Effortless Outdoor Entertaining in 5 Steps
Have friends over without the hassle.
Entertaining outdoors can be as easy and carefree as the summer breeze. With just a few tricks, you can host the ones you love without breaking a sweat.
1. Stock Up on Unbreakable Options
Design: Hedgeford and Berkley
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Alfresco dining comes with its own issues: a gust of wind can easily level a table stocked with paper plates, or topple delicate wine glasses. (Stemless acrylic wine glasses are a girls' night's best friend). Today's melamine plates have come a long way, featuring beautiful motifs that mimic fine china and ceramic dishware, so there's no need to face a broken glass or dish again.
Tip! Thanks to advances in technology, some melamine plates are BPA-free, so you can feel safe using and reusing your new favourite dishes.
Make serving dinner easier, and keep the table neat, with cute and convenient caddies. Use large trays to shuttle food and other essentials outdoors in style. On the table, corral condiments in specially designed holders and encourage sharing by loading up strategically placed lazy Susans with side dishes and more.
Photo: Just a Girl and Her Blog
https://www.wayfair.ca/ideas-and-advice/a-bar-cart-for-every-style-S14796.html
Get out from behind the bar, and enjoy the party! Save yourself time and effort by placing a stocked cooler or bar cart (complete with a beverage dispenser full of your signature drink) where guests can help themselves. Even if you make the best sangria ever, trust us, your guests prefer your company.
Design: Designtheory
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Create areas that encourage conversation and fun—aside from your perfectly set table. Circle chairs up around a table or fire pit to get guests talking. Bonus points if you give them something to do while they hang out. (Hint: s’mores!) Placing games, music, or other activities around is another way to engage people, while also allowing you to enjoy your party.
Design: Jennifer Stoner Interiors
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Don't let the sun dictate how long the party goes. String lighting and candles not only add ambiance, but allow the fun to extend into the evening. Try solar lights for an environmentally-conscious (and wallet-friendly) way to light your way to fun-filled late nights with friends.
