5 Essentials for Outdoor Entertaining

ByMyProperty Life

Today’s post celebrates that magical time of year where the weather is just right and we can’t help but dine in the fresh air with our favorite bottle of wine. Welcome to the world of outdoor entertaining! Taking our inspiration from Anthropologie’s new outdoor collection, the beautifully crafted al fresco parties of Eyeswoon‘s Athena Calderone, and the “no-fuss chic” entertaining style of wellness and lifestyle expert Camille Styles, we share a few essential tips for easy outdoor entertaining. Pull up a patio chair, feel the refreshing breeze, and settle in for some serious design goodness. [photo via Eyeswoon]

Set a Beautiful Table

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You don’t need expensive furniture to set an inviting table. Even the simplest of structures can double as a dining table for outdoor events. Giving your table a special touch or two can involve anything from setting out your best plates to finding some beautifully designed paper napkins to liven up a low-maintenance. This gorgeous Cinco de Mayo party from Camille Styles featured a range of interesting additions, from the scalloped tin plates to the lovely lanterns that spanned the length of the table:

Don’t be afraid to add some interesting elements to your outdoor dining area. Below we see the backyard of Sarah Sherman Samuel, which includes wicker cobra chairs, string lights and a lovely mirror that serves as a design-fabulous focal point. See more at Camille Styles.

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Your outdoor dining space doesn’t have to be a formal table. A coffee table (or a string of low tables lined up to accommodate a big group) can be an equally alluring and functional dining space for your spring fete. Pull up some outdoor seating, or some blankets and floor cushions, and you’re set. See more on this deliciously designed backyard spring dinner party at Camille Styles:

Use Fresh Ingredients

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If you’re dining outdoors surrounded by natural greenery, why not serve up some equally fresh ingredients?! Spring is a time when gardens flourish and the smell of herbs wafts in from the outdoors. Is there anything more delicious than a plate of fresh food? Even something as simple as ice cream topped with mint can make your gathering an unforgettable one. Especially if served in beautiful stainless steel bowls from Anthropologie!

Family-style dining takes center stage in this backyard spring dinner party by Camille Styles. With a menu that included Mint Tzatziki with Endive, Romaine, & Sugar Snaps, an abundance of fresh flavors took center stage:

Serving up the freshest of ingredients doesn’t mean spending hours slaving away in the kitchen. Even sliced fruit on beautiful dishware (like this canape plate from Anthropologie) can be party-perfect:

 

Bring the Indoors Outside

When setting up for your outdoor party, don’t hesitate to bring the indoors outside! Borrow a few items from your home to spruce up your party space. Below we see Anthropologie’s Woven Bistro Indoor/Outdoor Bar Cart, decked out with a selection of bar essentials:

Snagging a few items from inside may involve moving that indoor/outdoor pillow from the covered patio to the yard, or grabbing a few side tables from the living room so your guests have a place to stash drink glasses while visiting outside.

Don’t hesitate to be spontaneous and enjoy the outdoor “room” you create by borrowing pieces from your home!

Create Conversation Areas

While eating may be a large part of your outdoor entertaining effort, there are plenty of great conversations to be had in your outdoor space. Make it easy for guests to lounge and visit by showcasing your outdoor seating. [Emily Isabella Parker Sofa from Anthropologie]

You can even create impromptu conversation areas by arranging pairs or clusters of chairs around the yard. These Woven Stripes Bistro Chairs from Anthropologie introduce a fresh palette of crisp tones:

If you’re short on outdoor seating, don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful lawn. Pull up a blanket. Or not! Learn more about this chic gathering designed by Athena Calderone at Eyeswoon:

Last but not least, you can create a resting spot for your guests with the help of an inviting hammock. Don’t forget the pillow for an extra comfy touch! An instant outdoor haven is born… [Canyon Fringe Hammock from Anthropologie]

Incorporate Natural Elements

We end with a reminder to revel in natural elements as you plan your party decor. After all, you’re outdoors! Cut some fresh roses from your garden for an instant centerpiece, or let a few potted plants be the focal points of your table. We’re smitten with this table runner of lavender featured at Eyeswoon:

Even if your greenery of choice isn’t from the yard, it will look extra enticing surrounded by the natural beauty of your outdoor space. How gorgeous is the textural centerpiece below?! Learn more about this beachy event on the Cote d’Azur at Eyeswoon:

We at Decoist wish you and yours a delightful outdoor dining season. Cheers!

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    CASA LV1 (casa nanchi 1 y 2)
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION
    The Casa LV1 (casa nanchi 1 and 2), is a multi-familiar conformed by two houses constructed in the same land, the main material used for its construction was white striated concrete.
    DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY
    The Casa LV1 (casa nanchi 1 and 2) is a complex of two houses designed for a family an elderly couple, their young daughter and their granddaughter. Each house has the necessary privacy for each development, with the interrelationship and coexistence of the family; they are located in an irregular diamond-shaped land of approximately 250m2, a gradient over 10% with a view to the southeast.
    The Casa nanchi 1, on its main floor has: living room, dinning room, kitchen, bathroom, main bedroom with closet and its own bathroom, this floor is directly connected with the service area; the lower floor has a hall, two bedrooms with closet and its own bathroom; the upper floor has a roofed recreation room and a garden terrace. All the floors are connected by a stair, and has a parking lot. The total constructed surface is of 160 m2.
    The Casa nanchi 2 has on its main floor: living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and service area; on the upper floor it has: main bedroom with closet and its own bathroom, an additional bedroom with closet, a little play room and a bathroom; on the lower floor, where the entrance is, has: two parking lots and an exterior stair which is connected to the other floors. The total constructed surface of the house is 145 m2 excluding parking lots.
    Both houses share main entrance, service yard, green spaces and services.
    The houses are named after the nanchi tree (byrosonimacrassifolia) that is located in that land; it was respected and the project was adapted around it, to make it a natural decoration for the dinning room of the Casa nanchi 1. This house was designed for an elderly couple and it has a terrace in the upper floor, which is a recreational and relaxing space with a view of the surroundings to enjoy with the company of family, friends and guests. It has a double-height space which allows the development of the tree.
    The design of the Casa nanchi 2, which was designed for the daughter and granddaughter of the family, is inspired in the Brno chair, designed by the architect Ludwig Mies van ser Rohe, which not only allows a large volume, but also an efficient and free structural principle because with this solution is obtained an overhang of 4.85 m with a support of 2.85 m, generating a space without any support under the construction.
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    The connection of both houses is so important that is not only achieved materially with the union of the two architectonic objects from the common entrance, connotating the link of the family, but also with the landscape, through the transparency in the facade of the two houses, which creates a visual freedom for the inhabitants. This gives a greater illumination of the spaces, producing a feeling of spaciousness and allows the air circulation due to the large windows that are handled by the users.
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