If you haven't hosted an outdoor dinner party, don't be nervous - it's not hard to do.As a caterer and event planner who specializes in off-premise events, it's second nature for me to produce events in strange, out of the way places and on bare land, where you have to build an event environment.
To some people, this would be stressful - but, outdoor dinner parties are what I love to produce. So outdoor events are right up my alley.
I want you to know what I know. I want you to know how to host an outdoor dinner party, effortlessly. So, in not a lot of time, you will become an expert "do-it-yourself-er".
Here are some of the tricks and ideas that I've honestly used, for clients and for outdoor dinner parties that I've hosted myself.
For starters, being outside puts people (guests) in a good mood and you have to realize that just about anything can happen; like rain. Having said that (rain), always have Plan B ready - just in case.
There are a lot of dinner party themes and dinner party recipes that you could go with. People don't usually attempt to serve a five-course meal outdoors. But it's doable, if it's your heart's desire. If you're attempting this for the first time, I suggest that you "K.I.S.S."- Keep It Simple & Sensational. Besides, keeping it simple means you won't have to come up with any fancy dinner party menus or any elegant outdoor dinner party table setting ideas.
Why not try your hand at hosting a cocktail party? Cost-conscious parties and events are the current trend, and this type of event will save you a substantial amount of money.
When you keep it simple you take advantage of Mother Nature's natural greening, with surrounding shrubs and trees as your backdrop.
Simple, clean and beautiful is... a table arrangement, of a line of small vases filled with a single bloom, going down the middle of your table. Or take your tablescape plans in a different direction and place a large bowl of lemons (or lemons and oranges), or colorful eggplant in the center of the table. It's practical, simple and chic. You could also use natural materials like seashells, an interesting looking tree branch or an abandoned bird's nest to make an organic dinner party centerpiece statement.
Start your party at dusk so that you can reap the benefit of adding the beauty of flattering candlelight. Candlelight makes everyone look sexy.
Scatter as many candles around as you can get your hands on. Be different. For an eclectic or rustic style, place them inside of old canning jars, rather than hurricane lamps. Purchase long burning beeswax candles and light them before your guests arrive, even if the sun hasn't set. With candles burning from the start, the candlelight will evolve and change with the evening.
When I entertain, 99.9% of the time I will set an elaborate buffet. But honey, once it's set, it's set. And it's easy, too, because your only task is: keeping everything on your buffet table replenished.
Naturally, when you host an outdoor dinner party you'll want to keep out the unwanted and "un-invited guests". To keep those nasty bugs and flies away, cover the food with plate and platter screens and glass covers from cake stands. Aesthtics are everything. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil on party buffet tables totally destroys the look of elegance for a nice party.
Use the heaviest linens you can find. Using a rustic look outdoors, by draping burlap and natural canvas fabric amidst lilacs and roses in a backyard can work beautifully. Both fabrics look good and are the best wind resistant fabrics to use on the cheap. Pardon me for saying so, but I'm not a fan of clip-on velcro table skirting. I prefer to use natural, pretty river rocks, placed here and there, on the table to keep cloths anchored. We can skip going into detail about outdoor dinner plates, glassware, and silverware because you can bring your inside items outside. Or you cab purchase disposable products.
When it comes comes to your elegant outdoor dinner party menu, start by going through a lot of recipes for a summer dinner party - with the end result plan to serve your guests your signature cocktail.
If you don't fell like creating something new, serve sangria. It's easy to make and goes over well. Guests love it because it's a delicious beverage to serve. Add fresh peaches, and lemons, and limes. The fresh fruit looks good and jazzes up the flavor. My guests really love my watermelon sangria recipe. But if you're entertaining a big crowd, use my recipe that serves up a large batch of sangria punch. If they're having too much fun drinking sangria and not paying you any attention when you call then to dinner - ring your outdoor dinner bell and let them know that it's time to eat dinner.
You'll come up with a lot of different menu ideas for outdoor dinner parties. You're smart. So I'm sure you'll think of 999 different ways of your own, of how to host an outdoor dinner party, too. But it'll be easier for you if you serve a menu that won't be served hot. That way, there will be less pressure on you to perform, and you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself (like your guests will). As long as you serve an elegant dinner party menu, you'll be fine.
There are always a ton of different directions you can go with this. If you're bored with the idea of hosting a typical barbecue, serve something groovy and delicious like gazpacho and paella, with summer rolls and stuffed endive - which are all things that you can make a day in advance.
Cook with fresh and seasonal items as much as you can - from fresh herbs, to fresh fruit, to fresh vegetables. You know your guests, so you know what they'll like the best. If a traditional barbecue will prove to be more popular, go with it. Just about everything tastes good cooked on a grill anyway. The only thing I ask is, if you're a true home catering and party planning novice - please do me proud. Make sure you get lots of compliments and have a fantastic time!
I trust that I've shared enough How to Host an Outdoor Dinner Party, outdoor dinner party ideas with you.
The flexibility of the ideas shared here are endless. For example, you could use this How to Host an Outdoor Dinner Party information as a template for a budget outdoor wedding rehearsal dinner, for family dinner party ideas, or for progressive dinner outdoor ideas.
A couple of closing suggestions that I have are: Get your dinner party invitations in the mail early. Have completely fabulous dinner party music. Have a basket of nice shawls and throws available in case the evening gets cold. And when it's hot, place paper fans at each place setting. If it rains, take your party indoors - spread blankets on the floor and turn off the lights and eat by candlelight. It will be fun and memorable for everybody!
Beyond all of that, all I think to say is... plan, plan, plan.
And give your guests the time of their lives!
Prepare well, think of everything, and plan for anything.
Written by Carlo of Carlo At Your Service Productions
