Alfresco Dining Keeps Outdoor Entertaining Fresh

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Alfresco Dining Keeps Outdoor Entertaining Fresh

(HIT) - For many families, it takes the warm defrost of spring to finally recover from holiday entertaining. Though the lights and candles have long been put away, the rest of winter rarely inspires a lot of party-hosting.

But, the longer days and warmer afternoons of the spring season will always beckon dedicated entertainers to host a grand get-together. Take advantage of the budding flowers and take dinner parties outdoors for an alfresco dining experience.

But, moving outside of the dining room’s comfort zone can strike hosting anxiety in the hearts of even the most experienced entertainer. Follow these simple tips to ensure your alfresco dinner party goes off without a hitch!

The Furniture: The furniture used for outdoor entertaining must do more than just provide enough seating for guests; it can truly set the mood for the entire event. Hazel Jennings, editorial manager at Fifthroom.com, an outdoor furniture online retailer, agrees saying “The outdoor furniture has to fit the occasion. A solid A-frame pine picnic table is great for backyard bashes and cook outs. But, upscale alfresco dining will benefit from a cedar patio dining set or a teak outdoor dining table.”

The Table Dressing: Marcia Blake, outdoor living space designer, encourages decorators to celebrate the outdoors with table dressings. “Add small fresh flower bouquets or miniature plants in low vases across the table to give the illusion of a large arrangement,” she suggests.

“For a dressed up table setting use ivory cloth placemats, topped by beautiful glassware, stemware and china, preferably antique or traditional in spirit.” Blake advises, “If you are planning a more relaxed get together, try mixing and matching different color glasses, ceramic dishes and fun silverware to create a playful atmosphere. Use multi colored placemats, napkins and chunky pillar candles.”

The Seating Arrangements: “Determine your seating arrangement then use hand-scripted place cards to caringly identify each setting,” suggests Blake. Adding personal touches to place settings makes everyone feel valued and at-home.

“If many of your guests have yet to meet, consider setting out simple table games like the Tricky Triangle peg-in-wood block puzzles, or even riddles and trivia. They can be a good ice breaker to get conversations started,” said Rebecca Strong, a frequent party host.

When it comes to party planning, Blake encourages taking any stress head on, “Try to work hard before the party starts so that you can enjoy being a guest at your own party.” She insists that ensuring all of the details are wrapped before guests arrive will make the entire event more enjoyable.

“Great parties have great atmospheres, and great atmospheres are created with fantastic furniture,” concluded Jennings. Agreeing with Blake in that necessary details should be taken care of before the event begins; Jennings asserts that making sure the furniture fits the party is one of the most important factors.

To help at-home entertainers stage wow-worthy alfresco dinner parties, Fifthroom.com has recently expanded their selection of picnic tables and outdoor dining sets. To see their newest designs, visit Fifthroom.com or call 888-293-2339.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

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