Where to start?
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining with family and friends. But whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or attending a potluck picnic, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your experience is perfect.
From choosing the right location to preparing your menu, here are a few tips to help you make the most of summer outdoor dining!
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2. The benefits of outdoor dining
Outdoor dining when done right can be a great way to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Here are some of the benefits of outdoor dining:
– Fresh air – Enjoying a meal outdoors, surrounded by fresh air and natural scenery, can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
– Socialization – Eating outdoors encourages people to socialize more and make meaningful connections.
– Good for the environment – Dining outdoors reduces energy consumption and the emissions of air pollutants.
– Physically active – Being outdoors encourages people to be more physically active. Long meals, walks and conversations add physical activity to your day.
– Comfort – Simple things such as a comfy seat, shade and a cool breeze can add to the overall comfort of outdoor dining.
– Expandable space – Outdoor dining is perfect for larger groups, and it allows you to expand the space by making use of the deck, patio or backyard.
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3. Creating the perfect outdoor dining experience
Dining outdoors can be a great experience if done right. To enjoy the perfect outdoor dining experience, consider the following tips:
1. Choose the Right Location – Choose a location that is free from noise, pollution, and distraction. Select a spot that is closest to nature, away from traffic and overcrowded areas. If you can, pick up a spot with a canopy cover to protect you from the elements.
2. Set Up the Table and Chairs – Invest in sturdy, comfortable chairs and a table that can accommodate your guests. If the ambient temperature is too hot or cold, setting up a shade offers protection and additional comfort.
3. Bring Decorations – Decorate the table and setting with your own style – this could include candles, flowers, ornaments, and other objects that suit the season and setting.
4. Pick the Right Food – Choose food options that are light, healthy and easy to serve. Avoid dishes that require a lot of cooking time and time-consuming preparation.
5. Control Your Music – Pick the right music for the occasion. Ensure it is loud enough to please the ears but not too loud that it becomes a distraction.
6. Take Safety Precautions – When dining outdoors, be sure to watch out for pests, mosquitoes, allergic reactions and other exposure risks. Always remember to bring mosquito repellent and other necessary tools that can keep your guests safe.
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4. Important tips to keep in mind
When dining outdoors, there are several important things to keep in mind. Here are four essential tips for a safe and enjoyable experience:
1. Check the weather forecast – Before setting up for the outdoor dining experience, be sure to check the forecast and make preparations in advance. If there is a chance of rain, be sure to bring umbrellas and suitable protection for the table and guests.
2. Bring Enough Supplies and Utensils – Before you get started, make sure that you have enough plates, cups, and utensils for all the guests. This can help make your outdoor dining experience comfortable and stress-free.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing – While it can be tempting to wear light and airy clothing to stay cool, be sure to select items suitable for the weather and terrain. Wear long shoes, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against pests and allergens.
4. Bring Portable Lights – To make sure the outdoor dining experience is not ruined by the darkness, be sure to bring along portable lights and a generator to keep your dining area well-lit. This will not only keep you and your guests safe, but it will also make the experience even more magical.
5. Summer outdoor dining trends
Summer is a great time for outdoor gatherings and dinners. But if you want your outdoor dining to stand out from the crowd, these five trends for summer 2021 can help ensure an unforgettable experience for your guests.
1. Ambient Lighting – Ambient lighting can create a festive atmosphere and highlight your outdoor dining area with the perfect glow. String lights, candles, and lanterns can all be used to add a magical, romantic touch.
2. Eco-Friendly and Natural Tableware – To add a unique touch to your outdoor dining setup, opt for eco-friendly tableware made from recycled material, bamboo, or even fruit. These pieces create a subtle, natural atmosphere that your guests will love.
3. Greenery and Floral Decorations – Incorporating greenery and floral elements into your outdoor dining area is perfect for creating a natural and inviting atmosphere. Whether using potted plants, greenery runners, vibrant blooms, or a combination of all three, the right decorations can be impactful and add a touch of vibrancy.
4. Comfort Accessories – Comfort is key for outdoor dining. Be sure to provide blankets or throws for guests who get chilly, cushions for extra seating comfort, and fans to keep guests cool.
5. Portable Sound Systems – Portable sound systems help bring the life to any outdoor gathering. Play some mellow tunes or upbeat music to keep your outdoor dining experience alive and add some extra flair to
6. Making the most of your outdoor dining experience
Making the most of your outdoor dining experience requires more than simply setting out the chairs and table. After you have picked the perfect location, you want to make sure your guests will have a memorable time. Here are 6 tips for making sure that your outdoor dining experience is one to remember:
1. Personalized Place Settings – Add an extra personal touch to your outdoor dining with personalized place settings. Give each guest a personalized placemat with their name and a handwritten menu for the meal. For even more personalization, you can customize each plate with the guest’s name.
2. Fun Themes – Bring some fun and excitement to your outdoor dining experience by adding a theme. With themes like farm-to-table, boho-chic, or backyard BBQ, you can make sure that your outdoor dining experience stands out.
3. Interactive Drinking Games – Why not add some fun to the night with interactive drinking games? This can be a great way to kickstart the night and get everyone talking.
4. Speciality Cocktails – Elevate your outdoor dining experience with specialty cocktails. Come up with some fun and creative cocktails that will impress your guests, such as mojito lemonade or cucumber and mint gin and tonic.
5. Outdoor Games – To encourage conversation between guests, why not set up some outdoor games? From cornhole to giant jenga, these outdoor games are great for
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7. Wrapping things up
Once the meal is over and the guests have finished their drinks and cake, now is the time to wrap things up. While it’s important to have plenty of activities to keep the guests entertained, it’s also important to know when to call it a night. Here are 7 tips for wrapping things up in style:
1. Play Soft Music – Play some soft, relaxing music as the guests finish their drinks and as the atmosphere begins to mellow. This will set the mood for guests leaving in a peaceful and relaxed manner.
2. Extend the Night Beyond the Outdoor Dining – Suggest ending the night with something that happens beyond the outdoor dining location. This could be a stargazing session in the backyard or a bonfire at the beach.
3. Offer Your Guests Food To Take Home – You can wrap up the outdoor dining experience by offering your guests food to take home. This could be small food items such as cake slices, cupcakes, or cookies.
4. Share the Leftover – Finally, why not share the leftover food with your guests? Ask your guests to bring their own containers so they can take home some of the delicious food they enjoyed.
5. Strike Up Conversations with Guests – Strike up conversations with each guest as they leave. This will create a more personal connection and help create lasting memories for the outdoor dining experience.
6. Bottom line is to enjoy the moment and each of your guests!
