Outdoor Entertaining buying guide

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Outdoor Entertaining Buying Guide

Ah, summer. Gentle breezes, green leaves, the warmth of sunlight...what could be better? (If you answered a sun lamp, we have more to worry about than decorating ideas.) If you have the space, one of the easiest ways to enjoy the beautiful weather is with an outdoor party. Such an event can be as casual or as elegant as you like, and it's appropriate for company both young and old. When entertaining outdoors, it's important to remember to keep things light--after all, if you're running back and forth from the house to the patio, you don't want to wear yourself out before the party even begins. Therefore, plastic serveware is particularly useful, and they have the added bonus of being unbreakable, since broken glass on the lawn is a pain to clean up and hazardous for potentially bare feet. Finally, be sure to have a rubbish bin lid (with a lid!) nearby so the Great Outdoors end up as unspoiled and picturesque as they started.

Our guide below will help you find everything you need to throw the party people will be talking about for the rest of the summer!
Contents [Hide]
1 Tuck In!
2 Set the Mood
3 Stay Comfortable
4 Fun and Games
5 Related Guides
6 External Links

Tuck In!

Whether you're serving food or just having an informal cocktail hour, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Unless you're extremely graceful (balletic even!), outdoor dishware is a good idea for damage control.

Keep beverages and perishable items cool with an ice bucket. Be sure to refill the ice as it melts.

Patio furniture will dress up your yard and give people a place to get comfortable. A Moroccan table dresses up any party.

Plastic servingware is a must-have. Remember: just because it's functional doesn't mean it has to be dull!

Set the dinner table with some colourful placemats and tie your décor together.

Set the Mood

While friends, food, and fun should be first on the list, a little ambiance never hurt anyone.

If you're hosting an evening party, paper lanterns are a beautiful decorative touch.

Strings of lights aren't just for Christmas. Choose white or coloured depending on your theme.

Pillows cosy up your seating arrangement and create an inviting atmosphere.

Outdoor sculptures or distinctive planters not only make your yard more interesting, but they are also good conversation pieces.

Candles and votives cast a romantic glow, but are not recommended if young children are present.

Stay Comfortable

Don't let last-minute surprises ruin your day. Here are products that will help you prepare for any weather.

Patio umbrellas provide some much-needed shade from the warm summer sunshine.

Always keep sunblock on hand to protect your guests from nasty sunburns.

Citronella candles will help discourage bugs from crashing the party.

Insect traps are another way to keep away those annoying critters.

If nights are cool (or if Mother Nature is just plain fickle), a patio heater is essential.

Fun and Games

Having lots of toys and activities on hand is engaging for everyone, but it's especially important if you and your friends are craving some grown-up time.

Frisbee

Kiddie Pool

Lawn Games

Salsa CDs

Water Guns

External Links

RealSimple.com: Summer entertaining ideas and recipes.
iVillage.com: A summer party decorating checklist.
Weather.com: Prefer picnicking? Here's a helpful guide.


Outdoor Furniture	Garden Accents	Barware	Barbecues	Barbecue Tools


Unless you're extremely graceful (balletic even!), outdoor dishware is a good idea for damage control.	Keep beverages and perishable items cool with an ice bucket. Be sure to refill the ice as it melts.	Patio furniture will dress up your yard and give people a place to get comfortable. A Moroccan table dresses up any party.	Plastic servingware is a must-have. Remember: just because it's functional doesn't mean it has to be dull!	Set the dinner table with some colourful placemats and tie your décor together.


If you're hosting an evening party, paper lanterns are a beautiful decorative touch.	Strings of lights aren't just for Christmas. Choose white or coloured depending on your theme.	Pillows cosy up your seating arrangement and create an inviting atmosphere.	Outdoor sculptures or distinctive planters not only make your yard more interesting, but they are also good conversation pieces.	Candles and votives cast a romantic glow, but are not recommended if young children are present.


Patio umbrellas provide some much-needed shade from the warm summer sunshine.	Always keep sunblock on hand to protect your guests from nasty sunburns.	Citronella candles will help discourage bugs from crashing the party.	Insect traps are another way to keep away those annoying critters.	If nights are cool (or if Mother Nature is just plain fickle), a patio heater is essential.