How to Dine Al Fresco

If you only have a day or so to prepare for an afternoon or evening barbecue, fear not! Most of the indoor items you would normally use fare equally well outside--and will make for a totally luxe experience for your guests.

Plan out your dining location. You most likely have an outdoor table and chairs. If not, any indoor table can be brought outside for an afternoon or evening fete. If you have a folding table, that can work equally well. The trick is to cover up those unsightly legs!

Most table cloths are made to cover just the top of the table, which leaves a lot of it exposed. I suggest using a painter's cloth, which you can pick up at any home improvement store, or a large quilted blanket or bedcover. Maltase works very well and can look elegant underneath a festive colorful table cloth. You can also use curtain panels. (I've picked up some inexpensive ones from Target for $10 each that were the right color for my seasonal soiree and was quite happy with the results.) Two usually cover a standard 6-foot folding table nicely. You can put a runner down the center to cover the "seam"--and there is no sewing required for a totally custom look.

Once you have the table cloth set, it's time for the dishware and table settings. Just because you're outdoors does not mean that you can't use your nice china and glassware. Let's face it, if a glass is going to drop on the kitchen floor or marble countertop, what's the difference if it drops outside on the lawn or patio? So bring out those nice dishes. Your guests will all revel in the chic atmosphere you've created outside!

Lighting is very important outside, which is why I love to use hurricane candles and votives for a centerpiece on an outdoor table. With two small vases holding cut flowers from the garden mixed among the candles, your quick centerpiece will look chic--not to mention wonderfully functional.

If you don't have proper lighting around the yard, placing lanterns around the yard (or at least in the walkway and surrounding the table) will create a lovely glow and warm atmosphere that will encourage conversation and guests to linger long after the meal has ended.

String lights are my favorite. I love to get the larger globe lights or some playful lights above and beyond the typical Christmas lights. With a little ingenuity, a hammer and nails and an extension cord, you can pretty much get those little sparklers draped all over the house, fence or between the trees for a very magical look. And the best part about them is they don't have to be perfectly installed; a loose, casual feel is completely acceptable when it comes to string lights.

If you have a small dining table, an outdoor sideboard will be handy for holding extra food and drinks, so that you're not running indoors to the kitchen all evening. Bring out any side table, console or buffet and set it up with some candles and serving pieces.