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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This post was originally published on May 26, 2022. Last updated on July 14, 2024.
You’re Invited to a Low Country Boil
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.
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 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.
Table of Contents
- How To Host A Low Country Boil In 3 Easy Steps
- Shop The Post
- Did You Enjoy this Post? PIN It for Later!
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.
If you haven’t met Regina yet, swing by her blog to say hi and see how she styled her table for the party.
Then don’t miss all of the rest of the tablescapes linked at the bottom of this post.
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 common 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 a past event planner, I do know a thing or two about hosting a fun and relaxing get-together.
Perfect for a Memorial Day gathering, a 4th of July party, 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 buffalo check tablecloth layered with a fringed 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 round twig chargers and disposable pie tins lined with food-safe wax paper liners.
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 small galvanized metal bucket with lemon wedges.
And I added these pretty hobnail drinking glasses with red and white striped paper straws.
These classes are perfect for serving your favorite summer cocktail, or a southern classic like lemonade iced tea.
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 some chippy wood pillar candles.
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 tablecloth and adds a subtle hint of coastal charm.
The salt and pepper shakers are vintage as well. (You can grab some similar retro-style salt and pepper shakers here.)
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 alstroemeria, 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, 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.)
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
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.
slat back stacking chairs⎟LED outdoor vintage Edison bulb string lights⎟red buffalo check table cloth⎟chambray napkins⎟red and white check fabric napkins ⎟round twig chargers⎟burlap fringed table runner⎟disposable tin pie pans⎟wax paper food basket liners⎟small galvanized metal bucket⎟hobnail drinking glasses⎟red and white paper straws⎟white ceramic dip bowls⎟white beaded rim plates⎟retro style salt and pepper shakers⎟table top chalkboard⎟red lanterns⎟white wood tabletop candle holders
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,
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Looks like a wonderful party! Have a great weekend.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Yum! I would love to come to one of your parties. They are perfection.
Thank you, Renae. I’d love to have you! If you ever visit the Midwest, be sure to stop by!
What a fun way to spend an evening. Your table looks beautiful and the food so yummy!
Thank you, Wendy!
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!!
Yum! Yes, plenty of food for a crowd. Thanks so much for stopping by.
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.
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!
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
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!
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!
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!
Thank you, AnnMarie. I love to create a good grocery store bouquet. There are always so many affordable options.
Jen, your table looks amazing! I love everything from the vintage salt and pepper shakers, florals and chalk board sign! So very pretty!
Thank you, Kim. Cheers to the start of summer!
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.
Thank you so much, Rachel. It really was fun to style and a neighborhood party would be amazing!
How pretty Jen! I love your table! The sunflowers are beautiful.
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.
Such a pretty table! It sounds like so much fun. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the recipes.
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!