How to Host an Outdoor Dinner Party at Home
Spring is almost springing. The weather is on the verge of that peak hosting season and we’re here for it. Once the pollen disappears and the cold snaps stop coming, it’ll finally be time to entertain guests outdoors. By preparing your space, choosing the right theme, and making some accommodations to ward off weather and pests, anyone can create the ultimate dinner party space en plein air. Here are our top tips for How to Host an Outdoor Dinner Party at Home.
Photo: Taralynn Lawton
Pick the Perfect Place on Property
The setting can make a party, so choose a location that is not only large (or intimate) enough for your gathering, but also scenic and tidy. For peak summer events, opt for a shaded area to keep guests cool. Nighttime fêtes should be well-lit and cozy. Pick the prettiest part of your property, zhuzh up the landscaping if needed, and set the scene. For buggy backyards, do what you can to deter critters, especially if you’re serving food. We prefer a patio or terrace for meals and the lawn for a lounge.
Choose the Aesthetic
Select a vibe for your party and run with it. We’ve centered celebrations around a favorite hue, a pretty patterned linen, an activity like outdoor game night, an occasion (Happy 4th!), and even just a mood. Create a space appropriate for the theme. For dinner parties, have ample places for guests to eat. Firepit evenings should include seating around the blaze. And for larger events, we scatter a mix of tall tables, dining areas, and soft seating. To bring your theme to life, choose one to three decor pieces that fit with the aesthetic. Select the perfect playlist with tunes to match the party, and even design a menu (both bites and sips) around the theme. For a Tuscan Dinner Party, we might add a bowl of lemons to the table as a centerpiece, select breezy linen tablecloths and napkins, mix up a spritz to drink, and serve the meal family style.
Photo: Taralynn Lawton
Photo: Taralynn Lawton
Define the Party Style
The time of day and occasion usually dictate the style of the party. Cocktail or buffet style is ideal for more informal gatherings, larger parties, and daytime events, like pool parties, showers, backyard barbecues, and game nights. Dinner parties with a smaller group of guests are best served seated to encourage conversation and to focus on the meal.
Build the Guest List
While big blowouts are a blast, intimate parties can be even more special. Look at the space you have and decide how many guests can comfortably sit for dinner. Make that the blueprint for your invite list.
…And then Invite the Guests
Outdoor dinner parties can be as casual or fancy as you’d like. For events marking a milestone or holiday, evites are the way to go. Choose a paper invite if you want to be chic. However, for more casual dinner parties, a group text is great.
Curate the Menu
When curating a dinner party menu, we consider the theme, the occasion, and the style we’re going for. Seasonal ingredients are always best, easiest to find, and most delicious, so start there. Build a menu starting with your main course. Your protein is the star and its accompanying sides are the other players. Then, add variety by selecting secondary proteins and produce to infuse in any apps or starters. Add to the theme with cocktails or infused beverages. Finally, finish the meal with a sweet ending, an easy dessert is the chef’s kiss!
Select menu items that are appropriate for the setting and weather, too. For example, a soup may not be the best summer selection… unless it’s a gazpacho. While plated meals feel traditional for a dinner party, our favorite way to serve is family style. Shared plates in big bowls and platters encourage conversation and ease. Allow your guests to self-serve cocktails, and if you’re thinking of a signature drink for the menu, either pre-batch a pitcher or play mixologist and teach your guests how to craft their own.
Photo: Taralynn Lawton
Prepare the Property
Review your outdoor entertaining space and make a list of any pre-party chores and clearing you may need to do. Always prep your space days in advance to avoid grass clippings from mowing, that stinky new mulch smell, and to allow pest control measures to set in. Clean flat surfaces are best for parties, especially if you’re adding seating or furniture to a lawn. Tenting should be brought in and set up in advance along with any rental drop-offs. Enhance your garden beds with some new plantings or pots. Add flair to your outdoor seating with new throw pillows en-theme. Finally, since it's an outdoor party, consider the weather conditions and prepare accordingly. Have a backup plan in case of rain or extreme heat, such as a tent or canopy for shelter.
Deter Pests
Pretreat your outdoor space for bugs and pests before your dinner party by landscaping, eliminating standing water, and enlisting the pros, if needed. Natural bug-repellent candles, tiki torches, and fans can all help keep pests away. Select a safe area for any food that will be set out for grazing, away from plants and ideally out of the grass. Good airflow always helps, so pop the buffet under or near a fan if possible.
Photo: Taralynn Lawton
Set the Mood
The ambiance for outdoor parties is created with a combination of ample lighting, the perfect playlist, and great company. Be purposeful about the flow of your space, keeping it roomy enough for guests to mingle and providing spots for guests to stand with a drink or sit for a chat. Center the event around the main theme or purpose. For example, for a dinner party, the table should be the focal point of the fete.
Design a Dinner Party Table
I always like to set a table in layers. Create a base of color and texture with a runner or tablecloth. Sprinkle the center of your ‘scape with flora, fauna, and some candles - be as colorful and grand as you like, but leave room for plates and platters, especially if you’re serving the meal family-style. Chargers or placemats can enhance a theme, and those are topped with plates and napkins. Melamine, or durable but reusable dishes, are great for outdoor events. The less flatware and glassware the better for these dinner parties, so keep place settings minimal with all-purpose tumblers and a solid fork and knife.
Select Seating & Centerpieces
Not all hosts own the perfect seating set for twelve, so think outside the box for dinner party seating if needed. Mix and match chairs and tables that you have, as long as the height and proportions are even - you don’t want to stick stools next to low loungers for example. If renting is in the budget, and you have the space, borrow what you need to keep it looking uniform. For cocktail-style events, mix high tables for guests to stand with low bistro tables for seating. Longer events and larger parties often call for a lounge, so group some soft seating together and add a coffee table for guests to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to bring select indoor furniture into the backyard, but beware of the grass, weather, and elements as upholstered items may get dirty or ruined.
Decorate your table with ease for outdoor summer parties. We love any fresh element like a simple bouquet, potted herbs, or even a bowl of citrus. Coordinate the colors with your theme, and just like with the menu, choose what’s fresh, local, and available to you in the moment. Add candles for ambiance, enclosed in a lantern or glass so they don’t blow out.
Entertainment is Key
Center activities and entertainment around your theme. Pipe music through speakers, or even better, hire live musicians like a guitar duo or three-piece band. Interactive menus are fun, so let friends participate in a build-your-own taco station or self-serve bar. Lawn games like cornhole are great for casual gatherings, while ice-breakers, trivia, and card games can add a splash to seated dinner parties. For evening events, firepit smores and sparklers liven up a summer party.
How will you host this year? We’d love to see your go-to dinner party recipes, outdoor dining tables, and entertaining space. Comment below or DM us on the ‘gram.
Photo: Taralynn Lawton
