Do you love to entertain outdoors in the summer? Learn how to host a casual low country boil in 3 easy steps.
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You’re Invited
It’s time for our latest dinner party, and you’re invited! This month, my friends and I from supper club are throwing a good old-fashioned low country boil.
It’s hard to believe that this post marks our seventeenth supper club. I guess, as they say, time truly does fly when you are having fun. If this is your first time at one of our parties, or if you’ve missed any of our previous supper club posts, you can check out all of the past inspiration here.
To those friends who have been with us from the start, thank you! It’s been fun to take a peek back at all of the different themes we’ve done over the past year and a half. I look forward to these posts at the end of each month, and I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do.
Welcome To Our Guest Host
This month we are joined by Regina at Saved From Salvage. Regina lives on a lake in picturesque Maryland with her husband and fur babies.
She loves to thrift, flip furniture, and spend time in her garden. If it can be repurposed, Regina’s sure to find a way to take a piece of “trash” and create a brand new treasure.
If you haven’t met Regina yet, swing by her blog to say hi and see how she styled her table for the party.
To those friends who are joining me from Michele at Vintage Home Designs, thanks so much for stopping by. I’m so happy you’re here. Wasn’t her table simply gorgeous?
Don’t miss all of the rest of the tablescapes linked at the bottom of this post. And don’t forget to check out our summertime party menu!
The menu includes six simple recipes that are perfect for your next summer get-together, like this easy peasy spiked strawberry lemonade.
This is one menu you won’t want to miss!
How To Host A Low Country Boil In 3 Easy Steps
It probably comes as no surprise when I tell you that low country boils aren’t a common occurrence here in the Midwest. But in the south, a low country boil is a part of the culture. A uniquely southern dish and an experience all rolled into one; it’s the quintessential way to celebrate summer.
I can count on one hand the number of shrimp boils I’ve attended over the years. But, as an event planner, I do know a thing or two about how to host a fun and relaxing get-together.
Perfect for a Memorial Day gathering, a 4th of July picnic, or a neighborhood block party, I’m sharing how easy it is to host a low country boil by following these 3 simple steps.
How To Set The Table
At a low country boil, it’s all about good food and good company, so a casual table is perfect for an evening of outdoor entertaining.
To set the table, I started with a red checked tablecloth layered with a burlap runner and some red and white ticking stripe placemats.
A low country boil can be messy, so if you plan to have your guests serve themselves, skip the linens. Replace them with newspapers or craft paper and place the pot with the boil in the middle of the table for everyone to enjoy. And don’t forget to lay out extra napkins or a roll or two of paper towels.
For the tableware, I used some wicker chargers and disposable pie plates lined with food-safe wax paper wrappers. The disposable plates eliminate the need to wash extra dishes and make cleanup a cinch!
I added red gingham and blue chambray napkins at each place setting paired with some condiment bowls to use for extra butter for dipping. Yum!
To finish the table I filled a tin bucket with lemon wedges and added these pretty hobnail glasses with some red and white striped paper straws.
Add Some Casual Decor
A low country boil is meant to be a laid-back affair. No-muss and no-fuss. So, when it comes to adding decor, choose pieces that match the casual feel of the party.
It helps to have a theme in mind, but you don’t need to create an elaborate centerpiece or party favors. In this case, less is more.
For my low country boil, I opted to use decor with lots of natural wood tones and creamy whites to create a rustic, shabby chic look.
It was love at first sight when I spotted these chippy wood pillar candles on clearance a few weeks ago. They help anchor my centerpiece and create a focal point for the table.
The use of candlesticks is an easy way to add height and dimension to your table. For an evening dinner party, you can include candles for a bit of ambiance, or you can leave them as is.
I accented the neutral tones with hints of red, blue, and yellow for a pop of summer color and to add to the fun, casual feel.
This lantern is a thrift store find and the same lantern I used to decorate my patriotic 4th of July tablescape. I love how it coordinates with the red checked table cloth and adds a subtle hint of coastal charm.
The salt and pepper shakers are vintage as well. They’re perfect for a picnic setting and can be filled with Old Bay seasoning for guests who like a little bit of extra spice.
