Party on the patio
Three different ways to host an outdoor summer shindig,
With summer finally in full swing, dining al fresco is on the menu — ideally for the rest of the season.
And since our outdoor dining opportunities are limited, Canadians tend to take advantage of as many as possible.
There are three basic types of outdoor dining styles, each relating in a unique way to the menu, your guests and the atmosphere. Friends and neighbours party: The friends-and-neighbours party attracts a large group of people, so you’ll need as much space as possible for people to comfortably stand and talk. Place your outdoor chairs around the perimeter of the yard; most people are inclined to stand while they talk and drink, and then sit when they are ready to eat. Make sure there are areas of shade in the yard; make the most of trees and natural foliage, but if you don’t have any ask a few of your closer neighbours to bring their backyard umbrellas or opt to rent (or buy) a small party tent.
Transform your outdoor dining set into a buffet table where people can easily and conveniently serve themselves. Keep the table a safe distance from the barbecue to ensure your guests — children and adults alike — are well away from the heat and not disturbing the cook. Steaks can go from beautiful to burned quickly when the chef is more focused on chatting than grilling.
Separate the bar and buffet areas to avoid having everyone crammed into the same area. Establishing opposite ends of the party encourages guests to mix and mingle as they move through your yard.
When it comes to plates and uten- sils, the ideal situation would be to use biodegradable ones made from recycled materials. With that size of group you’re not only saving someone a great deal of work by not having to wash the dishes, you’re also saving your breakable tableware from accidents. It’s also a great idea to have garbage cans in the corners, so guests don’t find themselves hanging on to used plates or uncomfortably hiding them under a chair.
Remember: your job as a host is to ensure there is food on the table and drinks at the bar, that everything is neat and tidy and folks are enjoying themselves. Family meal: Leave the outdoor furniture where it is in your yard and host this party as you would a family meal in the kitchen or dining room. Imagine you are hosting a dinner at your home and set the table to accommodate a sit-down meal.
Acrylic glasses and plates for this kind of event are best and can look every bit as good as the real deal without the worry of breakage (in a pinch, you can trust this group of adults with real china and glass). Don’t forget to arrange for some shade; again, table umbrellas will be appreciated.
Select paper napkins and a plastic or disposable tablecloth, and create a proper place setting for each person complete with cutlery, plates and stemware. I think this kind of meal is best served family-style, with bowls of food repeated down the length of the table along with bottles of your favourite wine.
This is the kind of party that can go on for hours if the company is right. So, you’ll want to have some soft lighting for later in the evening: candlelight on the table or solar lanterns strung through the backyard.
If you have a place to plug in lights, there are wonderful retro strings that use so-called Edison bulbs (with decorative filaments) and produce a soft, creamy glow to give the area a magical feel that can make a family meal feel like it’s happening in southern Europe. Add an outdoor speaker and a little Edith Piaf — you’ll be transported! Romance under the stars: My favourite al fresco option is the romantic dinner for two. Imagine the look of a fine restaurant and set your romantic table up the same way. Two — just two! — seats opposite each other on the narrow side of the table. You’ll want to be close enough to hold hands (as opposed to texting each other).
Make sure you use the best chairs you have, with cushions, to ensure a comfortable meal. Dress the table in real linens, including tablecloth and napkins in cotton. Use real crystal glassware and plates. Include an ice bucket with champagne or a decanted red wine on the table.
Of course, candles are key to achieving this special-date-night look. You simply cannot overdo the soft warm glow of candlelight on a romantic evening. Let that golden glow go right into the garden with torches to bathe the yard in that fabulous lustrous light.
When it comes to music, let it be soft and low enough to allow the sounds of the evening, and quiet conversation, to be heard. The natural sounds of the night can be very soothing and romantic just on their own.
On a purely practical note, drape a shawl or a summer blanket over the backs of the chairs to ensure that a change in temperature doesn’t end the evening. I would also suggest having some insect repellent nearby, just in case.
Whatever style of al fresco summertime event you create, be sure to enjoy each and every lovely evening. The beautiful weather of the season deserves to be shared so that you and your friends, family or special someone can talk about it when February’s cold nights return. Glen Peloso appears every two weeks in New in Homes & Condos. He is principal designer of Peloso Alexander Interiors, national design editor of Canadian Home Trends magazine and a design expert on the Marilyn Denis Show on CTV. Contact him at pelosoalexander. com, follow on Twitter at @peloso1 or @glenandjamie and on Facebook.