Adapted from Style Me Pretty Living “How to Plan a Backyard Dinner Party”
Longer days and warmer evenings signal the start of outdoor entertaining, and alfresco dining is one of the best ways to enjoy them. Outdoor meals can be casual or refined, but my favorite is a relaxed evening with close friends, good drinks, and thoughtfully prepared food.
I love using ingredients from my garden—herbs and leafy greens grow quickly and abundantly and can easily stretch to feed a crowd. Fresh garden herbs not only enhance flavors but also make effortless, beautiful garnishes.
Dining outside doesn’t require anything fussy. Some of the most enjoyable outdoor meals use simple disposable plates or casual dinnerware paired with a nice glass. If you want small personalized touches, try writing guests’ names on glasses or creating centerpieces from flowers and foliage gathered from your yard. Use natural elements to unify the table: fresh herbs, foraged greens, and loose, organic floral arrangements feel relaxed and cohesive.
I once used kumquat branches with each guest’s name calligraphed in copper ink to echo copper mule mugs and brass flatware. For an informal dinner, bamboo flatware wrapped with washi tape is an easy DIY that draws attention to something that’s typically overlooked.
When styling a table, think convenience first.
While it’s tempting to bring out special champagne coupes, consider how you’ll move and mingle. Choose tableware and glassware that make socializing comfortable and avoid pieces that slow the flow of the evening. Keep place settings practical and remove items you won’t use—there’s no need for a soup spoon if soup isn’t on the menu.
Plan a light menu with fresh ingredients!
Traditional BBQ staples can be heavy and leave guests feeling overly full. To keep the mood light and satisfying, shop at a local farmer’s market and build a farm-to-table menu centered on seasonal produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often affordable and always appreciated. Serve several family-style salads—a simple leafy green, a grain or bean salad, and some grilled vegetables add variety and balance. Highlight one or two standout dishes and let the rest support them.
Pick a party theme and stick to it.
A clear theme keeps planning focused and execution simple. Your theme can be minimal—a focus on a single ingredient like goat cheese, or showcasing herbs from your garden. Choose one element to highlight and let other details support it. For example, if you use a patterned table linen as the centerpiece of your look, pull colors from that fabric into your florals and accents to create a cohesive palette. Limiting the visual language makes the entire table feel intentional and polished without being overdone.
What are your favorite tips for outdoor entertaining? Share your ideas in the comments below!
FABULOUS VENDORS
Photography: Kevin Chin | Design: A Savvy Event | Styling: A Savvy Lifestyle | Floral Design: Petite Petal | Garden: Petite Petal | Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental | Rentals: Stuart Rentals | Styling & Calligraphy: Chloe Legras At Boxwood Avenue