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  5. 24 Outdoor Entertaining Tips That'll Save You Tons of Time

24 Outdoor Entertaining Tips That'll Save You Tons of Time

Real Simple Author
By Real Simple Editors Updated May 31, 2019
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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Throwing an outdoor party that's fun, festive, and filled with food, drink, and conversation isn't always as easy as moving your indoor party to the patio. When you're hosting an outdoor party, certain factors like unexpected wind or a sunny backyard without an inch of shade to hide in can quickly complicate things. For a truly foolproof outdoor party, go ahead and lean into the spirit of the season with easy ways to work with the elements (hint: tablecloth weights will save the day!), no-fuss table settings, and a simple menu that won't leave you stranded in the kitchen while your guests mingle outside. No matter if you're having some family over for an impromptu patio party or are prepping for a giant Fourth of July bash for the entire neighborhood, these tips are all designed to help make your life easier, so you can kick back and enjoy the summer with your family and friends. 

RELATED: 10 Slow Cooker Recipes Perfect for Summer Entertaining
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Focus on Comfy Seating

 Outdoor picnic table with string lights
Credit: bernardbodo/Getty Images

Thick, comfortable cushions on the chairs will encourage guests to linger at the table. If you don't already have cushioned outdoor chairs, consider investing in some replacement cushions in a weatherproof material, such as these Sunbrella cushions from the Company Store. 

RELATED: The 6 Best Places to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture Online

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Get Creative With Disposables

Table Setting at Garden Party
Credit: TaraPatta/Shutterstock

Lay brown craft paper across a table for a casually finished look―and super-easy cleanup. If the kids are looking for an activity, set out some crayons on the craft-paper-covered kids' table and they can doodle on the tablecloth until dinner is ready.

RELATED: How to Set a Table: Basic, Casual, and Formal Table Settings

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Choose a Fun, Fuss-Free Dessert

Friendly's Blackberry Peach Pie dessert cups
Credit: Friendly's

When you're hosting a family party on a hot summer day, pick up a dessert that helps you keep your cool. Friendly’s Dessert Cups come with layers of pie crust pieces, peach pie filling, and vanilla ice cream (did we mention the whipped topping and streusel crumble?) for that fresh-baked fruit pie taste—without ever having to turn on your oven.

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Don’t Stress About Matching Dishware

Lunch spread on picnic table
Credit: Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

Don’t get overly fussy with dinnerware—an eclectic mix feels more laid-back anyway. Don't be afraid to pair your crisp white plates with vintage florals and even modern stripes for a relaxed vibe.

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Keep the Menu Simple

Keep food simple
Credit: Friedrich Strauss/Getty Images

Serve seasonal classics for a backyard picnic: salads, fresh fruit, and cold drinks will satisfy the crowd, and you won't have to stand at a hot stove for hours. Alternatively, grilling up a delicious dinner will let you hang out with your guests as you prep the food, so you won't feel isolated in the kitchen.

RELATED: 6 Simple Steps to Grilling the Best, Juiciest Burgers Ever

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Work With the Weather

Summer outdoor dining table with all-plastic setup
Credit: Deborah Jaffe

Make wind less of an issue by skipping a tablecloth altogether. Or, if you have to have a tablecloth, consider ordering a set of tablecloth weights that will ensure it stays in place through every gust of wind. Weight dishes―and greet guests―with small bowls of fresh fruit.

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Define Your “Outdoor Room”

Define outdoor space by using an umbrella
Credit: Mark Turner/Getty Images

An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, but it also helps define your outdoor space. If you have a yard that gets full sun, consider setting up multiple umbrellas and mini seating areas around the backyard or patio. These little shaded retreats will also encourage mingling at a larger party, as guests will congregate at the various seating areas.

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Repurpose Indoor Furniture

Outdoor cocktail party setup
Credit: Jonny Valiant

When covered with pillows, a cot becomes an outdoor settee. Consider grabbing your indoor chairs for extra seating, or if the weather forecast looks good, recruit some indoor throw pillows as extra outdoor accessories. Just remember to pull everything inside once the party is over.

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Encourage Mingling

Separate Tables at Outdoor Parties
Credit: Schon & Probst/Getty Images

Set up tables in separate areas―say, drinks in one spot, dessert in another―to encourage guests to roam. If guests have to cross the backyard to grab a drink, they're more likely to strike up a conversation along the way.

RELATED: The Easiest Way to Make Delicious Frosé

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Create a Mobile Drinks Station

Outdoor cocktail party supplies
Credit: Jonny Valiant

Stock a bar cart with essentials: glasses, plates, ice, a cocktail shaker, and swizzle sticks. Simply wheel it back to the kitchen if supplies run low, then slide it back outside to keep the get-together going.

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Choose Unfussy Decorations

Floating Flower Centerpiece
Credit: images72/Shutterstock

Floating peonies and gardenias make a pretty centerpiece. Just pour water into a large serving platter, and trim the stems off of each flower—no floral design skills necessary.

