Elevating Al Fresco Dining: Tips for a Stunning Outdoor Dinner Party with Elegant Outdoor Tableware

Hosting a stunning outdoor dinner party involves careful planning and attention to detail. Let us offer you our insights on setting the ambiance, planning the menu and selecting the proper outdoor dinnerware to help make your next outdoor dinner party a success.

Outdoor Dinner Parties

Hosting a stunning outdoor dinner party involves careful planning and attention to detail to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. Once you have confirmed the guest list and checked for favorable weather conditions, here are a few tips to help make your outdoor dinner party a success.

Ambiance

Decide on a theme or style for your dinner party that sets the tone for the event. Whether it's a backyard BBQ or farm-to-table plated dining experience, carry the theme throughout your decorations, table settings and overall ambiance.

Signature Drink

Create a signature cocktail or drink that aligns with your theme, guest’s preferences or the time of year. Since tequila cocktails are having a moment, we have been serving up Paloma’s. Make sure to squeeze fresh grapefruit and lime juice for this classic tequila drink and serve it in one of our synthetic crystal glasses.  Do provide non-alcoholic options like mocktails, sparkling water, and fresh juices for your guests as well.

Delicious Nibbles

When planning snacks or appetizers for a dinner party, it's important to strike a balance between offering delicious options that complement the main meal while not overwhelming guests before dinner. Roast mixed nuts with herbs and spices for a savory snack that pairs well with pre-dinner drinks and look beautiful when served in our Ruffle Dipping Bowl. Or offer classic deviled eggs or bruschetta served on our Ruffle Oval Platter.

Designing a Dinner Menu

Craft a well-balanced menu that suits your guests' dietary preferences and the outdoor setting. Incorporate fresh, seasonal ingredients and consider a mix of appetizers, main courses, sides, and desserts. It’s helpful to have a few recipes in your repertoire that you come back to time and time again.

Here’s What We’ve Been Serving

We recently hosted an outdoor dinner on a warm summer’s eve and served cubed watermelon sprinkled with feta chunks, fresh mint and white balsamic vinegar. It’s nice to incorporate sides like this, which can be prepared in advance to reduce any last-minute stress. We also tossed a simple green salad that included baby arugula, shaved parmesan cheese and a champagne vinaigrette. It added a refreshing and flavorful start to the meal.

Next on the menu was a room temperature corn salad. Corn salad is a versatile and delicious side dish that can be customized to suit your preferences and the flavors of your main dish. It pairs well with NY strip steak, a popular and flavorful cut of beef known for its tenderness and rich flavor.

Say “Yes” To Your Guests

When it comes to dessert, say “yes” to your guests. When one of your guests asks “Can I bring something?”, accept their offer and ask them to bring something simple for dessert, like a store-bought key lime pie, cookies or fruit crumble.

Create a Beautiful Table Setting

Invest time in creating an elegant table setting and use quality outdoor tableware, breezy linens, and synthetic crystal drinkware. The ruffle white salad and dinner plates from the Cabo San Lucas Collection elevate your everyday outdoor tableware essentials. These pieces are elegant, yet simple, and set the perfect foundation for building an outdoor dinnerware collection.

Our Ambreous Tablecloth and Ambroeus Napkins with scalloped edge pair beautifully with orange ballerina tulips and Chinese lantern dahlia’s. Choose flowers and candles that compliment your theme and add a touch of elegance to your table. Be sure to select the proper drinkware to match the beverages you will be serving, whether that’s margarita’s, champagne or martini’s.

Consider Seating Arrangements

Arrange seating to encourage conversation and interaction among your guests. Place comfortable seating options around the table and consider creating lounge areas with cushions and blankets for relaxed mingling both before and after dinner.

Be a Gracious Host

As the host or hostess, make sure to circulate and engage with your guests. Attend to their needs, introduce them to each other, and ensure everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Remember that the key to a successful outdoor dinner party is creating an inviting and enjoyable environment that reflects your personal touch and thoughtfulness.