10 Elements of a Perfect Outdoor Dinner Party

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  So you’ve decided to host the perfect outdoor dinner party but have no idea where to start planning. No worries! Here’s a list of ten elements to get you on your way.

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1) Guest List

The number of people on the guest list will determine every other item on the checklist. Where to host, how much food and drink, decorations—everything. If this is your first time hosting an outdoor gathering, then it might be a good idea to start off small. An Outdoor Kitchen Store will be a good place to start looking for ideas.

2) Location

Countless trips to and from your house to pack up your car with all the party necessities and then more trekking through the wilderness to set up the picnic tables is no one’s idea of a good time. It’s going to be a lot easier to tend to your guest’s needs with the convenience of indoor facilities a step away. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and stick to your backyard.

3) Decoration

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on outdoor decorations to give the party an intimate ambiance. Search the cabinets and shelves. A lot of indoor decorations can be temporarily placed outside to spruce things up at no additional cost. These beautiful pieces of Authentic Murano from Glass of Venice, such as their eye-catching vases, and ornaments, add that finishing touch to the table.

4) Seating

Seating can be a little more difficult if you don’t host outdoor parties very often, but there are plenty of options that don’t require purchasing a new patio set. One idea is to go to the local hardware store and get some cinder blocks and a large piece of wood to put on top. Cover it up with a tablecloth and bam! You bought yourself more outdoor seating.

5) Food

There’s always outdoor catering, but it also comes with a steep price tag. Consider making the party a potluck. This also ensures everyone will have a selection of food they like, and the guests can accommodate their own dietary restrictions.

6) Drink

You can always make the dinner party a BYOB event, and bring a bottle of wine, beers, or cocktail mixes. For those driving, you may want to supply some soft drinks, and could even refill your SodaStream to provide your guests with a tasty variety of sparkling beverages. Of course though, one expects you to supply an open bar in addition to planning, cooking, and setting up their entertainment – but thinking of the younger guests, teetotal, or the designated drivers is always a kind gesture!

7) Lighting

Cozy up the space with accent lighting. This can be done by hanging string lights around trees, over tables, or around the patio. There’s no need to make a special stop at the store. Old Christmas lights should do the trick.

8) Tableware 

Upgrade the venue with real plates, glasses, and silverware instead of disposable ones. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s a simple trick that boosts the space from a barbecue-styled picnic to an intimate gathering with friends. A lot of places sell nice tableware for about a dollar apiece.

9) Bug Repellent

Pesky bugs aren’t on the mind when sending out hand-crafted invitations to a dinner party, but they are still a reality to hosting outdoors. The romantic outdoor gathering can quickly be ruined with flies landing on carefully prepared food and mosquitoes making a buffet out of your guests. Managing your unwanted guests can be as simple as hanging some mosquito repellent patio lanterns.

10) Music

With Bluetooth speakers, setting the mood for an outdoor party has never been easier. You won’t want to give your guests an earache by blasting the speakers, though. Instead, place multiple speakers around the yard and set them at a low volume.

Before You Go

Hosting the perfect outdoor dinner party doesn’t have to break the bank. Be resourceful and look around the house for any items that could be repurposed for a few hours outside. Don’t be shy to ask your friends if they can bring supplies. After all, they are your friends and should be more than happy to help!

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Thanks for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day/night depending on where you are in the world!  Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!

Toodles,