Follow our expert advice to ensure your outdoor party is the hit of the season.
Thomas J. Story
Make the Most of the Season
The warm, pleasant weather of spring just begs to be enjoyed. Our ten tips will help you make the most of this season meant
for entertaining.
Norm Plate
1. Light Up the Night
Don’t settle for harsh overhead floodlights. Use glass hurricanes to hold tabletop candles so the wind doesn’t blow them out,
and position torches around the edges of the party to create a perimeter and cast dramatic shadows.
Steven Gunther
2. Color Talk
Go for color. Use bright color like melon, fuschia and lemon-yellow to pop against the green. The inclination to use green
botanical prints in a garden setting is a natural one, but they will disappear when surrounded by shrubs and plantings.
Norm Plate
3. Trash Talk
Don’t forget to place an attractive trash can nearby to prevent trash from piling up on the table. And make sure it starts
out empty!
4. Sun Salutations
If your party is a daytime event, be sure to provide shade, even if it means renting a tent. There’s nothing worse than watching
your guests turn lobster-red before dessert.
Roger Foley
5. Bug It
If you’re not averse to chemicals, spray your terrace or patio with insecticide before the party. For a green approach, plant
marigolds around the patio, which are a natural bug deterrent.
Ken Gutmaker
6. Work Surface
Bring an extra table or teacart outdoors. You always need more table surface than you can predict for extra glasses or hors
d’oeuvres.
Norm Plate
7. Scents and Sensibility
Plant fragrant blossoms around your terrace, which will release their heady scent at dusk. A few recommendations: Eleagnus,
jasmine, mock orange and passion vine.
Thomas J. Story
8. Light a Fire
Invest in a fire pit and you won’t be able to make your guests go indoors. The mesmerizing effect of the fire works as well
outdoors as in and can save your party from a chilly night.
Courtesy of Target
9. The Real Deal
Purchase some melamine dinner plates for a party. They come in delightful designs and are lightweight and unbreakable.
