How to Decorate a Patio for Dinner

Decorating a patio for dinner revolves around making guests comfortable before, during and after dinner. If carefully planned, dining al fresco is a pleasure for hosts and guests alike. Decorating includes planning buffet serving tables for hors d’oeuvres, drinks, the main course and dessert. Table decorations consist of casual linens; sturdy, casual dinnerware and glassware; flowers; and candles or lanterns. Other after dark enhancements include paper lanterns, LED lighting and fireplaces or fire pits.

Menu for dinner and drinks
Sketch of buffet table plan
Buffet table(s)
Trays
Serving dishes and utensils
Dining table(s) and chairs
Table linens
Dishes and silverware
Ribbon
Scissors
Glassware
Ice bucket or cooler
Charms or stickers
Flowers
Vases
Candles
Paper Lanterns (optional)
LED lamps (options)
Insect repellant
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Sunscreen (optional)
Light blankets (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Grilled meats and vegetables add delectable color to a patio dinner table.
  
  Plan the menu for dinner and drinks. The menu will determine the size requirements for serving tables. For example, your patio dinner may center on grilled food, usually meat and/or vegetables. Sides may consist of salads, fruits and breads. The hors d’oeuvres may be passed on trays or served on a side table. Cold drinks will require an ice bucket or cooler, straws or mixers and appropriate glasses for serving.
- 2
  
  Buffets are a practical way to serve dinner on the patio.
  
  Arrange seating for the guests, starting with outdoor furniture, and supplementing with chairs or benches from inside. Set up serving tables for buffet, and make a quick sketch of what goes on each table. Include serving utensils on sketch.
- 3
  Choose table linens for dining tables and serving tables. If purchasing new tablecloths, washable water and stain repellant styles are the most expensive and will last the longest; plastic cloths are far less expensive but may only last for one or two uses. Consider patriotic colors for summer holidays or choose colors that harmonize with outdoor furniture cushions. Paper tablecloths and napkins are still an option, but with the increased emphasis on green living, reusable linens are preferable
- 4
  Select dishes for table settings; either sturdy ceramics or unbreakable plastics will serve well. Glassware for drinks and water should preferably be unbreakable. Provide stickers or charms to mark glasses to help guests identify their own glass. Roll silverware for place settings in napkins and tie with ribbons for a festive look. Provide trays near the serving buffet for clearing tables during and after the dinner.
- 5
  
  A patio dinner table can be a beautiful creation.
  
  Decide on flowers for the table(s). If a cutting garden is nearby, select several blossoms for each arrangement, trim stems short and arrange in low containers that express the party’s theme, such as the Fourth of July, or complement the dishes being served. Farmer’s markets are an inexpensive source for casual garden fresh cut flowers. Add color coordinated candles, lanterns or LED table lamps to provide lighting for after dark dining.

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