Today we’re giving you the must-haves for fall outdoor entertaining. I know, some of you may be thinking – why would I want to be outside where it’s chilly? That’s a fair question, read on for why you should consider entertaining outdoors.
Why it’s a good idea:
- In this new era of social gatherings, being outdoors means it’s easier to maintain the acceptable distance. And that means your more anxious guests may be more likely to join you.
- Entertaining outdoors tends to be more informal, so foods can be simple and easily prepared ahead of time.
- Mother Nature is a stellar decorator so no need to spend oodles on décor.
- More entertaining done outside equals less mess inside 🙂
- Fresh air is proven to be beneficial for your both your physical and mental health.
- You can create a unique experience for your guests that is high on the cozy factor.
- S’mores!
Korrine from Zero Fox Designs and I collaborated on this lovely outdoor set up amidst the fall foliage in my backyard. We both wanted to show how you can mix up design elements and create a place for guests to snuggle in, share a laugh and enjoy some time together. I really love how Korrine has an eye for combining vintage pieces (like the bar set) with new decor (the gold bar cart). We also mixed in some natural elements (like the grasses and stumps) with gorgeous blue pumpkin floral bouquet by Blackstone Flower Farm.
Fall Outdoor Entertaining Must- Haves
Atmosphere
Comfy seating – if you don’t have enough seating, you can ask guests to bring their favorite lawn chairs. In the picture, Korrine added sheep skin throws to the Adirondack chairs making them suuuuper cozy and comfy.
Blankets & Throws – I like to throw a few blankets on the seating as well as having a designated basket full of throws. This way guests can easily grab them to snuggle up. If it’s winter time, adding some gloves, hats and some heating packs or hand warmers is a nice touch.
Lighting – When the sun goes down, nothing sets a cozy mood like the soft glow of firelight and white string lights. If you’re using candles, you can keep them protected from the wind by putting tea lights inside mason jars. Anther option is to swap real candles for battery operated ones. You can wind string lights around trees, put them inside lanterns, lay them on your table or even hang them from your pergola or patio.
Fire– who doesn’t love the smell of a bonfire wafting up into the chilly air? It creates an inviting atmosphere where everyone can gather and stay warm (and make s’mores!). Just be sure to check your local laws when it comes to the rules around wood, propane or gas powered fire pits.
Food & Drink
Warm Beverages – another way to keep guests toasty is by serving something toasty for them to drink (think hot chocolate, coffee or even hot apple cider). Here I’ve used the bar cart to set up a hot apple cider station and kept the drinks hot in thermos dispenser. There’s even some options for adults to customize their own “hot toddy” with maple whiskey, butterscotch schnapps and spiced rum. I even whipped up a batch of hot buttered rum mix to add to the cider for an extra tasty kick!
Simple food – Since this was for an afternoon gathering, I prepared some simple snacks by creating a crostini bar. Armed with a baguette, olive oil and some spices you can make your own crostini and they taste sooo much better than the dried, hard pre-packaged ones sold in supermarkets. Grab my easy crostini recipe here.
I also like that this assortment of sweet and savory toppings and spreads can be prepared ahead of time. This way I can spend time with guests instead of running in and out. Guest can then help themselves and create their favourtie flavour combos.
- Sweet (cinnamon apple jelly, fruits, dried fruits)
- Savory (black olive tapenade, roasted red peppers, caramelized balsamic onion chutney, bruschetta)
- Cheeses (Brie, a crumbly cranberry & black pepper spread, pecan topped goat cheese)
S’mores Station– what’s an outdoor gathering if there are no s’mores? While the topping possibilities are endless , here I kept it simple. Graham crackers and marshmallows (of course) and then Nutella and Peanut butter in lieu of hard chocolate pieces. Using these spreads makes the smore’s super gooey and rich (and for an extra treat try it with BOTH peanut butter and Nutella – it’s like having a Reese’s peanut butter cup – yum!)
So there you have it – now you can extend your entertaining into the cooler months and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests to have fun and keep warm!
