It’s that time of summer where it feels like we have nearly 20 blog posts in the queue, but we’re having trouble finding the time to sit down and finish any of them. (A good problem to have, I realize!) We still have a handful of posts to share from our May trip to England, our recent jaunt down to Connecticut, and general summer in Maine fun, but I thought I’d ease back into some semi-regular blogging by sharing these patio dinner party photos.

When things warm up around these parts in May, we spend as much time as humanly possible on our patio. Occasionally we’ll each work from the bench during the day, we eat our lunches in the sun, and the bulk of our evenings are spent under the string of patio lights. Because we spend so much time outdoors in the summer, it feels like the square footage of our small house almost doubles in size, and the early evening light that filters in as the sun is setting to the west makes the patio the very best place to be after work with a drink in hand.

While we rarely take the time to properly set the outside table during the week when it’s just the two of us, we love sharing patio dinners with friends, which gives me the perfect opportunity to break out a tablecloth and put some favorite napkins to use. I even had a little time before our last dinner party and was able to snap these photos before our guests arrived.

If you’re in need of any fun summer recipes, we’ve been making the Greek-Ish Grilled Shrimp & Corn Chowder from Small Victories and our absolute favorite summer salad. A friend recently served us this Baked Shrimp Scampi with Confetti Corn that we’re hoping to replicate soon, and I’ve had my eyes on this Pork Shoulder with Pineapple & Broccoli recipe as well.

What are you guys cooking this summer, either for yourselves or for guests? We always love reading your suggestions in the comments below!

Photos by Meredith Perdue for Map & Menu.