10 Stellar Tips for Entertaining Outdoors

Hosting a party outside should be simple – right?

Well … as they say … the best-laid plans can go wrong if you’re not looking at all the possibilities. Here’s a super-helpful list of the best tips to make your outdoor parties a breeze.

1. OFFER COMFORTABLE SEATING

Sitting on the lawn sounds so sweet until you realize that some people may not feel comfortable cross-legged for long. And those rustic logs that look so cute on Pinterest? They’re not so kind to the behind after an hour or so! Having seats with cushions for everyone is the best way to encourage people to linger and have fun.

2. SERVE WEATHER-PROOF SNACKS

Some crunch snacks, like potato chips, can wilt in the heat and humidity of summer. Try popcorn, mixed nuts and other nibbles that can handle the weather.

3. USE KRAFT PAPER TO MAKE CLEANUP EASY

An inexpensive roll of brown Kraft paper lets you cover tables easily, giving a rustic yet finished look. When it’s time to clean up, just fold it up – and if it’s not too saturated with food, you can even place it in the recycling bin.

4. NOTHING HAS TO MATCH

If you’re using real dishes, whether plastic or china, it’s fine to mix and match. An eclectic feel is delightfully laid-back for summer.

5. PROVIDE SOME SHADE

For daytime entertaining, make sure there’s room under a tree, umbrella or canopy, especially for guests who may be sensitive to the sun. Pro tip: put out some pretty hand-held fans for guests to cool themselves with.

6. NO FLYAWAYS

Outsmart the wind by skipping a tablecloth. If you’re using brown Kraft paper, you can even tape it down underneath the edges of your table, using painter’s tape that won’t harm surfaces. To keep plates on the table, weight them with small bowls of fresh fruit, nuts or candies. Roll paper napkins with forks and knives and display them in canning jars or ceramic canisters.

7. BRING THE INDOORS OUT

Don’t have a folding table big enough for your crew? Don’t be afraid to carry an indoor table outside. You can even bring dining chairs outdoors – but be mindful of the surfaces they sit on. Chair legs might fall into the slats in a deck or sink into the turf, so test things out ahead of time.

8. ENCOURAGE A GOOD FLOW

Set up service tables in different areas – for example, drinks in one spot and food in another – to encourage your guests to move around.

9. DON’T GO BUGGY

Having non-aerosol bottles of unscented bug spray is a great idea, especially if you’re entertaining in the evening hours. Check the area for special concerns such as ants and wasp nests that should be dealt with ahead of time.

10. KEEP DECORATIONS SIMPLE

Fancy centerpieces are easier to pull off indoors. Instead, opt for low bowls of floating flowers or large hurricane-style jars and vases with fat candles.

PARTY PLANNING STRESS? CALL THE CATERING EXPERTS AT JERRY’S KITCHEN

Are you hosting a major birthday, anniversary or family reunion this summer? Be a guest at your own celebration with help from the catering services experts at Jerry’s Kitchen!

We’ll make everything easy for you with our award-winning food truck catering specialties – or, if you prefer, a classic menu with fresh favorites to please all your guests. We have tasty options for everyone, including those with food sensitivities.

To book catering services or food trucks for your party near Doylestown or Philadelphia, give us a call today.

Source

Real Simple