Throw a simple outdoor party with these quick tips for Outdoor Entertaining to keep your stress level low and fun-having high! This post is brought to you by Better Homes and Gardens Live Better at Walmart.
We had a few glimpses of spring a few weeks ago, but the warm sunshine decided to take a vacation and hasn’t returned. That hasn’t stopped me from making plans for some springtime outdoor entertaining! Our Herringbone Table has become my favorite place to sit outside, and one of our family’s favorite places to eat when the weather cooperates. Today I’m going to share with you a simple way to dress up your table and some quick tips for easy outdoor entertaining!
Tips for Easy Outdoor Entertaining
Set the Table before your guests Arrive
Nothing is more stressful than trying to set everything out as your guests arrive. Take a few extra minutes to pull out your plates, cups, napkins, silverware, and anything else you would like placed on the table and do that ahead of time. Leaving you more time to be host and less time playing waitress!
Create a Simple and Useful Centerpiece
You don’t have to go crazy with the centerpiece. Consider using something that not only serves as eye candy, but can be functional for your party! If you are entertaining in the evening hours candles can provide beautiful lighting. If you are entertaining during mosquito season consider using citronella candles to not only provide lighting, but also keep those pesky bugs at bay! I even have a tutorial on how to make citronella candles, which in my opinion work way better! I used these new ceramic lanterns from BHG Live Better at Walmart for our candles, and they add a great pop of color while still being completely function for holding my candles! You could even use these for flowers by inserting a clear vase in first to hold the water.
Use Non Breakable Dishes
Accidents happen no matter how much we try to prevent them, and not just with the kids. I’ve broken many dishes outside on our concrete patio, although maybe that’s just me ; ). I chose to use these Melamine Plates and Bowls I picked up at Walmart. Not only are they a little more classy than traditional paper plates, they are also kid friendly… as in they won’t break, WIN!
Make a Menu Plan
Know your guests. If they are long time friends then this shouldn’t be a problem, but if you are inviting over new friends, get to know what they like to eat and plan accordingly, you never know who might have allergies or are just plain picky eaters, creating the menu well in advance will keep your stress level down when it comes time to cook!
Have fun and Relax
Sit back and enjoy all your hard work. Don’t think about all the things that could go wrong, but embrace each moment, even the spills and messes, and think about the memories you are creating!
And today is your lucky day because I am hosting a giveaway for a $100 Walmart Gift Card so you can purchase some of these adorable items for your next Outdoor Entertaining Event! Enter Below using the rafflecopter widget, and be sure to stay connected with BHG Live Better for more awesome products and ideas!
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You can also check out a few other ways my friends have refreshed their homes with BHG Live Better Products below:
Springtime Decorating Ideas | Today’s Creative Life
Great Room Update | Homemade by Carmona
Quick Entertaining Tips | Hoosier Homemade
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I am getting new rugs and plants.
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If I were the lucky winner I would stock up on canning supplies.
thank you
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Love the candle holders but I would add a cool basket for hauling all the pretty stuff.
I would use the gift card to buy groceries and household products.
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i would love to get a new grill
I would have to say outdoor decor and essentials
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thank you!
I would use this to purchase new patio cushions for my outdoor furniture. My puppy destroyed mine :) thank you!
I would buy new towels and decor for my bathroom.
I would use the gift card for groceries and clothes for the kids.
I would love to get some new outdoor chairs!!
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I would use the Walmart gift card to purchase some new lawn and garden products. Thanks for the chance!
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i would use it when we are on vacation to buy groceries.
a new bike for my grandson
I would buy chairs for our deck.
I need some towels.
I would buy some decor items.
I would buy much needed new pillows/cushions for my outdoor furniture.
New towels and lamps for me please!
i would love to get new sheets and pillows!
I would most likely use it to buy groceries and summer items.
I Would Use The Gift Card For Some Gardening Supplies.
Groceries for sure!
I would love to use the gift card for storage boxes!
I would buy stain for my deck.
I would get some planters, a rug, and some other outside decor
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sheets
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I would use the GC to buy more spring decor
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I would use the gift card for groceries
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Buy my mom something nice.
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Seems like I have missed it :(
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I like that you pointed out that when outdoor entertainment it would be smart to use nonbreakable plates. It does seem like a good thing to have a lot of things that can withstand the elements. I would hate to have to keep replacing things over and over again.
My brother and his wife want to host more outdoor dinner parties. They have a beautiful backyard filled with cute outdoor garden accessories, but beyond decorating they are a little lost at how to host a dinner party. I like that you advised to use nonbreakable dishes and to set the table before the guests arrive. I will relay this to my brother and sister-in-law.
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