And no table is complete without a fresh bouquet. Would you believe that I found all of these beautiful blooms at my local grocery store?
Red alstromeria, white hydrangea, purple veronica, and bright yellow sunflowers combine to make a simple, yet elegant summer arrangement.
What To Serve At Low Country Boil
A traditional low country boil is a one-pot dish. The recipe first made famous along the coast of South Carolina is a combination of shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, and spices.
It’s the perfect laid-back meal to make when you need to feed a crowd.
Pair your shrimp boil with classic southern sides like coleslaw, cornbread, and sliced watermelon or a simple fruit salad.
Or try one of these other summer side dishes.
How To Host A Low Country Boil In 3 Easy Steps
As always, thanks so much for stopping by the blog. I hope you enjoyed reading today’s post and feel inspired to host a low country boil in your backyard this summer.
Now that school is out, I think it’s time to have our neighbors over for a summer shindig. (With a bit of Midwest flair, of course.)
If you’d like to recreate the look, I’ve linked what I can below for easy shopping. Or, if you have questions about any of the items I used to style my table, leave me a message in the comments.
More Ideas For Hosting A Low Country Boil
Next, visit Anne and AnnMarie at Simpy2Moms to see their classic take on a low country boil, and be sure to check out the rest of the tablescape ideas from each of my supper club friends linked below.
Xoxo,
Jen at Midwest Life and Style | Anne & AnnMarie at Simply2Moms| Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse
Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms | Regina at Saved From Salvage | Michele at Vintage Home Designs
Alexandra says
Such a fun party idea, and definitely plenty of food to share when cooking one of these boils. I am dreaming of the sausage, corn and shrimp right now!!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Yum! Yes, plenty of food for a crowd. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Tammy says
Jen, you tablescape is beautiful along with the amazing food menu. I love a good country boil and was planning one myself for our neighbors to kick off the summer. You have some many wonderful ideas. I absolutely love everything. When I visit my Florida family, they always love to host a boil. Love it!
That Spiked Strawberry Lemonade sounds absolutely yummy! Strawberry Lemonade is one of my favorite summer drinks and spiking it…well that’s even better.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Tammy. I love our monthly supper club parties. It’s always fun to get new creative ideas to host parties and you know I love a good recipe! The strawberry lemonade is delish. I hope you get a chance to try it. Happy summer, friend!
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
I love all the red and yellow and how you layered the tablecloth with the runner. I need to steal that idea! And those candle holders are super cute. I like that you said you can use candles or leave them plain. You could also add bowls to the tops with snacks, condiments, etc. LOVE YOU TABLE! Thanks for linking it up on Farmhouse Friday too. pinned
Heidi says
I absolutely love this post and your tablescape!!! I love the idea of supper club, it takes me back to when I was younger and the potlucks we would participate in at church!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Heidi. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. This blog series has truly become one of my favorites, and some of the posts I most look forward to sharing each month. We’d love to have you join us sometime!
AnnMarie - Simply2Moms says
Your table is absolutely gorgeous Jen! Those flowers are stunning…what a pretty combination. I can’t believe they’re from your local grocery store. Pinned!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, AnnMarie. I love to create a good grocery store bouquet. There are always so many affordable options.
Kim+Waldorf says
Jen, your table looks amazing! I love everything from the vintage salt and pepper shakers, florals and chalk board sign! So very pretty!
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Kim. Cheers to the start of summer!
Rachel Harper says
Jen,
Your table setting was so beautiful. You need to host a low country boil and educate all your friends. I loved the flower arrangement and the clever place settings.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you so much, Rachel. It really was fun to style and a neighborhood party would be amazing!
stacy says
How pretty Jen! I love your table! The sunflowers are beautiful.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Stacy. The sunflowers just make it feel like summer, and I love the contrast of the red check tablecloth with the bright yellow flowers.
Renae says
Such a pretty table! It sounds like so much fun. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the recipes.
midwestlifeandstyle says
Thank you, Renae. I really had fun styling this table. I’m so glad you enjoy it. I think you’ll love the recipes too. They all look sooo good!