Hosting your favorite people for a dinner party is such a fun way to spend time with the people you love. Of course, the food is an essential component of any successful dinner party, but this short guide will touch upon the other aspects of pulling it off in style.
Set the Scene
Anytime you invite people into your home for a meal, you must have enough seating for everyone to be comfortable. If you only have a table for four on the patio but have a guest list of 10, you will need to go shopping.
If you enjoy hosting dinner parties, this is an ideal time to invest in a folding table with coordinating chairs. Opt for one or two tables you can place end to end to keep everyone together, depending on your needs. Place the chairs around them comfortably so everyone has enough room to eat and move in and out freely. The great thing about folding tables and chairs is that they are easy to clean and then fold up and store out of sight until your next dinner party.
Make it Visually Appealing
Your backyard dinner party can range from casual and comfortable to tastefully relaxed. The mood is what you want it to be. Start by placing a pressed tablecloth on the folding tables to create a backdrop for the food. Add the dinnerware if you are serving family style, or only set out the water glasses and napkins if you will have a self-serve buffet.
String up twinkle lights throughout the yard. Look for expanses between trees, under a pergola, and along the fenceline. Hang a few paper lanterns with battery lights inside on the tree branches for visual appeal. Adorn the table with low Mason jars filled with seasonal flowers from your garden. Keeping them low ensures you will not block your guests’ view of one another across the table.
Curate the Music
Music is the backdrop of life. Create a playlist specifically for this dinner party. Add songs you know your friends enjoy. Pick ones that move them and you. Consider picking a theme, such as early 2000s or current Indie Pop, or go onlne and find compilations ready to go. Set up portable speakers throughout the back yard so your guests will hear the music no matter where they are.
Another helpful idea is to keep the music flowing throughout your house. Add more portable speakers or play the music on your smart speakers and smart TV. The continuation of music adds a layer of ambience that sets the tone for the entire evening. Be sure to keep the music at a reasonable volume so everyone can hear the melodies and words, but can still have relaxing conversations without having to raise their voices to be heard.
Watch this video for more tips on how to host the ultimate backyard dinner party.
Incorporate these easy tips into your next backyard dinner party. Eat great food, enjoy one another’s company, and let the hours slip by while sitting back and listening to the music.
