12 Top Tips For Outdoor Dining

When the sun peeps out, many people will automatically think of outdoor parties such as barbeques. British people love outdoor dining during the warm summer months, and this trend shows no sign of abating. Many people are installing outdoor kitchens in their gardens from where they can prepare and cook their food in the fresh air.

If you are planning a party in your garden, there are a number of tips worth following to ensure your outdoor dining experience is the best it can be.

1. The weather in the UK can never be guaranteed, and even if the forecasts are predicting glorious sunny weather, it is best to prepare for rain showers. The best way to do this is by using a gazebo so that you have cover in the event of a downpour. Leave the sides off or maybe just put one or two side panels up – that way, your guests will have somewhere to go if the heavens open.

2. Brighten up your table with a colourful tablecloth and protect it from blowing in the wind by placing decorations or small flowerpots on top to weight it down.

3. When the sun goes down it can get chilly, so investing in a wood burner or patio heater means that you and your guests can enjoy more time outside. It is also a good idea to decorate your gazebo with strings of lights or use outdoor candles. For an impressive lighting effect, you can purchase some solar lights or solar pebbles to line the pathway in your garden.

4. If you only have a small table, you can create the illusion of a larger one by covering the existing table with a larger piece of MDF. To hide this, use a tablecloth; you will then be able to get more people around the table or your outdoor dining room furniture.

5. For large gatherings at which both adults and children will be attending, place blankets and cushions on the grass for the children to enjoy picnic-style eating. The adults can then sit around the rustic dining table.

6. Cooking for large numbers can be stressful, so keep things simple. Do not choose elaborate menus. Simple cooking is all you will need. As long as the company is good, you really do not need to create four- and five-course meals.

7. Use large buckets filled with water and ice to store beers, wines, and soft drinks. This will save you having to go into the house every time someone needs a refill.

8. Use citronella candles or incense sticks to keep bugs away. Light the candles when the sun goes down, and you will also have extra light around the table.

9. If you have trees in your garden, you can hang tea light holders from the branches to create a beautiful atmosphere.

10. Add thick cushions to garden chairs & dining room chairs for added comfort for your guests. Guests will be encouraged to sit for longer around the table if they have a comfortable seat to sit on.

11. If you prefer not to use candles because of concerns about wind or dripping wax (affecting your wooden furniture), simply replace them with battery-operated lights instead.

12. If your garden is big enough, set up some games for the children to keep them occupied. A badminton net is an excellent way to get everyone involved. On the other hand, maybe some football goals for a post-dinner match with the whole family.

The above tips should help to ensure your guests have a fabulous time at your outdoor party and will help to make sure you enjoy it too.