There’s something about Paddle Fest in Buena Vista that flips a switch—suddenly, it feels like summer. The town buzzes with energy, the sun stretches longer across the Arkansas River, and just like that, we’re in it: porch season, BBQ season, sweet-summer-slow-down season.

I came home this weekend and we lit the grill, gathered on the porch, and sat around with everyone I love in this world. It was one of those rare, golden moments where everything just felt right. The sizzle of the grill, the sound of laughter, the clink of glasses—it’s the kind of simple joy that defines summer for me.

Now, I’ve fully entered hostess mode. I’m ready for porch hangs, charcuterie boards stacked with all our favorites, and colorful summer drinks (bonus points if there's a cute paper straw involved). To kick off the season, I turned to The View Café & Gifts for inspiration. Their beautiful selection of gourmet treats, sauces, and entertaining must-haves makes it so easy to elevate even the most casual summer night.

Summer Entertaining: Recipes & Tips from the Porch

Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or a simple evening snack board, here are my go-to recipes and hosting ideas to welcome the season in style:

Build-Your-Own Charcuterie Board

A crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.

What to include:

• Cheeses – A mix of soft (Brie or goat), hard (Manchego or aged cheddar), and something unique

• Meats – Prosciutto, salami, peppered turkey

• Sweets – Stonewall Kitchen Wild Maine Blueberry Jam  + dried apricots & berries

• Crunch – A mix of gluten-free crackers and sliced baguette (if you aren't gluten free)

• Extras – Mixed olives, Marcona almonds, a few dark chocolate squares

Hosting Tip: Arrange everything in clusters and waves—no need to overthink it! The more rustic, the better.

Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad

Perfect as a side or light main course.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe peaches, halved

• 2 balls of burrata

• Arugula or greens

• Balsamic glaze 

• Olive oil, salt, pepper

How to Grill Peaches: Grill peaches until they are lightly charred. Toss greens with olive oil, top with peaches and burrata, then drizzle with glaze and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It’s fresh, juicy, and Instagram-worthy.

Porch Punch (Mocktail or Cocktail!)

Fresh, fruity, and easy to prep ahead.

In a pitcher:

• Lemonade

• Sparkling water

• Berries, mint, citrus wheels

• Optional: rosé or vodka

Pour from:

• Acrylic Woven Pitcher – Shatterproof, lightweight, and matches the woven chiller bowl beautifully. It feels like elevated outdoor entertaining without the stress of glass.

How to Set a Beautiful BBQ Table

If you’re like me, the table is just as important as the menu. The right pieces bring a meal to life—and The View Café & Gifts has everything you need to create a cheerful, welcoming setup that says summer has arrived.

BBQ Picnic Melamine Plates by Mary Lake-Thompson
These adorable melamine plates bring a pop of barbecue charm to your table without any worry of breaking dishes outside. They’re sturdy, reusable, and porch-proof—perfect for burgers, grilled corn, or even that charcuterie board.

Corn Salt & Pepper Shakers by TAG
These corn-shaped shakers are just plain fun. Tuck them beside the napkins or place them in the center of the table—they’ll spark smiles (and probably a few compliments).

Ceramic Corn Platter Set by MudPie
Who doesn't love corn on the cob? This MudPie platter set is the cutest way to serve it. I love the rustic white ceramic with corn-inspired texture—it’s whimsical, but still elevated.

Acrylic Woven Bowl Set by MudPie
From salad to fruit to ice-cold drinks, the Acrylic Woven Chiller Bowl Set is both functional and beautiful. The natural woven edge adds a farmhouse-chic vibe while keeping things clean and durable outdoors. I will use one for watermelon slices and another for a batch of porch punch.

Bonus Tip: Add cloth napkins, a beautiful table runner, som fresh flowers in a mason jar, and add some woven battery lights — and you’ve got yourself a picture-perfect summer table.

Summertime

Summer in Buena Vista means the doors stay open longer—both literally and figuratively. It’s about inviting people in, gathering around food and stories, and savoring the small moments that become the big ones.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more of my favorite recipes, drink ideas, and summer entertaining tips to help you make the most of this sunshine season. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or simply preparing a snack board for two, I hope this season brings you connection, contentment, and a touch of magic.

So here’s to the start of summer—grab a seat on the porch, the good part’s just getting started.

- Sammi