August might be considered the Sunday of summer but the good news is there’s still plenty of time to enjoy warm weather, entertain, and dine al fresco style, all from the comfort of your outdoor living space! Your patio is the perfect extension of your home, so today we’re bringing dinner outdoors! Follow along as I share tips on How to Host an Outdoor Dinner Party that’s guaranteed to make your next outdoor dining experience a memorable one!
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Al fresco style dining is popular during the summer months and it’s not hard to see why! It’s the perfect way to enjoy a casual, party-like style of dining while also spending quality time with family and friends! I love hosting outdoor dinners! There’s nothing better than creating a magical outdoor gathering for the people you love.
While scrolling Instagram and Pinterest offers picture-perfect inspiration, it may leave you feeling slightly overwhelmed! The good news is it’s not as intimidating as it looks! The best way to start planning for your outdoor dinner party is to get organized! The saying “Fail to plan, plan to fail” rings true. Prep is the key to hosting a truly effortless and successful outdoor dinner party.
Things to consider when planning an outdoor dinner party:
- Guest list (limit your invites to keep things manageable)
- Start out with a vision and a theme to help put things together (create a Pinterest board for inspiration)
- Break up the planning into small easy to accomplish tasks (seating, dinnerware, lighting and food)
- Choose the right menu (think easy delicious meals that can be prepared ahead of time)
All it takes is a little planning to ensure your dinner party is a success! Your guests will feel comfortable and cozy, thanks to your well-thought-out outdoor dining experience!
Outdoor Dining Essentials
Seating
Seating is essential to a well-designed outdoor dining space. When planning how to host an outdoor dinner party, selecting the right furnishings is key. Make sure to consider the overall size of the table and how much space is needed. To avoid cramped quarters there should be enough room to comfortably hold the table and chairs while still allowing your guests to move around freely.
Lighter tones and furniture finishes, will bring warmth to your space while keeping things light and airy. The goal of outdoor furniture is to blend seamlessly with natural surroundings instead of creating an overly decorated look.
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Dinnerware
Mix and match tableware is the perfect way to create a beautiful tablescape. Whether going for a relaxed casual vibe or something a little more refined, it helps to set the overall tone. To keep things effortless, try combining a few different styles of simple yet stylish plates, cups, and glassware, then adding vintage silverware throughout. An added neutral linen napkin will help balance out both the simple and vintage elements while pulling the overall look together.
Depending on your theme, I suggest using real plates vs. disposable, which create a more refined, elegant look vs. the typical casual backyard bbq. To save on cost, check out items from your local thrift store. You’d be amazed at the beautiful pieces you can find, from silverware, glassware, dinnerware, serving dishes, and more!
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Lighting
Let’s set the mood with lighting! Outdoor dinner party lighting is key and a must-have when creating an inviting dining experience. Not only does it set the overall mood but adds a soft, warm glow to light up your tablescape after the sun goes down!
Whether stringing lights, adding a pendant, using solar lanterns, or simply dining by candlelight, lighting truly makes your outdoor dinner feel cozy and magical!
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Dinner Party Menu Selection
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Food Options
It’s easy to overcomplicate your dinner party menu, leaving you stuck in the kitchen instead of being the “life of the party”! Family-style meals will allow you to prepare and cook the food before the party, so you can focus on what really matters, creating lasting memories with loved ones!
Charcuterie boards are the perfect appetizer and can easily be prepped ahead of time. For the main course, think of simple recipes like tri-tip or other braised meats, pasta dishes, and even easy one-pot meals. To save time, precook the sides ahead of time, so you only have to focus on the main dish the day of the dinner party.
Other great options include hiring a local catering company or, if your budget permits, a chef and bartender are sure to elevate any outdoor dining experience!
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Cheers to hosting an outdoor dinner party right in the comfort of your own backyard! It’s truly as amazing as it sounds!
Do you love hosting outdoor dinner parties? Let me know in the comments below!
For dinner party drink inspiration check out THIS post for My Go-To Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita Recipe or watch the reel HERE! It’s definitely a crowd pleaser!
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