With these eight tips you can take advantage of Charlotte’s perfect summer nights by dining and entertaining outdoors.
DECORATE WITH THEMES
Differentiate your outdoor party from all the rest by adding a theme to your event. Whether you have an ocean or mountain theme, holiday theme, or color theme, adding this extra dimension to your entertainment event will make all the difference.
GET YOUR LIGHTING RIGHT
Set the ambiance with the perfect lighting. Vintage string lights add a unique effect to your patio or deck. Want dim natural light, then candles are just for you. If you want a dramatic look, hanging paper lanterns adds extra flare.
HAVE A FIRE
Everyone is enamored by fire. It gives off beautiful light, adds warmth to a cool night, keeps the bugs away, offers a great setting to talk and share stories, and is mesmerizing. Simply put, outdoor entertaining isnít the same when there is no fire.
OUTDOOR BAR CARTS
Welcome your guests and let them know your dinner party is a place where they can unwind. Nothing says unwind like a cast iron or wooden outdoor bar cart full of spirits with everything your guests need to make the perfect cocktail.
COMFORTABLE SEATING
This tip may seem like a very obvious one but most people, when they select outdoor furniture, take aesthetic and durability into account but often overlook comfort. However, making your guests feel comfortable is the most important part of outdoor entertaining. You are no longer limited to wicker or metal chairs that lack comfort. Outdoor chaises, ottomans, wraparounds, and lots and lots of pillows can improve your guest’s overall experience.
KEEP THE BUGS AWAY
Don’t forget the citronella and incense and always have spray on hand and accessible for your guests. The last thing you want is your dinner party ruined by a handful of annoying mosquitoes.
SEPARATE YOUR SPACES
Break your outdoor patio up into separate sections like an area featuring hors d’oeuvres, an area for a hand washing station, the cocktail cart area or craft beer station. These stations keep your guests moving and socializing.
