Outdoor Entertaining Tips

Entertaining Outdoors

Entry

Welcome your guests clearly to the back gate or side fence if you’d prefer them to come directly to the outdoor space—use lights, balloons, pennants, or large potted plants to mark the way in.

Lighting Options

Make sure the party has levels of lighting available in every corner and at your tables. Purchase portable rechargeable table lamps or find cute solar options.

Keep Mosquitos Away

Eliminate any standing water in the yard. Stake citronella torches around the outer perimeter of your party, and diffuse lemongrass essential oil and plant lemongrass in a container—to move where you need it most.

Tables

Consider using a lower dining table outside (also called a Chabudai in traditional Japanese homes.) Then use a variety of floor pillows for beautiful, casual seating.

Table Setting

Choose summer-friendly fabrics, like a linen runner, and spruce it up with a fresh herb bouquet—you can use it for cocktail garnishes, too. Cloth napkins add a touch of class and help keep extra waste out of the landfill too.

Food Servers

Go small with your serveware. Use mini wood serving trays instead of plates, small single-serve jars for pre-made dip choices, and have a collection of small bowls for finger foods. Keep glassware simple, with shatterproof plastic lowball glasses for all beverages.

Gathering Spots

Carve out cozy areas all around your yard. Put some small tables next to a hammock for drinks. Make the poolside relaxing with padded cushions near the shallow end. If it’s still sunny out, be sure to have plenty of shades and seating set up to keep everyone cool.

Don’t Forget!

• Plan for enough ice

• Check noise levels and city ordinances for music

• Set up a trash and recycling bin to make clean up easy and keep spaces uncluttered

• Provide a basket of light blankets for any guests who stay into the cooler hours

• Have plenty of water (with optional cucumber or lemon slices) and decaf coffee and cups (and cream and sugar) to go with dessert

• Create a fun playlist to set the vibe (Americana? Hip-hop? California jazz?)

Thank you Mark and Gina Freitas for sharing your outdoor space with us!

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We want to see how you elevate your outdoor entertaining this summer.