Fandango Catering and Events Offers 5 Tips for Outdoor Events This Summer

Following up on the success of our "Summer Entertaining" blog series last year, we launch this year's "Summer Entertaining" blog series today with 5 tips for making the most of an outdoor (or indoor and outdoor) event this summer.        


Tables
Last weekend we attended (no, we didn't cater it) an outdoor party at which the hosts had placed small tables covered with tablecloths, with chairs at each table, around the backyard area, below the deck.  This is a great idea for an outdoor party with more than a few guests, especially if your guests are adults, as it gives a nice "outdoor café" feel, and can be a welcome change from long "picnic"-type tables.


Lights
Make sure you have enough lighting at your outdoor gathering.  The party we attended last week did not and the hosts, realizing this, brought out several lamps from inside which looked weird.  Better to be prepared! Use hurricane lamps or a hurricane shell with a candle inside on tables, Christmas twinkle lights (makes it so festive), or you can event rent lights for an outdoor party at a props company if your budget allows.  But don't leave people in the dark at your gathering--too much like a campfire cookout.


Insect Repellant
We only use natural, plant-based insect repellant, widely available at Whole Foods, health food stores, and from some large retailers.  The point is, if you live in an area where bugs are a nuisance, have a basket or bowl of plant-based insect repellant for your guests.  We are against spraying for an event as the substances are always toxic.  Citronella torches are best for tropical-themed events.


Keep Away
Along the same lines, don't leave punch bowls or pitchers and food outside unattended as insects can get in them or light on them.  For beverages we use decorative beverage dispensers with spigots and to protect the food we have used picnic food covers, available at gourmet stores and some department stores. A better idea is to have the food inside unless you're grilling and the drinks outside (or inside too, with outside for socializing).

Games
Consider putting out a simple lawn game--you'd be surprised how many people want to play! At the party we attended last week, the hosts put out a beanbag toss game (similar to the French petanque, or in Spain, petanca, or the Italian bocce).  Also a game like this is a great ice breaker.  Croquet, horseshoes, bocce...When we lived in Europe we often saw games like these at outdoor parties and country house parties, and it seems to be more popular here in the U.S now. 

The effect is similar to that of a food station--people look for interactive "stations" at an outdoor party so that they don't just sit or stand talking and eating the whole time.

Enjoy!

Kristina

Fandango Catering and Events
(713) 522-0077
www.fandango-catering.com