Outdoor entertaining is a delightful fusion of natural beauty and human interaction, combining the best of both worlds to create a memorable gathering. Whether it is a casual weekend barbecue or a sophisticated garden party, these tips for making outdoor entertaining easier will help you host a successful event.
With fresh air, scenic backdrops, and the freedom to experiment with creative setups, there are numerous distinguishing features that make outdoor entertaining unique. Use these new ideas to also help make your entertaining more relaxing, inviting, and filled with joy.
Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
Making outdoor entertaining easier requires thoughtful planning, organization, and the implementation of practical strategies to improve the experience for your guests while reducing stress for yourself. By incorporating these ideas into your outdoor entertaining plans, you can simplify the process, create a welcoming environment, and spend more time with your guests.
Create Functional Spaces
Outdoor entertaining is much easier when you have designated entertainment areas because it optimizes traffic flow and allows guests to know where they need to be at any given time. Begin by deciding what major activities you want to accommodate, such as dining, cooking, games, and conversation.
Then use furniture and decor to create designated areas for each activity. Plan appropriate pathways that are large enough to accommodate the number of people traveling from one location to another. Add enough lighting to each area to make it visible and welcoming.
Invest in Durable Furniture
Outdoor furniture is an essential component of a successful entertainment experience. Choosing durable furniture may be more expensive in the short term, but it will save money in the long run and provide a better foundation for entertaining. Durable outdoor furniture is weather resistant, which means that it can withstand humidity, sunlight, rain, and extreme temperatures.
Look for furniture made of teak, aluminum, cast iron, or stainless steel, which require less maintenance than other materials. This furniture will be simple to clean and will last longer, making it ideal for hosting future parties.
Set Up Buffet and Self-Serve Stations
Setting up a buffet and/or self-service stations is a practical step for outdoor entertaining that makes it easier to serve food and beverages to guests. Choose a central location for your buffet, food, and drink stations. Choose a location away from high-traffic walkways. Use stable, flat tables for serving the food and beverages.
Consider using a tablecloth or decorative runner to make the surface more visually appealing while also protecting it from spills. Arrange food items in an appealing manner, and use chaffing dishes, slow cookers, warming trays, and ice bowls to keep them at the proper temperature. Provide serving utensils, appropriate condiments, and trash and recycling containers. Periodically check on the food yourself or assign someone to keep the table refreshed.
Simple Centerpieces
Simple table arrangements require little preparation, but they add beauty to tables and make guests feel special. To make outdoor tables more elegant, use tablecloths or runners. Simple cotton cloths or sheets are easy and inexpensive options. Polyester blends are ideal for outdoor use, and most do not require ironing.
Keep centerpieces simple by incorporating existing decor, such as potted plants, decorative bowls, and long-lasting outdoor items like branches, shells, and stones. Keep the centerpieces low to encourage easy conversation. Consider a seating plan for a seated dinner to direct guests and encourage strangers to get to know one another.
Use a Simple Menu
A menu that features simple but high-quality food is a great way to streamline outdoor entertainment. This decision benefits you at every stage of the process by making food easier to prepare, assemble, and serve. Develop a menu that balances flavors, textures, and food groups to appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Use seasonal produce to ensure better quality and value. Consider grilled foods that can be prepared outside, finger foods, fruit and vegetable salads that can be made ahead of time, build-your-own foods such as tacos and sandwiches, and fruit platters.
Keep the beverage selection simple by providing a few popular options. If you plan to serve alcohol, opt for single-serve options and consider offering only one pourable cocktail option.
Provide Shady Zones
Shaded areas help to reduce the risk of sunburn, heat exhaustion, and discomfort for visitors. Shade enhances the dining, socializing, and relaxing experience. Types of shade that you can consider include umbrellas, canopies, tents, shade sails, and pergolas/arbors. Consider how to incorporate natural shade into your outdoor space, such as trees with broad canopies and plant-covered trellises.
Identify distinct zones and provide shading in areas where people gather to eat or talk. Position the shade so that it provides maximum coverage while not obstructing popular walkways.
Use Disposable or Nonbreakable Dinnerware
Disposable or non-breakable dishware will greatly simplify your outdoor gathering. Using disposable dishware eliminates the need to wash it, making the cleaning process easier. Nonbreakable dishware, such as heavy plastic, melamine, or bamboo, is a better environmental choice. While these do not eliminate the need for washing, they do reduce stress in outdoor settings, where accidents are more likely to occur. You can purchase these dishes in a variety of colors, sizes, and patterns, ensuring that you can find dishes that match your party theme.
Buy Enough Ice
Ice is an excellent way to keep food and beverages cold outdoors. Buying enough ice before your party will save you from having to make an emergency trip for it during the event. During the hot summer months, cold drinks and chilled food are essential for keeping guests hydrated and refreshed. Ice also helps to keep perishable food from spoiling as quickly.
Determine the amount of ice required based on the number of guests, the type of food and beverages served, the length of the event, and the ambient temperature. As a general rule, plan for 1-2 pounds of ice per person for drinks, plus extra for food.
Prepare Food in Advance
Preparing food ahead of time will reduce the stress of the event and allow you to spend more time with your guests during the party. Start planning your meals ahead of time, focusing on foods that can be prepared ahead.
Make a timeline of all food-related tasks, such as assembly, marinating, cooking, and cooling times. Divide the tasks into manageable sections and set aside specific days and hours to complete them. Plan how you will keep food hot or cold after you have cooked it to ensure that it is safe and appealing for the event.
Plan Some Entertainment
Preparing entertainment options helps to keep guests engaged and entertained throughout the party. Consider creating a special music playlist to energize and entertain your event attendees. Cornhole, horseshoes, bocce ball, and croquet are all great outdoor lawn games for low-key, friendly, and interactive fun. Other entertainment options include an outdoor movie, charades, a talent show, or stargazing. Having activities that your guests can do on their own allows you to attend to party necessities more easily or enjoy the activities yourself.
Provide Bug Protection
Nothing ruins a partygoer’s experience faster than being eaten by outdoor bugs. Protecting your guests from bugs will help them enjoy themselves more and stay longer. Before the party, remove any standing water from flower pots and buckets, and refresh and replenish standing water features such as bird baths and reflection bowls as needed.
Provide topical bug repellents, such as sprays or wipes, for guests to use as needed. Purchase various types of repellent products, as your guests may have specific sensitivities or requirements. Place baskets or stations containing a variety of products in easily accessible locations throughout your yard.
Other bug-repelling strategies include using citronella candles and torches, as well as mosquito netting in strategic areas. Adding fans will increase circulation, deterring mosquitoes and other flying insects.
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