Al Fresco Entertaining
It's May, which means it's prime time to transition your entertaining from inside to outdoors. Dining al fresco is always so refreshing after spending much of the winter months indoors. Being outside surrounded by nature is also visually inspiring. I absolutely love perusing outdoor dining spaces and observing the way different designers utilize the dinnerware, lighting, tablecloths, and more to reflect the atmosphere and landscape.
For the hosting outdoors newbies, there are obviously different logistics to consider. If you're planning an outdoor event, you may already have outdoor furniture that will work perfectly for your gathering. If not, you can easily rent whichever table and chairs that will best suit the space you’re utilizing and the number of guests attending. If you choose to rent, you’ll likely find your options are limited to folding tables, in which case you will need a tablecloth.
The menu is another aspect of al fresco entertaining to carefully consider. Whether you host a catered event, prepare everything yourself, or serve items from your favorite restaurant or market, choosing foods that are less temperature specific is a good idea.
Unless you’re up for a big shopping spree, the aesthetic of your gathering will depend a lot on what you already have. Necessities include serving pieces, dinnerware, glassware, flatware, and linens. Personally, I love seeing a tablecloth with placemats, as the combination can produce beautiful layering of color, pattern, and texture.
You’ll definitely want at least one centerpiece. It can be as elaborate as professionally arranged flowers to as simple as a green or flowering plant in an attractive planter, or hydrangeas placed in a low glass vase. Mixed with candles, any option would be lovely.
Speaking of candles, lighting is an important consideration for outdoor dining. Several of the many choices are hanging and/or tabletop lanterns, Chinese paper lanterns hung from tree branches, tabletop hurricanes, or string lights. Besides being necessary, outdoor lighting can create an enchanting atmosphere.
Before your event, be sure to set aside time to consider music. Think about both what era/genres will be most enjoyed by your guests and what will best suit the tone of the event you’re creating. Click through to see some great speaker options.
Please don’t wait until you have the perfect set of monogrammed hand-embroidered linens or twenty matching place settings of that exquisite dinnerware you’re collecting. These images are gorgeous inspiration, but they’re aspirational for many. Use what you have and create memories now.
Whether you’re dining al fresco alone, with family or friends, or a large gathering, enjoying a meal outdoors is such a treat. I’m looking forward to many evenings of nice weather and conversation this summer.
Some favorites for outdoor (or indoor) dining…
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