55% of Americans say they’d like to host more dinner parties and it’s easy to see why. With restaurant prices skyrocketing, it’s less stressful on our wallets to hang out and eat with friends at home instead. Sitting around in a drab room with no decorations can be grim though. And hey, the weather’s getting nicer, so why not host an outdoor dinner party?
We understand that holding such a get-together is easier said than done. So in this article, we’ll give you a guide on how to create the perfect outdoor dinner party setup so your guests are super impressed.
Choose a Theme
Throwing together a bunch of outdoor furniture and decor and calling it a day just won’t cut it. That might’ve worked in your college years, but we’re grown-ups now and dinner parties should be somewhat fancy. At the very least, they should have coherent themes.
If you’re not very creative, then picking dinner party themes will help immensely. Not only can you switch it up every time, but these ideas will help guide your decor, menu and overall ambiance.
Some popular themes you can consider include:
- Rustic chic
- Garden party
- Tropical luau
- Vintage picnic
- Mediterranean night
Food and Drink
These are the main stars of your gathering, so put lots of thought into your menu. Again, the theme will make your job less stressful, as the dishes and beverages can lean toward that.
While planning the menu, make sure you accommodate any dietary restrictions of your guests. Outdoor dinner party menu ideas should have a mix of appetizers, mains, sides and desserts to offer everyone a decent spread.
As for the serving style, you have these choices:
- Plated meals
- Family-style
- Buffet
The style you choose will influence how the meal is served and your outdoor dining table setup (more on this later). Depending on the season, sunlight and overhanging foliage, you may want to shelter buffet tables beneath a pavilion-style tent to protect the food.
In addition, ensure your guests quench their thirst by setting up a self-serve bar or drink station. If you’ve got a pool, use one of our ideas for outdoor bars to get some inspiration for an outdoor furniture setup that works for you. Have both alcohol and non-alcoholic options available so no one feels pressured to drink.
Plan the Layout
No one wants to play musical chairs, so you’ve got to have enough seating for everyone. You can use a combination of dining tables, picnic tables and lounge areas to accommodate all your guests, and to give them choices.
For the dining area itself, you can utilize a large table if it’s a more intimate setting. Sprinkle multiple smaller tables for larger dinner parties and use round tables to encourage conversation.
If you’re having a buffet-style night, then avoid a traffic jam by designating a separate area for food and drinks.
We have further outdoor patio furniture setup ideas if you’re stuck. Our advice will have your guests thinking you’re a professional designer!
Decorate Thoughtfully
For outdoor dinner party table-setting ideas, use tablecloths, placemats, or runners that match your theme. You can also add cloth napkins, elegant flatware and glassware if it’s that type of gathering.
To make your dinner tables more interesting, create centerpieces with flowers, greenery, or candles. Just make sure they’re low enough to allow conversation across the tables; no one likes a branch in their face or a candle they have to peer over, after all.
Go the extra mile and add name cards, menus, or small favors at each place setting. This is sure to make you the talk of the town.
Depending on the weather, you might want to also provide blankets, heat lamps, or fans. Also, keep those pesky bugs at bay with citronella candles and torches.
Set the Mood With Lighting
There’s a good chance that the sun will go down during your dinner party, or it’ll already be sundown. To keep things safe, you’ll need adequate lighting, which will also add to the ambiance.
Your porch lights might be sufficient, but we don’t want to be mediocre. Elevate things by using string lights as part of your dinner party decor. When hung overhead, it’ll create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
We mentioned citronella candles earlier, but other scented candles are great too. They’ll give a warm glow that’ll make people want to converse for hours. However, take care to strategically place them away from flammable items.
Another type of lighting to consider is lanterns. Place a few on tables or around the yard for a cozy aesthetic.
Other Considerations
There’s bound to be some pockets of silence during your dinner party. Prevent things from getting awkward by preparing a playlist that matches your theme and enhances the mood too.
In addition, make your dinner party a whole evening experience. Make guests feel appreciated the moment they step onto your property by having a big welcome sign at the entrance.
Don’t stop there though. Setup a photo area with props or a themed backdrop so people can snap fun selfies and remember this night forever.
Make things more convenient for your guests by setting aside a room for them to store their belongings. Also, when doing your summer party setup, check that your friends have easy access to a restroom. Keep walkways well-lit and free of obstacles, and have a first aid kit on hand in case your bestie pulls a classic clumsy move.
Lastly, look out for future you by providing clearly marked bins for recycling and trash. That way, you won’t have to groggily sort through everything the next morning.
Have a Memorable Outdoor Dinner Party
If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your friends and you want to go all out, then an outdoor dinner party is a must. With our al fresco dining guide, you’ll be able to pull together a night to remember and everyone will want an invite to your next parties.
Don’t have some of the furnishings and lighting options we’ve mentioned in this article? Then don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered.
Check out our outdoor dining furniture collection. We also carry a variety of outdoor lamps and lanterns.
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