Hosting an outdoor dinner party is the best way to host a meal. There’s something undeniably magical about dining under the sky. Hosting a dinner party on a summer evening with a soft breeze is just plain charming, yet, you can still enjoy a crisp fall night dinner with the right lighting and a few blankets.
Regardless of what the season is, outdoor dinner parties have the potential to be incredibly charming. Yet, as charming as they can be, hosting a party outside comes with its own unique set of challenges. There are plenty of things that can go wrong if you miss the mark. If you’re getting ready to host an outdoor event, here are some tips for making sure it’s a success.
Plan Ahead
A little bit of planning goes a long way when it comes to a dinner party. You want to make sure that you have a drink cart with all sorts of beverage options coming from non alcoholic, to the right wine. Your menu should be suitable for your skill level, and also he’s suitable for the guests that you have invited.
For example, are there any vegetarians coming? Perhaps you have a few guests with allergies. The more you can thoughtfully create a menu that has all of your guests’ preferences in mind, the more of a success your dinner party will be.
Plan For The Weather
Remember, as much as we may have control of our menu, we have much less control over the weather. You want to make sure that you plan for the weather accordingly, by checking the weather report time. If rain is reported, you want to try to set up your table in a covered area if possible. Have a backup plan like a large umbrella or pop up tent just in case period if wind is the concern comma make sure that your table settings are secure comma so that you don’t risk everything flying away mid dish.
Get the Lighting Right
When it comes to an outdoor dinner party, the lighting is critical. Anytime we think of an outdoor dinner party, chances are one of the first things that come to mind are garden lights. These give a romantic touch and moody feel that can make all the difference when hosting your dinner party. You may also want to consider lanterns or candles at the table, which can help illuminate a little better especially on darker nights.
Keep it Simple
As much as you might be tempted to get carried away with complicated menu items, the experts agree that you should keep it simple. This will help you avoid stress and can also reduce your risk of things going wrong. When in doubt, go for a menu that can mostly be prepped in advance. This will ensure you can spend more time with your guests and less time running back and forth from the kitchen.
Remember, ultimately, your guests are there to enjoy you, not just eat, so find a healthy balance between hosting and doing the actual cooking and preparation.
