Outdoor Furniture, Patio Furniture and more!

The great outdoors provides an optimal spot for entertaining.  Whether you’re hosting casual backyard bashes or fancy patio soirees, having the right equipment is imperative for successful party planning.

Of course, planning outdoor parties can be a bit trickier than indoor parties.  Mostly because you’ve likely spent a lot more time gathering functional house furniture than outdoor furniture.  But, truly, it takes more than a picnic table to pull off a fantastic outdoor party. Most parties are set up buffet style. But if you’re reserving your outdoor dining table for eating and socializing, you’re out of luck for a food station.  Plus, many people need a spot for drinks.  If you’re having a large party with all ages, it might be a good idea to separate the area with alcoholic drinks from the sodas and juices.

An outdoor buffet can serve as a fantastic place to both lay out food and snacks, as well as store dishes, table clothes, and other tools for outdoor entertaining.  Make sure to get one that matches the rest of your patio furniture, that way the whole collection looks united.  As far as beverages go, outdoor beverage carts are a great solution.  Don’t worry about looking like a caterer, there are a lot of varieties that will look perfect at home with your patio collection.  Many of these also have holders for wine bottles or soda bottles.  If you’re not into the card look, try to get an outdoor refreshment stand.  A patio refreshment bench will also have a basin for ice to keep canned or bottled beverages cold.

Most people would admit that outdoor entertaining can be more difficult than traditional indoor dinner parties.  However, the pay offs more than make up for it.  Outdoor parties are something to remember and something to get excited about.   To get started with fantastic outdoor entertaining in the spring, start to plan your outdoor furniture pieces now to ensure you have everything you need!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: outdoor beverage carts, outdoor buffet, outdoor dining table, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor refreshment stand, patio collection, patio furniture, patio refreshment bench, picnic table

Sometimes, I think August can have an eerie similarity to February.  You start the summer eager and excited for summer entertaining and outdoor dining.  But, by August the heat has exhausted you.  You yearn for cooler Autumn afternoons full of pumpkins and mums.  But, just as you tire of the snow and cold in February, don’t you regret missing that last chance to build a snowman with your kids?  As far as I’m concerned, wishing away a season is a travesty.

But even if the August heat makes you feel sluggish, a few simple tips can allow you to enjoy your picnic tables and outdoor furniture with the same eagerness that you did in May!

My favorite tip for keeping outdoor entertaining easy and fun is to ensure your outdoor buffet or outdoor storage is stocked.  Clean and dry your outdoor dishes and keep them all stacked and ready.  Remember, when it comes to outdoor dining, there’s a balance between paper plates and your grandmother’s fine china.  If you’re used to scrambling for dishes when eating outdoors, choose dishes to designate for the outdoor dining area.  Perhaps a set of dishes you picked up inexpensively at a thrift shop, or even indoor dishes that you don’t see fit for your formal dining room.  However you choose your outdoor dishes, creating a selected collection and keeping them outdoors will keep materials handy when friends stop by. Don’t forget cutlery, placemats, and napkins as well!

Another trick I picked up this summer is to keep a spray bottle of cleaner and a roll of paper towels in your deck box or outdoor buffet.  Unless you have an enclosed outdoor living space, like a gazebo or cabana, your picnic table or outdoor dining set is likely to get dirty sitting outside.  So, have a cleaner handy to quickly and easily wipe down your eating surface.  If you’re feeling a bit more formal, keep an outdoor table cloth on hand to throw over the table as well.

To keep everything clean, make sure you keep eating and serving supplies separate from gardening tools.  Though, there are two things I do keep in the potting bench that are essential to my outdoor entertainment enjoyment… bug spray and sun screen!

Don’t let the heat beat you down, and don’t lose a moment of outdoor living!  Keeping outdoor storage stocked will allow you to enjoy an impromptu garden or porch party without stress.  The most important part of outdoor living is making sure you enjoy yourself, and sometimes a few simple steps can make a huge difference!

Have Fun!

Hazel.

Tags: cabana, deck box, gazebo, outdoor buffet, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor storage, picnic tables