Outdoor dining is a fun way to host friends and family during the warmer months. After time cooped up indoors and avoiding the cold, it is nice to gather around outdoors and soak in some sun with loved ones. At Kate Hartman Interiors, we have a variety of ways that you can host an outstanding dinner party.

Tips For Hosting An Outdoor Dinner Party

Outdoor dinner parties allow for a casual and laid-back atmosphere. However, you can still create an elevated experience for your guests at these intimate get-togethers while still maintaining an element of comfort. If you’re planning on hosting an outdoor dinner party, also known as dining alfresco, you’ll want to make sure to incorporate our top tips to ensure that hosting runs smoothly.  

1. Design the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

Creating an outdoor kitchen allows you to seamlessly transition food from the kitchen to the dining table. This reduces the risk of spills and dropped dishes in your home as you carry platters outside. Some crowd-pleasing favorite features for outdoor kitchens include pizza ovens, grills, smokers, a bar, and plenty of storage. Having a designated space for cooking techniques that could be difficult in your indoor kitchen helps create a social space that is special to the season. Include large windows or make it open to the outside for easy socialization between those in the kitchen and those outside. Whether you need a full kitchen or a kitchenette, Kate Hartman Interiors can help you create a space that suits your hosting needs.

2. Create a Dining Area

Make sure there are enough seating arrangements for guests to be comfortable. Whether you have one long table or multiple smaller ones, make sure none of your guests feel cramped and pushed against each other. Select furniture that is durable for the outdoors and in material that either is natural or appears natural. Bamboo accents, wooden tables, and stone firepits create an outdoor aesthetic that feels cohesive with their natural surroundings.

Break up the potentially harsh materials with linens. Linen napkins in your chosen color add style and comfort to your table setting. They’re easy to wash and reuse for your next gathering as well.

Be sure to use unbreakable dishware. The outdoors can be less predictable than indoors, so make sure that your dishware can survive any accidents. This is especially helpful if you’re constantly transferring dishes and serving trays from kitchen to table or around groups of people.

3. Incorporate Lighting

If your dinner party continues after the sun goes down, make sure there are plenty of lights to create a magical atmosphere and visibility for your guests. Depending on the type of atmosphere you want, there are hundreds of lighting options to choose from. Some popular picks are hanging lights such as fairy lights, votive candles, and solar-powered lanterns. Real candles are also lovely but could be a fire hazard so plan accordingly. If you have an outdoor fire pit, they’re also a great way to brighten your party and provide any needed warmth. 

4. Prepare for Bugs

There are few things more annoying than trying to enjoy a lovely meal outside only to be harassed by insects. If you notice that your yard has an issue with these pesky annoyances, take preventative measures to keep them from provoking your guests. Citronella candles, discreetly placed bug zappers, and providing bug spray for guests can help ward them off. Take a walk around your yard a few days (or even a couple of weeks) before your party and take care of any potential problems. Take care of wasps’ nests, spider webs, or ant hills ahead of time so they aren’t a problem the day of.

5. Create a Seasonal Menu

Plan a menu that is centered around the season and time of the dinner party. Evening dinner parties are substantial with courses rather than light bites. For summer, create a menu that is focused on the season’s harvest. Tomato or pasta salad, watermelon as a side, berry cakes, barbecue sandwiches, and strawberry lemonade are excellent summer dishes. 

Get Your Outdoor Dining Area Ready With Kate Hartman Interiors

At Kate Hartman Interiors, we work with you and your lifestyle to create a beautiful outdoor environment that is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable. We won’t force you to sacrifice functionality for beauty. We believe the two can exist in perfect harmony with the right planning. For those of you looking to spruce up your outdoor hosting space, Get in touch with us today and fill out our client questionnaire.

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