Summer is just around the corner! Luckily it’s starting to warm up and so the outdoor parties are on their way. I’ve teamed with Better Homes & Gardens products at Walmart again to bring you a tips for outdoor entertaining this season. My husband and I love eating outdoors when it’s gorgeous outside. We have two grills on our building’s terrace frequently carry trays of food downstairs to bbq. Whenever we have guests over, there are a few steps we try to check off for outdoor entertaining. They will definitely help you to be a carefree hostess, free to enjoy your party + guests.
Top 5 Outdoor Entertaining Essentials
Choose a great setting. Being outdoors is wonderful and is always my first choice for any celebration. It’s important to pick a great location not only in terms of function but style as well. A shady patio or rooftop terrace will create an atmosphere your guests will enjoy. Picnics in parks, lakeside, or beach bonfires are great for birthdays, graduations and big holidays like Memorial Day and July 4th. For more intimate occasions like brunches, dinner parties or anniversaries, I suggest hosting in a private space. Wherever you chose to throw your next outdoor event, be sure there’s ample space for you guests as easy access to amenities you’ll need to entertain.
Plan your menu carefully. Hosting outdoors means you’re at the mercy of the elements. Try not to serve foods that spoil quickly in the sun or take precautions to protect. Guacamole can be saved by keeping the seed in the dip and squeezing a little lime juice on top. Keep any sweet beverages covered to prevent annoying little bugs from falling in. Consider choosing dishes that can sit out and still taste great like different salads. There’s a reason every party has an assortment of cole slaw, pasta salad, potato salad, etc. Stray away from dishes with a lot of dairy, technically they should only sit out for a few hours. When in doubt have heated catering trays or an ice chest on hand to protect the food. If you’re hosting at home, just keep the food indoors until you’re ready to serve.
Check the weather well in advance. Weather is our friend and enemy when entertaining outdoors. Too hot and you’re guests may melt under the sun. Too cold and no one will want to stay outdoors for long. If the date of your party isn’t flexible, make preparations to keep your guests as comfortable as possible. Have throw blankets or scarves handy for breezy weather. Provide lots of chilled beverages and parasols/umbrellas for an exceptionally hot day. I serve flavored water in the glass beverage dispenser so guests are able to hydrate as much as possible. Even keeping a few bottles of sunscreen and bug spray handy will leave your guests happy and protected. If rain is in the forecast, you’ll have to move indoors, use a covered patio or rent a tent.
Use plastic instead of glassware. I’m all for really glassware, china and the like. The last thing I want is a strong breeze to come along and knock over my favorite wine glass! I highly recommend using non-fragile plates, glasses, serveware when entertaining outdoors. Someone always drops or knocks over something at every party. I love the aqua watercolor melamine plates as an inexpensive and colorful option for outdoor entertaining. Plastic tumblers are perfect for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re worried about little ones picking up the wrong glass, give children a different colored glass for the adult guests.
Decorate, decorate, decorate! Party decor can completely transform a plain space to something stunning. Incorporate flowers, paper party decor, beautiful linens and lots of color. I love using a large decorative serving tray like the melamine striped tray as a centerpiece. Setup an outdoor rug, pillows, ceramic lanterns and other favorites from your home. Use your house plants as decor if you need more greenery. Hang string lights overhead especially for an evening affair. There’s no limit to decorating for a party!
I hope you’re ready to start entertaining outside! It’s not as daunting as you make think especially if you can get help. Potlucks are an amazing way to ease into entertaining and alleviate pressure for newbie hostesses or anyone short on time. Now get to planning!
To help with your entertaining needs, I’m hosting a giveaway for your chance to snag some of these products! One lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to Walmart, where BHG products are exclusively sold.
Contest ends May 14, 2015 at 12:00am EST. Winner will be notified after drawing via email and the gift card will be mailed.
Need more ideas for outdoor entertaining? Check out what my fellow bloggers are sharing on social media with the hashtag #BHGLiveBetter. You can find more inspiration on BHG Living’s social media channels: Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Better Homes and Gardens products at Walmart via the BHG Live Better Network. All content, ideas, and words in this post are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that allow me to create new and special content like this for Planning Pretty.
