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Outdoor Entertaining Tips
Use these outdoor entertaining tips and last minute reminders to throw the best patio and backyard parties in town.
Comfort
Have insect repellent and citronella candles on hand to ward off the bugs when the sun goes down.(You can also buy a commercial bug zapper )
After the sun goes down, usually the temperature does too. On the invitation, remind your guests to bring sweaters and light jackets. You might also want to have a few blankets and sweaters available for those that forget.
It’s a good idea to have umbrellas over all of the tables for shade. You can rent tables, chairs and umbrellas fairly inexpensively. The rental agencies will even deliver them right to you door.
Entertainment
Everyone loves live music so invite your guests to bring their instruments along for an impromptu concert in your garden .
If there isn’t live music- make sure you have some recorded music that fits the theme of your backyard party.
If there are children at your outdoor party – include them in the activities or have something special and fun just for kids.
Employ a few teenagers to baby-sit the children. That way the kids are entertained and the parents can relax and enjoy them selves too.
Food
You can never have too much food- but running out is a disaster.
If you’re asking guests to contribute to the meal - make something extra like a pasta salad that will go with anything in case you feel like you might need more food. If the dish is not needed, you’ll have dinner already prepared for the next day.
Don’t skimp on the quality of food . Always buy the best meat, the freshest bakery items, and perfect fruits and veggies. Don't forget to cut and use fresh herbs from your
herb garden.
Ask your guests to help prepare parts of the meal . In fact having them cook their own steak or chicken on the grill means that they get it prepared exactly the way that they like!
Drinks
Always have plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages available. Keep it chilled along side the pitchers of beer and wine assortment
More Outdoor Entertaining TIps
Lighting
Have plenty of candles and votive lights and lanterns on hand and ready to light the gardens, stairways, and tables if the party keeps going into the evening hours.
Take portable solar lights from other parts of the yard and place around the patio and yard to light the pathways and designate gathering areas. After the party the lights can easily be put back in the regular spot.
Planning
The day before the party – create a checklist and timeline of the things that are left to be done before guests arrive.
Set up stations around the yard and garden to keep the guests moving. Have one spot for drinks, one for appetizers and deserts, and another for the main meal. Adding signs and flags to designate each station offers a festive touch.
Tuck pairs of lawn chairs in cozy corners of the shade garden for guests who want to get away from the crowd for a bit.
Move the
container gardens
around on the patio or even place them on the lawn to create and define outdoor rooms.
Using these outdoor entertaining tips will help you stay calm, collected and prepared for your next backyard party.
Related Articles
Theme parties
are a fun way to entertain in the gardens....find ideas from backyard bocce ball parties to a classic cocktail party on the patio.
From Outdoor Entertaining Tips to Garden Party
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