Easy Outdoor Entertaining Tips

Warm weather in the spring inevitably conjures up ideas of backyard barbecues, pool parties, and dinner with friends out on the patio. Sunshine and fresh air are bound to put your guests in a sociable mood. But following these outdoor entertaining tips will ensure that your house is the place to be this summer.

Easy Outdoor Entertaining Tips 

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Get The Right Gear:

Make entertaining easy on yourself by investing the right gear beforehand. Plastic plates and serving dishes will drastically reduce the chances of broken glass coming in contact with bare feet. A few mesh food tents will keep the flies away from your snacks while you socialize. Outdoor speakers allow you to use music to create ambiance. Consider storing it all in a closed bar cat. That way, everything will be in the same place for easy organization and you have a ready-made spot to keep the libations on party day.

Use a canopy to create shade.

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Set Up Sections:

This is especially true for larger groups or parties that go on all day long. While mingling, your guests will break out to form smaller groups. Help facilitate these more intimate conversations by setting up several, small seating areas. (After all, no one wants to spend all day on their feet.) Use trees or a small white canopy to offer shade. Horseshoes or a badminton set are a natural draw for guests who like a bit more activity.

Create group areas for conversation and mingling

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Let There Be Light:

In particular, outdoor entertaining is infamous for lasting well into the night. Keep your party going by making the transition seamless. Use nature to your advantage by hanging string lights or orbs in your trees. A chiminea or fire pit will do double duty by providing light and warmth. Tiki torches are perfect for creating an island paradise feel. Mix standard and citronella candles to allow people to see while keeping the bugs at bay.

Pre-mixed cocktails will keep you from serving all day long.

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Keep It Simple:

No one wants to spend the entire party slaving away indoors at the oven, or even out by the grill. When choosing food and beverages for the party, opt for easy recipes that can be made in advance. Pay particular attention to foods that can be served at room temperature and are okay to sit out for hours. Go for bottled beverages or cocktails that can be pre-mixed in large batches.

The last and most important tip: Remember to have fun. As much as we wish the nice weather would last forever, it’s only here for so long. Make the most of it by taking every opportunity to create memories with family and friends. Use these suggestions to help you do it simply and in style.

Do you have a great outdoor entertaining tip? Share it with us in the comments. We love to hear from you.