Garden Gathering. Outdoor Entertaining Essentials

The allure of entertaining outdoors is all in the details. We want mood lighting and fireplaces for ambience; pretty serving pieces and drinkware; and sophisticated patio furniture where guests can relax. This list of outdoor entertainment essentials will help make any garden party a smashing success.

Solar lights and garden stakes are a nice way to light up pathways and highlight areas in your garden, but hanging fixtures bring a unique twist to any outdoor space. Whether solar or electric, they look gorgeous hanging from the patio umbrella, along the back fence or anywhere you can find a place to hang them. Outdoor, tabletop gas fireplaces make for luxurious, luminous additions to any backyard. An outdoor fireplace adds an extra element of coziness and warmth to a setting. It gives the feeling of getting away without having to leave the comforts of home.

It’s The Little Things

What’s more refreshing than an ice cold drink on a hot summer’s day? Set up a drink station in a colourful or galvanized tub to keep your concoctions chilled, and have glassware, bottle openers, straws and even garnishes ready for guests to serve themselves while they mingle. Remember to include non-alcoholic drinks such as juice, water or pop.

If you find yourself searching for a new set of acrylic dishware this season, every year a new series of patterns and designs are released – making you want to stock up again and again. Whether you prefer pineapples or palm trees, there’s a set to suit your taste. Mix and match from year to year if you choose. Clear acrylic pieces have come a long way, so look out for stemless wineglasses, serving pieces, pitchers, salad bowls, trays, tumblers or wine buckets.

Sit Down and Stay Awhile

It’s the three Cs that are most important for backyard entertaining: comfort, comfort, comfort. Make your guests feel as content as possible with the new lines of sofas and conversation sets that offer deep seating that’s second to none. DOT Furniture, Terra Greenhouses and Holland Park stock staple patio furniture to suit your backyard décor. If you notice your guests loitering on your loungers, you’ll know why. If all of this talk about outdoor entertaining has you itching to invite people over, take stock of the pieces that you have in your outdoor entertaining inventory and make a list of what you need to buy. Then all you need to do is plan the menu, extend your invites and ultimately, enjoy your party – and the space you’ve created.

8 Essentials – A quick list of what makes a party perfect!

1. LIGHTING
For ambience – plus your guests will need to see one another.
Mix solar, electric and candles together for a varied look.

2. MUSIC
Create playlists well ahead of time: Top 40, jazz, classical or Latino, anyone?
Bluetooth outdoor speakers are great for carrying your tunes across the crowd.

3. FINGER FOOD
It’s easy to serve and easy for guests to help themselves.

4. DRINKS
Set up a drink station with glasses, ice and beverage selections.
Label your libations that may be in beverage dispensers so guests know what’s available.

5. NAPKINS
Consider fabric instead of paper for an eco-friendly option.
Just wash them and they’re ready for the next party.

6. BLANKETS
Fluffed and folded, keep some blankets handy for guests to grab
and stay warm long after the meal has finished.

7. GAMES
Especially if kids are attending.
Think horseshoes, croquet or badminton.

8. WASTE BASKET
Place a bin slightly away from the party for easy disposal.
A smaller wastebasket strategically placed makes for easier disposal
so guests don’t have to interrupt their conversations to walk across the yard
to throw away their waste.