The long, hot days of summer are here, and that means it's the perfect time to host a dinner party outdoors. Inviting guests into your backyard oasis for a relaxing evening consisting of dinner and drinks is the ideal way to spend the summer season.
However, before sending out the invitations, there's some planning to do. Here's everything you need to host the perfect outdoor dinner party:
Statement table
At a dinner party, the table will be the focal point of the night. It will be where guests congregate and conversations flow, so it's important to find a table where everyone can fit comfortably. The last thing you want is a guest to have to eat sitting in a chair away from everyone else. For outdoor dining, a long rectangular table is best suited to fit many guests and meals.
Comfortable seating
Next comes the seating. It's important to provide guests with a comfortable chair to enjoy their meal. While benches are a practical choice for outdoor furniture, they're not ideal when having multiple guests over to dine. Also, it's not just about the chairs you choose, it's about who you seat in them. Real Simple recommends making a seating chart before guests arrive.
A long table is best when hosting a large dinner party.Ample shade
The sun is likely still high in the sky by the time guests arrive for dinner, so it's important to provide them with plenty of shade while they relax and enjoy their food. While umbrellas are a good go-to, they're usually not the best for shading a large area or group of people. Planting trees or investing in an all-seasons patio may be too time consuming, but Good Housekeeping provided some other options for creating shade in your backyard. Consider using fabrics or a shade sail to add a pop of color and shade a large area. Alternatively, build a pergola and let roses or other climbing flowers take over to provide a natural covering.
Ambient lighting
As the sun goes down, your guests will need to be able to navigate your backyard and see what's going on. Bring out some candles to illuminate the table (or citronella to keep the bugs away as well) and add some ambient lighting to the space. Solar powered torches are a great touch for lighting up walkways so guests can still walk around.
Plenty of plates
Finally, you can't overlook the final touches. Make sure you have plenty of plates and silverware for your guests to use and don't forget the decor. Tablecloths and napkins are an opportunity to bring in pops of color and patterns. Put out fresh flowers and add some throw blankets and pillows around the space so guests can get comfortable once they arrive.
Arwood's offers a huge selection of outdoor furniture that's perfect for your next outdoor dinner party. Take a look at the website or come into the store for expert advice on how to create the perfect backyard oasis.
