By Lynn & Liana Designs
Summer is finally here — and with it comes the best reason to open your doors, fire up the grill, and gather the people you love around a beautiful spread. Whether you're planning a backyard sunset party, a laid-back girls' night, or an impromptu patio get-together, the secret to stress-free entertaining isn't a complicated menu or hours of prep. It's all about having the right pieces in place so that the table does the talking for you.
Here's how we think about setting the scene for a summer gathering that feels effortless — and a little bit magical.
Start with a Board That Does the Work for You
There's a reason cheese boards and charcuterie boards have become the go-to for summer entertaining: they're low effort, endlessly customizable, and they look stunning without requiring a single burner on the stove.
But the charcuterie board itself matters more than people think.
Our Large Acacia Cheese Board is handcrafted right here in Canada from sustainably sourced Acacia hardwood, with a hand-poured eco-friendly resin accent that makes every single board completely one of a kind. At 10" x 20" with the handle, it comfortably serves 4–6 people — ideal for summer grazing. And because no two boards are ever exactly alike, it's also one of those pieces that guests actually stop and comment on before they even reach for the food.
Available in colors like Caribbean Blue, Ocean Vibes, Northern Lights, and more — choosing one that matches your summer vibe is half the fun!
A few ideas for what to build on it:
- Stone fruits (peaches, plums, cherries) alongside a creamy brie or goat cheese
- A garden herb spread with crackers, sliced cucumber, radishes, and hummus
- A sweet & salty mix of dark chocolate, candied almonds, berries, and aged cheddar
- Grilled bread, roasted red peppers, and marinated olives for a Mediterranean feel
The beauty of a board is that there are no rules — and with a piece this beautiful as your base, even the simplest arrangement looks intentional.
Don't Overlook the Glassware
Here's a small hosting secret: what you serve drinks in really does set the tone of the gathering.
Our Resin Coated Entertaining Glasses (Set of 2) are 15 oz hand-designed glasses with the same artisan resin work you'll find on our boards — meaning your table has a cohesive, collected look that feels curated rather than thrown together. Each glass is a functional piece of art, with a design that catches the light beautifully whether you're pouring rosé, sparkling water, an iced tea, or a summer cocktail.
They also make for an incredible gift — especially paired with one of our boards for a host gift or a housewarming present that people genuinely remember.
The Little Details That Make It Feel Special
Once you have your board built and your glasses filled, the rest is easy. A few things that always elevate a summer table:
Fresh flowers or greenery from your garden. A small jar of wildflowers or a handful of eucalyptus placed near the board adds that organic, effortless feel without costing much.
Serve at the right time. Pull cheeses out of the fridge about 30 minutes before guests arrive. Room temperature cheese is dramatically more flavorful and easier to spread — a small step that makes a big difference.
Label a few things. A small chalk marker on a slate tile or even a folded card near unfamiliar cheeses or dips makes guests feel taken care of and sparks conversation. We recommend these: Cheese Labels
Keep it replenishable. With summer gatherings that go long into the evening, fill in gaps on the board with more crackers, fresh fruit, or nuts rather than rebuilding from scratch. The lived-in look is part of the charm.
The Real Reason Gathering Matters
At Lynn & Liana, we started making boards in a garage in 2018 because we believed something simple: that the objects we gather around matter. A beautiful board isn't just about aesthetics — it's an invitation. It says come here, sit down, stay a while.
This summer, we hope you find plenty of reasons to gather. And we hope there's a Lynn & Liana board at the center of it.
- Melissa Lynn
Ready to elevate your summer table? Shop our full collection at lynnliana.com. Free shipping on orders over $125.
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