hurricane lanterns, sweet strings of lights and subtle glowing garden posts will make your guests feel like hanging well after the sun goes down.
From left: West Elm David Stark Outdoor String Lights (US$24.99 sale); Ikea Solvinden Solar-powered post (C$8.99); West Elm Porcelain Hurricanes (from US$19.00 each)


A great sound system (the more portable, the better) makes for a gathering filled with spontaneous dancing, and DIY desserts (or midnight snacks) that don't require a fire pit complete the outdoorsy feel.
From left: Bushnell Travel Tunes 1.0 Speaker System (US$149.00); Plow Hearth Indoor S'more Maker (US$24.99)

Top image via Ikea.

What are your favourite outdoor entertaining finds?