Tips for Outdoor Entertaining
"I'm outdoorsy in that I like to drink on patios."
Winter, spring, summer or fall, entertaining outdoors can be fun and kick your party up a notch. But it also comes with a few more elements of planning. Here are some tips to host the best outdoor party ever.
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All Seasons
Comfort
Above all, make sure your guests are comfortable. If they are not comfortable, they will not be staying very long. For more on keeping your guests comfortable, click here.
Weather
Weather will play an important part in planning your venue. The season will help determine the time of day for your event. Fall and winter, best not to go too late into the night because of the chill. And spring and summer, you might want to start a little later to avoid the hot hours of the day.
No matter which season, always have a backup plan for weather gone bad.
Wind
There are many options for providing protection if your event happens to be on a particularly windy day.
Lattice fencing, bamboo shades or folding room dividers will help keep the wind away. You can also use shade sails or tarps.
To keep your tablecloths in place, use anchors. You can make your own or buy them at party stores or Amazon. Theme them to your event for added decor.
Fitted table cloths are available for just about any size table.
Another option is to use twin size fitted sheets. Or use fabric, ribbon, robe, etc. to tie around the table.
Lighting
Set up some fun, whimsical lighting. For more ideas, click here.
Preparing Your Space
Just like cleaning your house for an indoor party, outdoor events will need some prep work too. Unless you're one of those who's backyard is immaculate all the time! Not this girl!!
Start with decluttering. You don't want your guests tripping over dog toys or rakes and shovels to get to the patio. Clear pathways of debris and overgrown shrubs. Trim low hanging branches. Clear cobwebs from eaves and fascia. Purchase a deck box to hide toys.
Spring/Summer
Shade
During spring and summer, making sure you have plenty of shade is really important. A covered patio and shade trees are a great start.
But if you have a larger guest list, there are many options for creating more shade.
Patio umbrellas spaced throughout the venue can provide lots of shade. You can buy or rent, depending on your budget and how often you entertain.
Shade sails are another great option. They are economical and install quickly.
Canopies also provide great shade.
Individual umbrellas, fans and visors make great options if your guests are moving about like when playing croquet.
Patio misters are very affordable and can lower the temperature up to 20 degrees.
Outdoor pedestal fans or ceiling fans will provide a welcome breeze.
Or individual fans can be fun, especially for kids.
Keeping Pests At Bay
When it comes to outdoor summer fun, bugs are not invited. Help keep bugs at bay with these tips.
These Mason jar luminaries act as a decoration, but they are also a bug repellent, which is great for summer barbecues outdoors.
You can use recycled jelly jars or purchase Mason jars. To duplicate this idea, you’ll need 4 jars, 40 drops each of the following Essential Oils (Cedarwood, Lavender, Lemon, and Thieves), 2 lemons, 2 limes, 8 sprigs of rosemary, water, and floating tea light candles.
Keep kids (and adults) bug free with these DIY citronella-infused bracelets. Or you can buy them on sites like Amazon.
Add whole cloves to a half lemon and place near your food. Bugs hate the smell and it will keep them away.
Plus it won't interfere with the smell of the food like a citronella candle would.
Keep pests out of drinks with a cupcake liner.
Keeping your salads in lidded glass jars will keep them bug-free, plus they’ll keep fresh for longer.
Provide protection to your buffet with food umbrellas.
For smaller gatherings, consider using a mosquito net over your patio umbrella or gazebo.
Keep food on ice with trays or bins. Inflatable, plastic containers, disposable aluminum pans, a small kiddie pool or even a canoe!
Make sure the food is shaded and not left out for more than a couple hours.
Freeze fruits, herbs, juices, etc. to add to drinks without watering them down. Make a punch bowl/drink holder out of ice.
Fall/Winter
No need to stay inside just because it is chilly. Fall and Winter can be a lovely time to enjoy the outdoors and all that the seasons bring.
So bundle up. Build a crackling bonfire. Play winter games. Serve warm-you-up foods and drinks.
Patio heaters are a great way to add warmth. If your venue is large, consider renting to cover your space.
Fireplaces/pits, whether built in or freestanding, wood burning or gas, will not only provide warmth, but ambiance as well.
Throws, mittens and handwarmers will provide extra comfort.
Warm up from the inside with a hot bowl of soup, tea, or a hot toddy!
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