Finding time to sit down for a family dinner can be challenging in today’s busy world. But imagine how special it would be to gather outdoors on a warm summer evening around the table. You can invite extended family, close friends, or even your neighbors. Here are a few tips to help you pull off an unforgettable outdoor family dinner party.
Choose the Perfect Location
Think about where you want to host your dinner party. Do you have a large backyard? A deck or patio? Or maybe you know of a beautiful park nearby. Once you’ve decided on the location, start planning the layout. If you are using the backyard, you might want to set up a picnic table or folding chairs and tables. If you’re going to be in a park, you might want to bring along a blanket or two.
If it’s hot out, you might want to rent portable air conditioner units to keep your guests comfortable. These can be placed around in strategic locations throughout the party space. Or, if you’re hosting the party during the evening hours, you might want to string up some twinkly lights to create a magical atmosphere.
Plan the Menu
Now it’s time to start planning the menu. If you’re going to be cooking outdoors, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary grilling equipment. Don’t forget the charcoal, lighter fluid, and matches! If you’re not a fan of grilling, you can always opt for picnic-friendly foods like sandwiches, salads, fruit, and cheese.
You might also want to consider hiring a caterer or barbecue company to do the cooking for you. This way, you can sit back and relax with your guests. And of course, no outdoor dinner party would be complete without dessert! Pies, cookies, and cupcakes are always a hit.
Don’t forget the drinks! Make sure to have a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages on hand, as well as plenty of ice. If you’re serving wine, be sure to have enough glasses for everyone. And if you’re serving beer, you might want to consider renting a keg.
Send Out the Invites
Now that you’ve got the location, menu, and drinks sorted out, it’s time to invite your guests! You can either hand-deliver the invitations or send them out electronically. If you go the electronic route, you can use a service like Evite or Paperless Post. Just be sure to include all the important details, like the date, time, location, and RSVP info.
You might also want to include a note on the dress code. If you’re planning a casual get-together, let your guests know they can come in their summer clothes. But if you’re going for a more formal affair, you might want to suggest that they dress up a bit.
Prepare Your Outdoor Space
A few days before the party, it’s time to start setting up your outdoor space. If you’re using the backyard, make sure the lawn is mowed, and the flowers are blooming. If you’re setting up in a park, look for a spot that’s away from high-traffic areas.
Now is also the time to start setting up the tables and chairs. If you’re using folding tables, make sure they are sturdy, and the legs are locked in place. You might also want to consider covering the tables with tablecloths. This will add a touch of elegance to your party and help keep the tables clean.
As the big day approaches, keep an eye on the weather forecast. If there’s a chance of rain, you might want to have a backup plan, like setting up a large tent or renting a hall.
The Day of the Party
On the day of the party, it’s time to finalize the preparations. If you’re cooking outdoors, fire up the grill and get the food ready. If you’re using rented tablecloths, make sure they are properly fastened to the tables. And don’t forget to put out place settings for each of your guests.
As the guests start to arrive, make sure they feel welcome. Show them where they can put their things, and offer them a drink. Then, direct them to the party area, so they can mingle and enjoy the food and drinks.
When it’s time to eat, ask everyone to take their seats. If you’re doing a buffet-style meal, make sure there are serving utensils for each of the dishes. And if you’re serving wine, be sure to have someone on hand to pour the drinks. After the meal, it’s time for dessert! Serve up the sweets and coffee, and watch as your guests enjoy the fruits of your labor.
As the party comes to an end, you can start cleaning up. But don’t forget to say goodbye to your guests and thank them for coming. And that’s it! With these tips, you’ll be sure to host a successful outdoor family dinner party. Just relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
