The warmer weather just screams for us to be outside enjoying it. Regardless of whether it’s day or night, just being outside is so nice and relaxing. These next few months are perfect for hosting an outdoor summer dinner party. However, throwing a dinner party for your friends and family can be a little stressful. After all, there’s a lot of planning that has to take place for one to be successful. What you are going to serve, how you are going to decorate, incorporate a theme, whether your guests will have fun, these are things that will worry you the most when trying to map it all out.
We’ve got a few great tips on how you can have a great summer dinner party that all of your friends will enjoy.
First off, before you plan your menu you’ll need to decide on whether or not you’re going to incorporate a theme. Themes can be good and bad. They’re really fun but can also require a lot more planning. Your theme could be something like breakfast for dinner, or tastes of India, then you could also have themes modeled after favorite television shows like “Mad Men” or “Downton Abbey”. You can also model your themes after sporting events like baseball or NASCAR.
After settling in on your theme, move on over to your menu. Your menu should be something fun and easy that goes along with your theme. Use Google to search for recipes that will complement your theme. You’ll be amazed at the resources you have available at your fingertips.
Make sure you send out your invitations with lots of time for RSVPing. You’ll want your guests to have enough time to make plans to get a sitter if this is not a kid friendly event. Plus, you’ll need enough time to get an accurate headcount before you head to the grocery store. Include any special instructions for your guests, such as if it’s a BYOB affair, or if you would like guests to bring a dessert.
Next, when it’s time for the event, have a place for your guests to mingle. You’re probably not going to have everything ready to go right away so having a meeting and socializing space for everyone to hang out until your ready to serve is ideal. Otherwise, you’ll have lots of people in the kitchen trying to “help” out. Having an outside bar setup is a perfect option to keep your guests occupied. You can set up a nice table with ice, glasses or cups, and all your mixers and garnishes.
When it’s time to eat, make sure all of your guests have enough seating and plenty of eating space to enjoy the meal you’ve cooked. Light music is ok to play in the background just as long as it doesn’t interfere with everyone’s conversations.
For world class Raleigh wedding catering and social event catering, Catering By Design should be at the top of your list. Just check out our menus, then call us with questions. Our customer service, prices, and attention to detail cannot be beat. Come see why we’ve won so many wedding catering awards. Call us today, you’ll be glad you did.
