Outdoor Entertaining Tips

The warm, pleasant weather of spring just begs to be enjoyed. Here are a few tips that will help you make the most of this season meant for entertaining.



Light Up the Night


Don’t settle for harsh overhead floodlights. Use glass hurricanes to hold tabletop candles so the wind doesn’t blow them out, and position torches around the edges of the party to create a perimeter and cast dramatic shadows

Color Talk


Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.

Trash Talk


Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts out empty!

Sun Salutations


If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade, even if it means renting a tent. There’s nothing worse than watching your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.

Bug It


If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent.

Work Surface


Bring an extra table or teacart outdoors. You always need more table surface than you can predict for extra glasses or hors d’oeuvres.

Scents and Sensibility


Plant fragrant blossoms around your terrace, which will release their heady scent at dusk. A few recommendations: Eleagnus, jasmine, mock orange and passion vine.

Light a Fire


Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.

Hot Tunes


Play warm-weather music like salsa or reggae. These tunes were meant to be enjoyed outdoors.

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