Outdoor Entertaining: Tips and Advice

What would an outdoor dinner party be without savory grilled foods? We have selected a couple of our grilling favorites to share with you. Just click on the recipes above for full cooking instructions.
Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon Slow Roasted & Smoked Ribs


Making Your Next Outdoor Dinner Party Memorable

Show your guests that they are worth it
Make your guests feel special! Don’t just go with the ordinary paper plates and plastic silverware. Break out your best dinnerware and flatware and set the stage with some drama. I guarantee that your guests will immediately feel special and respected. Best of all you won’t have to worry about the wind blowing your tableware away.

Sophisticated but simple
Do you have a flower garden? This is a great time to show it off. Pick some fresh flowers to arrange as a centerpiece or to use as accents throughout your outdoor space. Fill some glass bowls with water and float votive candles and perhaps some of the flowers you picked from your garden. Be sure to put a table cover on your outdoor table. Choose one that is light and summery. Sometimes flat sheets can do the trick with simple embroidery or flowery patterns.

Think seasonal. Think fresh
Utilize a vegetable garden to pick fresh veggies for a snack tray or to liven up a tossed salad to begin your summer feast. Have lemons? Spruce up an ordinary glass of ice water with a tasty zing and with the leftover lemons you can fill a glass vase for a unique but fresh centerpiece.

Stay Cool
Be sure that your guests stay cool especially on those hot summer days. Make sure you have enough shade by providing umbrellas. Make sure that you keep plenty of ice on hand and lots of drinks available.

Preparation is key
Like any other entertaining, be sure to prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. Try to keep your attention on the guests without spending too much time on the cooking and preparation. Remember that the guests are there to see YOU as much as they are there to eat your food.

Lighting
If your outdoor dinner party is at night be sure to include enough lighting. You can use strings of white lights to accent umbrellas or to drape in between surrounding trees. Paper lanterns can add a wonderful Asian flare and transform your back deck into a mystical orient escape. Use candles with citronella oil and light them at least 30 minutes prior to your guests arriving. These candles will ward off unwanted insects and add a soft glow to your patio perimeter.

Make it comfortable
Make sure that you have enough seating for all your guests and that your seating is comfortable. Most outdoor seating is hard but you can bring out chairs from your home or perhaps some wicker furniture from your porch to help. Arrange the furniture in a way that promotes good conversation so the guests may sit and socialize with ease.