Don't have a traditional dining room table? You'll be happy to know that there are still a number of other ways to have your friends over for dinner. Here are a few smart tips for hosting a dinner party even without a dining room.

• Think buffet-style. Avoid the sit-down feel right from the beginning by serving your food buffet style. This not only embraces the lack of a traditional dining room, it even makes it more fun.
• Plan the menu accordingly. Since you don't have a large table, you'll want to avoid a really formal meal. This isn't the time for prime rib and multiple sides; rather, it's the perfect opportunity for a taco bar, a heaping bowl of pasta or dress-them-yourself burgers.
• Embrace your outdoor space. If your rental comes equipped with its own private outdoor space (or even a shared outdoor area), it's the perfect opportunity to take your meal al fresco. Bring along a tablecloth, a few candles for ambiance and some recyclable plates that don't require much clean-up.
• Take it to the floor. Toss some comfortable throw pillows around your living room and instruct your friends to gather around the coffee table.
• Turn it into a theme night. If you're worried about the informal feel of eating on your couch with guests, turn your dinner party into a cozy theme. Pop in a movie for a laid-back movie night, or grab some board games for a dinner-party-turned-game-night.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Freya.Spargo

If you’re looking for a nice place to relax and cool off on a hot, Texas summer day, Barton Springs Pool is perfect for you. Barton Springs Pool is a natural part of Barton Creek that has been converted into a swimming pool. The pool is located within Zilker Park and is measured about three acres in size. It is fed from underground springs and has an average temperature of 68 to 70 degrees. The pool is surrounded by grassy areas that are ideal for relaxing and lounging.

Barton Springs Pool is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. There’s even a salamander and a fresh water eel that lives under the diving board. There is a small fee to enter the pool, but it is definitely worth it.

Barton Springs Pool
2201 Barton Springs Rd
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 476-9044
www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Julien Haler

People often do a bit more entertaining in the warmer months, so if you're planning on having a few friends over to enjoy the summer weather, you'll want to set out light, tasty snacks for them to enjoy. Here are just a few creative ideas for summertime snack trays that everyone will love.

• A variety of skewers. Stick a few tasty combinations of small skewers to give your guests a handheld snack. Try adding mozzarella, tomato and basil, or add a variety of summertime fruits to another. If you want to get creative, you can even add cake bites for a sweet treat.
• A fruit platter with dips. While many people think of vegetables when they think of dips, fruits are a bit more refreshing in the summertime. Make your own yogurt dip, add a bowl of peanut butter or even add melted chocolate for a fondue-style snack.
• Make a multi-layer taco dip. Layer ground beef, sour cream, shredded cheese, lettuce and tomato in a large bowl, and serve the dip with crunchy tortilla chips.
• Dress up your popcorn. Think popcorn is only reserved for movie nights? Think again! Add a zest of lemon, a bit of parsley and some fresh sea salt to your popcorn to give it a gourmet flavor that's anything but ordinary.

Easy Appetizers: 15 Summer Party Picks [Food.com]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Suzanne Schroeter