Summer Entertaining Starts Here: A Hostess’s Guide from My Home to Yours

Summer entertaining is my love language.

When friends ask me how I decorate or host at my house, I usually smile and say, “You’re looking at it.” Because truly, Boxwood is my second home—and often, I spend more time here than I do at my actual house. But when your shop reflects your passion, your personality, and your style, every hour spent in it feels like a joy, not a job.

Many of the pieces you see displayed on our tables or shelves? They also live in my home—gracing the dining table, brightening a guest room, or elevating a weeknight dinner on the back patio. Boxwood is my style, and if you love thoughtful design, relaxed elegance, and pieces that tell a story, I’m pretty sure it’s yours, too.

We’ve crossed the threshold of Memorial Day and entered that joyful summer stretch filled with reasons to gather and gift: end-of-year teacher appreciation, graduations, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, and those last-minute "bring a bottle and come by tonight" evenings with friends.

The days fly by, but it’s these little moments—the laughter on the patio, the perfect cocktail glass, the unexpected gift—that linger well into fall. Let’s make summer hosting seamless (and beautiful).

Father’s Day

We’ve got every kind of dad covered—from the grill master to the lake lover to the guy who just wants ten minutes to sip his coffee in peace.

For the Water-Loving Dad. Think nautical elegance: throw blankets for breezy mornings on the boat, hand-etched compass decor, lobster-adorned serving trays and cocktail glasses made for poolside happy hour.

For the Hobbyist Dad Who Likes Things Smelling “Good.” Clever card games, jigsaw puzzles, manly soap, and candles labeled “Rich Earth” and “After The Rain,” how can you go wrong?

For the Coffee-Lover Dad. We’ve built a customized gift box he will brag about. It includes a coffee press (I swear by mine!), scoop, and beans from Black House Coffee Company.

Red, White & Local for 4th of July Patriotic Charm

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to a neighbor’s party, or escaping to the water for fireworks and rosé, Boxwood has everything you need to make the Fourth feel festive, without feeling kitschy. We’ve curated a summer collection that celebrates Americana with a modern twist: elevated entertaining essentials, thoughtful hostess gifts, and hometown touches that feel as good as they look. We also carry locally designed tea towels with hand-drawn King Street graphics, perfect for wrapping a bottle of wine or bringing to a BBQ.

Hosting doesn’t have to be hard, it just has to be thoughtful. Let the pieces do the heavy lifting for you. Melamine serving trays (that look like ceramics), pitchers, garden-to-glass cocktail kits, and linen napkins that say “I tried,” without trying too hard. Add a Zafferano lamp, no-maintenance faux floral arrangements (no bees, no wilt, just compliments), and festive plates that bring it all together.

We love seeing you walk through the doors of Boxwood, and love it when you stay even longer. Here are a few upcoming summer events:

Coffee Tasting on Sunday, June 8. Black House Coffee Company is coming to Boxwood this Sunday at 10am, join us!

Five Farms Pop-Up on Saturday, June 14. Sugars and Middle Eastern spice blends for cooking, room sprays and essential oils, and the new summer candle collection. Stop by and check it out from 10am-1pm.

Mahjong Nights. We just released our August and September dates, see here. Join us for a casual, cozy evening with light bites, community connection, and a chance to learn or play. These fill up fast!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t share my appreciation for each and every person that chooses Boxwood Old Town over a mass retailer. We envision all your small gatherings and are so grateful that our hand-selected items are part of your lives. Thank you for supporting regional artisans and a small business owner, who’s been at it for five years! We can’t wait to see you and hear about your summer soirees. Happy Hosting!

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