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We love hosting friends for dinner parties – especially alfresco dinner parties. While getting together with your friends is always fun, I find that spending a little extra time to plan a somewhat organized dinner party can really elevate the evening and make it a memorable night. Here are some of my top tips for making your alfresco dinner party a success.
Tips for Throwing an Outstanding Alfresco Dinner Party
Pick a theme
When planning a dinner with friends, I usually like to have a theme. I find this helps provide the inspiration I need for planning the menu and decor. Themes also make it easier to coordinate if your guests want to bring appetizers or sides. You don’t have to get carried away – start with something simple like “Italian Night,” “Mexican Fiesta,”or “Spanish Tapas Party.” If you like, you can also plan an activity that matches your theme. We like to do blind wine tastings that match the cuisine we are serving. Here are some ideas for an Italian night themed dinner party if you are looking for inspiration.
Start your party with a cocktail hour
Who doesn’t love a good cocktail hour? Cocktail hours give you a chance to relax and catch up with guests as they arrive. I usually pick one cocktail that goes with the theme to serve at cocktail hour (e.g., sangria if you are doing Tapas, Spritzes for Italian night, margaritas for Mexican, etc.). I find most people usually opt for what I select which saves me from having to run around and mix a gin and tonic for one person, open white wine for another, and grab a beer for a third. Have your cocktail option pre-mixed so you can spend more time relaxing and less time mixing drinks. Don’t forget to have some non-alcoholic choices. I usually fill a big pitcher with sparkling water and fruit.
No cocktail hour is complete without a few nibbles to accompany your drinks. I usually make one “centerpiece” appetizer that takes a little effort (but not too much) like a bruschetta, pesto, artichoke dip, baba ganoush, etc. and then fill out the spread with really simple stuff (olives, crudite platter, cheese and craker board, charcuterie board, etc.) Highlight seasonal ingredients and try and keep it somewhat light so your guests don’t spoil their appetite. Check out Half Baked Harvest for some amazing cheese board ideas.
Change settings between courses
If possible, host your cocktail hour in a different area from your dinner. I think this helps create a nice flow to the evening. It also lets you set the table in advance – you won’t be have to run around grabbing plates and silverware when it’s time to eat. We usually do cocktail hour on our deck and then shift to the back garden patio for dinner.
Start planning your dinner party menu several days in advance
Your menu, including the cocktail hour spread, is key to your dinner party’s success. Don’t wait until the last minute to plan it. Spend some time developing a menu that fits your theme. Start with the entree and go from there. Aim to select dishes that pair well while offering a little variety. More importantly, pick things that are relatively simple and whose preparation can be easily coordinated (e.g., don’t have two sides that both require the oven but different cook temperatures). A loaf of fresh bread from the bakery is always an easy side option that guests will enjoy. Lastly, it’s also a good idea to select a dish you’ve made before for your main entree. You don’t want to be stressed over why the sauce looks funny or why the meat doesn’t seem done.
Plan the menu to minimize the time you will have to spend in the kitchen
Most of your menu should be focused on items that can be made in advance. I always include a salad for this reason (and because I love salads)! Throwing some meat on the grill or boiling some pasta as your cocktail hour is wrapping up is pretty doable but don’t get carried away. Make sure you can spend most of your time enjoying the party and not slaving away in the kitchen. Preparing in advance also makes clean up easier because you won’t have a bunch of dirty pots and pans to worry about.
Serve wine with dinner
Try to pick a wine that pairs with the menu but don’t overthink it. I usually outsource the wine selection to our guests. When people ask “what can I bring” you can suggest they bring a bottle of wine and offer a suggestion based on the menu (e.g., we are having pizza – could you bring a bottle of Chianti or we are having steak, could you bring a bottle of malbec). Serve your wine in a decanter if you have one – it will improve the taste and add style!
Serve the meal family style
Bring your dishes to the table with serving spoons and allow your guests to pass them around and serve themselves. Low flat bowls and platters are great for this. This keeps people at the table longer and makes the meal more relaxing.
Dessert is a must for a good dinner party – the night just won’t feel complete without it
Pick an easy dessert that can be pre-made or at least pre-assembled (so you just have to pop it in and out of the oven). Cobblers and crumbles are easy desserts for the summer. Don’t feel like cooking? Ice cream or gelato are great summer desserts too – class them up with some hot fudge or fun toppings. I like to serve coffee or espresso with dessert too. If you really want to keep the party going you can serve after dinner drinks like limoncillo or sambuca.
Plan your decor
A little decor can help create a wonderful ambiance and elevate the evening. Again, you don’t need to get carried away – just get some flowers or put out some candles and lanterns. Also think about the table settings. You don’t need to go formal but make a little effort. I usually use a casual table setting with some fun touches like place-mats or napkin rings. You can also create a fun ambiance in your alfresco dining space by adding a few container plants and string lights.
Have a plan for the Elements
Bugs, heat, (or cold), or rain can all create problems your alfresco dinner party. It’s best to have a plan for dealing with these things. Mosquitoes can be a real bummer – if they are bad enough they can drive your guests inside and ruin the your efforts. Use tiki torches, citronella candles, fans, and bug-spray to keep them at bay. Here are some additional tips on how to keep mosquitoes away from your home. If you are concerned about heat, make sure to have lots of cold drinks (including water) on hand. Start the party a bit later 6:30 or 7:00 instead of 5:00 and serve lighter foods. If it looks like a chilly night, get your fire pit and a few blankets out.
