Ballrooms, grand dining spaces and event halls are fancy and chic, but really there’s no better venue than the open sky and gentle breeze in your own backyard. Let summer be the setting for your next soiree with these tips provided by Christy Huie, co-owner and planner of Chattanooga’s Posh Parties.
1. First thing’s first: the numbers. The size of your patio needs to correlate with the number of your guests. Depending on the size of a house and yard, a host can decide on an intimate setting of 10 or go for a bang with 50 guests. Either way, plan the menu and décor-especially seating capacity-accordingly.
Huie’s tips for finishing touches with flair:
Scrawl the menu on a chalkboard and display for all to see.Utilize indoor furniture outside. From plush couches to antique tables, Huie says this will instantly make for a unique party setting.Set the table with creative place cards with the name of each guest. “It’s just a creative way to show you’ve gone the extra mile to think about your guests,” says Huie.Spruce up the décor. “A huge thing we’ve noticed and utilized are garlands-fabric, flower or even bunting,” says Huie. “A lot of times they can bear a message or just be used for decorations.”Separate drinks into different bins for a more casual party setting. Or, for more elegance, invest in a pretty pitcher or decorative drink dispenser.
2. Amplify the ambiance. Think about a theme or color scheme to adhere to when planning. “Lighting is really important,” adds Huie. If the party is planned for the middle of the day, the sun promises to provide all the light needed. If, however, a sunset sky sounds like the perfect backdrop to an evening party, Huie suggests utilizing bistro lights. “Those are something I’d want to invest in for sure as far as entertaining,” she says. Candles and lanterns are also a great fall back. “I love the old-timey lanterns, but paper lanterns could be very cute for a casual or informal party,” says Huie.
3. Make plans for the main course. “Keep food light, especially in the summer when it’s hot,” says Huie. “Chilled fruit and veggie trays are very popular.” Huie explains that hosts can go for a very traditional barbecue-style fare, like grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken or steak (great for larger parties), but another, easy-to-eat, menu option is the kabob. Grill a cornucopia of meats, fruits and veggies, provide the skewers and voila! Huie also advises that hosts keep their guests in mind; when inviting friends over, ask about food allergies as well as favorite dishes.