It’s the middle of August, and there is no better way to celebrate summer than with an outdoor party with friends. It’s hot and we are lethargic, and nothing soothes that summer heat better than a cool drink,( martini anyone?) and tasty B-B-Q! Outdoor entertaining is fun, so people are turning the televisions off, hooking up with friends and neighbors and enjoying the cool summer nights together. Outdoor entertaining is easy, and requires very little,( a motto and philosophy we at AB HOME love!) One of our favorite quotes from Real Simple,
“A successful dinner party doesn’t demand anything elaborate-just simple food, good company, and a convivial setting”
I love entertaining and I especially love entertaining outdoors. SO what are some things you can do to bring the party out side? Here are a few of my tips for entertaining outdoors:
1) Outdoor rooms:
Outdoor furniture is wildly popular and can be found just about anywhere. Summer Classics is one of my favorites. But why not bring out a couple of chairs from the dining room or an old sofa from the basement? Buy inexpensive slipcovers in white, (Target has a great selection), and bring those peices outdoors. It creates a more intimate and cozy feeling to your soiree. White is a great back drop for any setting and can easily be dressed up for any style or occasion. It’s unexpected and super fun.
2) Lights
Outdoor lighting
Bring the indoors out
Never underestimate the power of lighting. Hang an old chandelier from an oak tree and light it up with candles, or have your skilled electrician convert the wiring to an outdoor plug. Put floating candles in the pool, string lights up through the trees, or take a strand of lights and use it as garland around the fence. You can never have too many lights and trust me, you can never have too many candles. Lights add whimsy and magic to the event and create a beautiful intoxicating mood.
Designer tip: Turn off any security features like motion sensitive flood lights. Nothing kills a mood like flood lamps hitting your eyes every time you run to the bathroom!
3) Comforts of home
Many parties start in the afternoon and continue through to late evening. Outdoor entertaining is all about the comforts of home. Relaxing, laughing and enjoying good food. Don’t spoil the magic because you weren’t prepared. Have bug spray handy (I often keep it in the bathroom, in a basket on the counter), soft throws for your guests to snuggle up in, decaf coffee, soft music, anything you think they might need, have it on hand. When entertaining make your guests feel comfortable and welcomed. The more accessible these items are, the more they will feel at home. Often people don’t like to ask for things. They feel it is too much to ask, and they will either leave or suffer. That isn’t a memorable experience. Have all of these items on there own buffet table, in the bathroom, or in an area that encourages them to grab what they need without regret.
4) Dinnerware
Outdoor dining
Comforts of home
Just like bringing out a few upholstered pieces of furniture, I love using real dishes outside. Yes it’s not practical, they need to be cleaned but a mismatched set of china combined with old stemware is romantic and decadent. Life is too short, live it up and enjoy the simple pleasures of life! Take a trip to your local flea market and gather up beautiful mismatched dishes and stemware that work perfectly with your outdoor space. You’ll be amazed at how happy it makes you!
5) Cloth napkins and silverware
Always use cloth napkins, even if it’s simple B-B-Q or hamburgers. If there are children at the event you can provide paper napkins for them to use, but the juxtaposition of formal-rustic is a good tug and pull for outdoor entertaining. It is more inviting, and they work a hell of a lot better than those napkins with seasonal prints that work as good as a plastic bag. Cloth linens are easy to find and not expensive. If you are concerned about stains, go for a black or brown option. Same goes for silver ware. Pick up an inexpensive set like this one from amazon, if you don’t want to use your every day stuff. It is more civilized and enjoyable. Guests will often sit longer and enjoy themselves rather than bolting for the door. Include them in the clean-up. Most guests are happy to help. It’s not the end of the party destination that counts, its the journey through the evening that should be enjoyed…even cleaning dishes!
6) Flowers
Outdoor flowers
Outdoor entertaining
Always include fresh cut flowers on the buffet table, dining table, in the bathroom-where ever your guests will be. They are pleasant and uplifting and suit the festivities perfectly. Outdoor entertaining is all about the outdoors! Not sure how to put your arrangements together? Click on Mondays easy tips for arranging. Keep it simple and easy. The more simple you can make it the more charming and delightful the arrangements are to your guests.
images: room-galleries, outdoor lighting, apartment therapy, the brides cafe, hellow lucky
About Amanda Gates
That third set up is breathtaking! I would love to recreate–it’s right up my alley. xo-C
Love these images, Amanda.
I love to entertain outdoors, and I always make it casual. Love to use flowers and lights.
Here in Alabama, it it too hot to even walk to your car , so I look forward to cool weather and getting outdoors.
Have a great weekend.
Teresa
xoxo
Amanda I always love to see outdoor spaces expanded and used for living!! Perfect examples and tablescapes!!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. I must say I love your blog and will be coming back and using some of your wonderful Ideas…I can see we already have something in common. Dreams up studio did my blog too!
XOXO
Janice
Great tips-love your site! Thanks for stopping by on my SITS day!
Love the look of pretty lights hanging from trees and anywhere else they can hang in the yard
Also a great idea to make sure everything your guests might need is readily available. Makes entertaining easier on you if you don’t have to keep running off to find things for your guests.