Outdoor summer entertaining doesn’t have to center around burgers and hot dogs! Put a fresh spin on al fresco dining with an elegant seafood supper. Classic appetizers and lobster tails grilled on a cedar plank make any occasion a cause to celebrate — our recipes and tips will show you how.
Set a table on your porch or patio with a bright runner, which lends a light, summery touch. Use natural textures for candleholders and woven chargers, and choose durable dinnerware that complements the colors of the table. Keep in mind all the details that make any table special, indoor or outdoor: themed place card holders, napkin rings and large platters for family style entertaining.
 AppetizersBefore you sit down for the meal, set out a seafood appetizer, such as boiled or grilled shrimp with condiment sauces. A serving bowl with three parts allows you to present a few different items, including fresh citrus wedges. Raw oysters make a sophisticated start to the evening. |
 SaladServe a mixed green salad with crisp, tangy flavors, such as this Mesclun Salad with Avocado, Radishes and Oranges. Let guests serve themselves on separate salad plates so it stays distinct from the seafood. |
 Lobster EntréeOur Cedar-Planked Lobster Tails with Compound Butter combine the rich flavors of seafood with smoke from the grill. Don’t skip the tools you need when serving seafood — instead, make them part of the décor! Arrange lobster mallets in a glass jar or vase and place seafood crackers on the edge of each plate to set a tone for the party. |
 On the SideSmoky Grilled New Potatoes with a Red Pepper Crust are a hearty pairing with delicate seafood. Pass around the table in a separate serving bowl, or arrange them on a platter with the lobster. |
 DessertAn elegant seafood dinner calls for a refreshing finish — and a beautiful one. This pale pink Grapefruit-Champagne Sorbet is cool and only mildly sweet to cleanse the palate. Spoon into simple glass compote bowls, and garnish with a mint leaf for a special touch. |