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Keep Cold Foods Cold

To keep dairy-based dips and other perishable dishes chilled, fill a large bowl with ice, and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Place the dish on top and it will stay colder for longer. Just be sure to keep an eye on these dishes and be sure to replace the dip and ice-water bath as needed.

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Find New Uses for Old Things

Party spread
Credit: Miki Duisterhof

Keep bugs away from food with an upended wire-mesh colander. Use ice-pop sticks to distinguish the rare burgers from the well-done. When you get creative with the supplies you already have around your house, you'll be able to buy less and save yourself a trip to the store.

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Lean on Nature for Supplies

Tree Stump Stools
Credit: Boyan Dimitrov/Shutterstock

Not enough seating to go around? Even tree stumps will do just fine. Similarly, let flower cuttings from your yard double as table decor, and if you have an herb garden, use fresh basil or rosemary as garnish on dishes and cocktails.

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Encourage Guests to Serve Themselves

Lemonade Self-Serve Station
Credit: Ray Kachatorian/Getty Images

Set up a lemonade stand to keep guests hydrated on hot afternoons. Place glasses within easy reach on a dessert stand. This way, everyone can grab what they need and you won't have to play bartender all day long.

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Get Inspired By the Shore

Starfish Napkin Ring
Credit: Coral222/Getty Images

Embrace a seasonally-appropriate theme, like a seashore motif. Seashells lend a seaside vibe, and tie a starfish to a basic napkin ring for a beachy feel.

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Borrow From Your Garden

Sunflowers
Credit: Erika Craddock/Getty Images

Fill colorful pails with straight-from-the-garden sunflowers. If you don't have a beautiful garden to snip flowers from, consider letting branches or leaves stand in as easy table decor.

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Let the Weather Determine the Menu

Simple Fare for a Summer Party
Credit: JP WALLET/Shutterstock

Let the weather influence the menu. Steamy night? Keep guests plied with simple fare like sparkling drinks and savory bites. Opt for cooling foods on a particularly hot day, or choose richer foods on a chilly end-of-summer evening.

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Set the Mood

Outdoor Lanterns
Credit: fStop Images—Andreas Stamm/Getty Images

Paper lanterns draped from tree limbs are charmingly festive (use dark extension cords that blend in). Repurposed white Christmas lights also provide a magical twinkle effect. Even inexpensive tea lights set in clean glass jam jars can help set the ambience. Careful, with a scene this magical, your guests will want to stick around late into the night.

RELATED: 7 Must-Know Outdoor Lighting Tips

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Keep Bugs Off the Guest List

Citronella Torches
Credit: Onfokus/Getty Images

Circle your party area with citronella candles or incense sticks to light when the sun starts to set. The scent will help keep bugs at bay. Also consider setting out a bottle or two of bug spray on the perimeter of the party that guests can use if they wish.

RELATED: 6 Smart Expert-Approved Ways to Repel Mosquitoes

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Create a Faux Glow

Flameless Candles
Credit: Jakub Mazur/Getty Images

Battery-operated flameless candles give off the same warm glow as traditional candles, with no fear of wind, fire hazard, or spilled wax. If you're planning to have a lot of young children or pets running around the backyard, this is a great option.

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Use Overhead Lighting

Outdoor chandelier
Credit: Minh + Wass

Wrap a vintage chandelier with fairy lights for a romantic vibe. You can also string fairy lights along a table or in a nearby tree or bush.

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Gather Round the Fire

Fire pit on patio
Credit: Jonn Coolidge

A fire pit is a must for s’mores and stories. Invest in a fire pit and your family is bound to use it several times (or even every night) throughout the summer and fall.

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Add Areas for Both Sitting and Lounging

Wicker Furniture on Patio
Credit: KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images

The mark of a great summer evening? No one is in any rush and everyone wants to hang out late into the night. Pull out the sturdy wicker furniture, perfect for lolling in on a lazy summer night. Or pull over reclining lounge chairs or stylish beach chairs so your family and friends can lie back and enjoy the evening.

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    View All

    1 of 24 Focus on Comfy Seating
    2 of 24 Get Creative With Disposables
    3 of 24 Choose a Fun, Fuss-Free Dessert
    4 of 24 Don’t Stress About Matching Dishware
    5 of 24 Keep the Menu Simple
    6 of 24 Work With the Weather
    7 of 24 Define Your “Outdoor Room”
    8 of 24 Repurpose Indoor Furniture
    9 of 24 Encourage Mingling
    10 of 24 Create a Mobile Drinks Station
    11 of 24 Choose Unfussy Decorations
    12 of 24 Keep Cold Foods Cold
    13 of 24 Find New Uses for Old Things
    14 of 24 Lean on Nature for Supplies
    15 of 24 Encourage Guests to Serve Themselves
    16 of 24 Get Inspired By the Shore
    17 of 24 Borrow From Your Garden
    18 of 24 Let the Weather Determine the Menu
    19 of 24 Set the Mood
    20 of 24 Keep Bugs Off the Guest List
    21 of 24 Create a Faux Glow
    22 of 24 Use Overhead Lighting
    23 of 24 Gather Round the Fire
    24 of 24 Add Areas for Both Sitting and Lounging

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