Summer is finally upon us. And with it comes the much-anticipated outdoor dining and entertaining season. Interior designer Katie Wozniak, owner of Katherine Elizabeth Designs and brick and mortar store in downtown Barrington—Katherine Elizabeth at Home, is ready with some fun and accessible ideas to make your home entertaining events more memorable than ever.

RAISE THE BAR (CART) One of Wozniak’s favorite trends, “bar carts are available in all different finishes and styles and are a great tool, whether you’re having a party indoors or outdoors,” she says. “Station the bar cart and spend time ensuring it has a beautiful set up. Many times, I’ll use it as a serving station for drinks. I love to put iced sun tea on it, alongside little appetizers or sandwiches.” Wozniak says she frequently includes a bouquet of fresh flowers, or a potted orchid, along with an accent candle.

LET THERE BE LIGHT “Light is a wonderful way to add ambiance,” Wozniak says. “String lights have been popular for years and I still love them. There are also new gorgeous outdoor lamps available to add both lighting for reading and entertaining. We also love adding various sizes of lanterns and having the battery-operated lights that can be on timers or used with a remote.”

SIT ON IT Wozniak recommends setting up a variety of areas for seating and conversation. “Sometimes I’ll set up a little seating enclave where people can lounge. And then I’ll set up a separate spot for dining.” In addition to fresh flowers, she also recommends plants with New Growth Enduraleaf plants, so you never have to worry about maintenance. Wozniak always tries to incorporate natural materials and layers of design into her décor elements and serving pieces, including crystals, stone, wicker, and rattan—adding texture and feelings of comfort and coziness. Oh—and don’t forget the blankets.

FABULOUS OUTDOOR FABRICS “This season’s choices are better than ever,” says Wozniak. Some are so beautiful, “you can’t tell the difference between an outdoor and indoor fabric. Same with the trim—there are beautiful trims for the pillows, with interesting patterns and colors. I’m seeing a lot of color come in for summer entertaining throughout homes as well—a real resurgence of layering color and adding textures.”

YOUR TURN Wozniak loves the over-sized yard games that have become popular and enjoys setting them up at her gatherings. Some of her favorites are Jenga, Four Square and of course, the ever popular, Corn Hole.

BOTTOMS UP Outdoor rugs have never looked better. With more patterns and styles available than ever before, outdoor rugs are beautiful enough to work indoor as well.

CALL THE CATERER Woznizak and her team can’t stress this point enough. Give yourself a break and permission to get out of the kitchen and enjoy your own party. There is no shame in ordering food as simple as trays from your local gourmet grocery store to a full-on affair staged by your favorite purveyor of nibbles and craft cocktails. In addition to the many other benefits, this will leave you with a clean kitchen and easy mind.

Katherine Elizabeth Designs and Katherine Elizabeth at Home is located at 800 S. Northwest Hwy Suite 100, Barrington, IL 60010 or call 847-381-9892.