Outdoor Ovations

Welcome to summer! This past weekend we celebrated our remarkable servicemen and women, their families, and the unofficial kick-off to one of our favorite seasons. If you ‘re like us, you spent the past few days swimming, sunbathing and grilling out to mark the occasion, all of which will become pretty regular parts of our summer routines. Next weekend, kick it up a notch with a few of our favorite tips for outdoor dining.

Buy (or make) thick, comfortable seat cushions that will fit the chairs you regularly use outside, whether these belong to a specialty outdoor dining set or are of the fold-out variety. Guests shouldn’t be ready to make their exit before the burgers are even off the grill.

Add a layer of brown craft paper onto your dining table for a rugged, casual look and easy clean-up. Likewise, purchase grill-friendly aluminum paper to avoid any charred or melty messes.

Get eclectic with your china choice. No need to be fussy about the plates or cutlery. A mixed and matched variety can add charm and intrigue to your outdoor table, and can be the perfect conversation starter.

Table umbrellas are multipurpose. Use them not only for shade (which can be especially important peak season), but also to define your dining area.

Haven’t splurged on outdoors-specific furniture yet? No problem. Move indoor pieces outside to create an outdoor “room.” Try using pretty pillows to decorate a simple cot and turn it into a settee. (Just be sure to bring everything back inside when the party’s over.)

Keep the food (and the drinks) simple to keep from driving yourself crazy with time in the kitchen. Cold beers and/or one cocktail option (preferably one that’s great on the rocks) are ideal for the bar cart, and a menu burgers or grilled fish, corn on the cob and fruit salad can streamline the cooking process.

Grilling season also happens to coincide with mosquito season. In addition to being prepared via bug sprays and citronella candles, try using mesh colanders and bowls to keep the food safe from buzzing intruders.

Craving s’mores but not a camping trip? Add the crackle of a campfire without the need to rough it. Set up a fire pit on grass or a stone patio. They are affordable and widely available at home and garden stores.

What are some of your favorite outdoor dining tips, tricks or traditions? Have any favorite recipes for the grill to share? 

      (All photos credited to realsimple.com)