Outdoor Partying

By Lisa August 8th, 2011

I threw my first outdoor party this summer-the rehearsal dinner for my son. I’ve never tried to decorate our backyard; in fact, although we have a nice backyard, we don’t have a master gardener’s backyard or one with a beautiful pool. We have a suburban backyard with woods that have been somewhat dethroned by oak wilt and buckthorn. But I had wanted to host a rehearsal dinner since my friend Trish’s mother-in-law hosted hers in Chicago many years ago. (At a house with a master gardener type yard) Here’s what I learned:

1. Hire the pros. Apres Party Rental in Edina was so helpful. They had a great variety of tables, chairs, linens and dinnerware. And you don’t have to do the dishes! That might be the best part!

2. Use lights. Although it was not dark out when our dinner started at 7:00, it was by the time the last people left (I don’t know what time!). We had white lights on the tree, arbor and bushes and battery operated candles (they don’t blow out in the wind) on from the beginning.

3. Wrap silverware in napkins. Keeps it clean and organized.

4. Provide bug spray.

5. We used floor length tablecloths that wouldn’t have a problem in the wind.

6. The blue table squares, made by my mom, were made from cotton fabric purchased on sale. The wire wraps around the napkins were purchased on clearance.

7. Trays are great but glassware and serving pieces can slide around on them. Fit the bottom with cork cut from a roll. (Available at Joanne Fabrics)

8. Make the food ahead of time and enjoy yourself!