Simone Spotlight - Outdoor Dining Parties

Tips on Holding an Outdoor Dining Party

March 21

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Hosting an outdoor dinner party is not as intimidating as it looks. When planning an outdoor dinner, make sure to limit your guest list. FInd the magic number that makes things manageable. Then break down the planning into tasks: venue, set up, foods, and drink. Here's a guide to creating your own backyard dinner party in 10 simple steps.

1. Venue. The easiest venue is your own backyard—maybe a friend’s. You really don’t need to hike miles into the wilderness to make your dinner feel intimate and magical. It’s all about being in nature. Backyards are full of nature.

2. Dinnerware. It’s not obvious to use real plates, but this will make the dinner feel more elegant—never paper or disposable plates. Enamelware is great for durability, but your plates don’t have to be expensive. It’s up to you, where you want to spend your money. 

3. Tables and seating. This is the largest logistical hurdle to pass. There are many options for an outdoor party. A good DIY option for a low table is putting a large piece of wood from a home improvement store on cinder block legs—you can cover up the mechanics with a tablecloth if you want. If you host an outdoor party on the ground you don’t have to buy a ton of chairs. You and your guests can sit on pillows, cushions, blankets, and other textiles.

4. Flatware. Borrow from friends! Mismatching flatware can add a layer of texture to the table. Another good option is to look for reusable bamboo flatware online.

5. Lighting. Good lighting makes your outdoor dinner feel cozy and magical. String lights hung back and forth over your table add ambience. If your venue permits, use candles en masse. An affordable option is to use plain white prayer candles.

6. Table linens. Use fabric napkins whenever reasonable to add another layer of the elegant touch—similar to the dinnerware, it really dresses up a table. You can purchase beautiful and economical cotton buffet napkins in an assortment of colors or you could create ones yourself from fabric. 

7. Glassware. You can get creative with glassware. You can purchase in retail stores or you can purchase unique, one-of-a-kind pieces in thrift stores.  The most beautiful vintage glasses are priced under $1 a piece.

8. Floral. Flowers can be as complex or simple as you want. A great place to get flowers is at a farmer's market. You can create your own arrangement, purchase them from florists or even create a bouquet from nature. The options are endless.

9. Food. For convenience, prep and cook before the event. The less you have to do the day of, the better.  Some great options for main dishes: pot roast, tri tip, pork belly, vegan loaf, and pollo asada tacos.

10. Drinks. Ask guests to supply beverages (typically a bottle of wine). It’s a great way to involve your guests and cut back on costs for the dinner. A signature batch cocktail is another great option.