Are you planning to entertain holiday guests outdoors this year? Smart choice! To make planning a bit easier, we have compiled this list of tips sure to make your holiday celebration a party to remember.
Convenience
Our number one tip for easy holiday outdoor entertaining is to ensure you have everything you need nearby. You do not want to make endless trips back and forth from the kitchen or dining room. Instead, bring the items you need outdoors.
Start with an outdoor buffet, such as this Blue Olive Buffet/Console from the Tommy Bahama Outdoor collection. It is designed specifically to hold glassware, tableware, linens, utensils and more. Everything is stowed neatly inside but handy when you need it. The top of the buffet is a perfect place for a tray filled with various types of liquor. open
Another option for beverages is a bar cart or table. This functional piece of furniture is sure to be the place where holiday guests hang out to enjoy a glass of wine before the meal and a cordial after dinner. This Portsmouth Party Bar by Seaside Casual is available in your choice of finish colors and does a handy job of corralling all your adult beverages, mixers and juices. Be sure to have plenty of condiments available for guests to garnish their drinks, such as cherries, olives and cut citrus fruit.
Enough Room for All
When dining al fresco, it is important to provide enough space for all your guests to sit and enjoy their holiday dinner. Now might be the perfect time to order a new outdoor dining set that will accommodate 8 or more diners, such as this Marimba rectangular dining table and chairs. The gorgeous style, crafted from durable aluminum, is sure to be a standout in your backyard oasis. 3237
Another option is to provide clusters of intimate outdoor dining areas, such as a pair or three or four chairs surrounding a smaller table. This is a great idea for gatherings where you want to ensure social distancing by grouping immediate family members but still enjoy a shared holiday meal. Bistro sets, such as the ones pictured above, are the perfect way to accommodate lots of small groups. Signature
Get Cozy After Dark
As soon as the sun goes down, your guests are sure to wish for a warm spot to gather. An outdoor gas fire pit or gas fireplace will provide lots of ambience in addition to welcome heat. It is much more convenient to simply flip a switch when the temperature goes down than to build a wood fire – not to mention this is the eco-friendly choice.
Today there are plenty of options for fire features in your backyard oasis, including infrared heaters that tuck up under the eaves of a back patio cover. In addition to the fire feature, be sure to provide baskets of blankets so your guests can snuggle up and relax after the meal, sure to be welcome after holiday outdoor entertaining.
This year, ensure you and your family stay safe while still enjoying time together. Use these tips for easy holiday outdoor entertaining in style.
