It’s hard to stay in time this time of year, so take the party outside. Before the midday heat of full summer really hits, pull out your table and lawn chairs for a garden party luncheon. Whether you’re planning a lunch to celebrate a baby shower, birthday or just the fact that summer is (nearly) here, this French-inspired menu is just the thing:

To start things off, put out a baguette, a cheese plate and olives.

Brick Grilled Chicken: An overnight marinade saturates this chicken with flavor and locks in moisture. Cooking it almost whole (it’s butterflied) keeps prep time to a minimum.

Herby Potato Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette: A generous helping of fresh herbs, smoky bacon and grainy mustard gives this a French flair. Another good one to try is  Tarragon Potato Salad (pictured above).

Steamed French Green Beans: Find thin, crisp haricots verts for a simple side.

Spring Green Salad: This classic green salad is just the thing to round out the meal. If you're feeling like some extra veggies, a Shaved Vegetable Salad is another great option.

Strawberry Galette: Finish the outdoor event with this pretty spring tart.