Southport Magazine

Local Shops Step Up
The scoop on some favorite items for all your Summer entertaining needs.
BY Lisa Stites photos by Jeff & Lisa Stites
Whether we’re lounging on the beach, our yards, boats or docks, we spend a lot of time outdoors with our friends and families. When it comes to outdoor entertaining, we all have our staple recipes, like hot dogs and hamburgers, a low country boil, and all the great sides and desserts that have become synonyms with summer. But what if you want to change it up just a bit this year? We spend so much time and effort on enjoying our surroundings, and luckily, there are plenty of shops in Southport and Oak Island to help us set just the right table and serve up the perfect summer supper.

Set the stage for fun
Welcome guests in sweet style with a pretty bench and coordinating flowers, like these pretty-in-pink beauties from All In Bloom Garden Center and Landscapes. Besides plants of all shades, sizes and colors, they also have a variety of gardenscape decorations, from Buddhas to more typical coastal pieces like pelicans and fishes.
Add some flair with seating in another way, with ocean-themed furniture, like these mermaid chairs, also found at All In Bloom.
You can begin greeting your guests on the road, though, by adding some bunting and an adorable planter, just like Cattail Cottage has done.
Whatever your occasion, like a large affair under the big top, or at least a rented tent, or a more intimate gathering around a fire pit, adding the perfect accessories will help make for an unforgettable night.
It’s all in the details
Now that you’ve welcomed guests to your outdoor space, don’t forget to continue telling your story on a smaller scale.
This snazzy alligator from Boo & Roo’s will definitely get your guests talking. And in this month when we celebrate all things patriotic, let your tablescape march the theme home with placemats and napkins, like these from Southern Vibe. Candle holders in classic white, or these candles from Cattail Cottage will accompany just about any theme. And if you’re going tropical these fun jars can hold candles, napkins, or just about any little item.
If you want to give your guests something to talk about that’s a little more exciting than your basic cracker and cheddar wedge, check out the Southport Cheese Shoppe, where they have a huge selection of specialty cheeses, breads and spreads for any celebration. They also have not-your-everyday spices, like bourbon smoked paprika and spiked sauces like Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire sauce.
Spirits and Sweets
In the summer heat, you’ll want to keep your guests hydrated. If you’re serving wine or you want a specialty beer, Uncorked has plenty of choices, whether you’re serving lobsters or barbeque. You could always pick up some new glasses or serving dishes for your party too.
If you’re not serving alcohol, and especially if you are, you’ll want to have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages on hand too. Lemonade and sweet tea are pretty standard offerings, and water is a great choice too. A large jug or beverage jar can be functional and decorative. Don’t discount vintage when you’re looking for some signature entertaining pieces. New-to-you can be even better than new, especially if you come upon an old lemonade jug, like the one pictured here from Southern Vibe.
At the end of the evening, nothing brings it all together like a super sweet treat. Homemade cookies, brownies and other finger desserts are always great choices. Cut fruit, with or without a yummy dip to go along, would also satisfy your guests’ sugar cravings. If you can keep them out of the sun and somewhat cool, chocolate-covered strawberries add a nice touch of elegance. But there is no shame in taking a little help from one of the amazing bakeries in Southport and Oak Island. This Pig Picking cake from Side Street bakery, for example, would disappear from the dessert table in no time.