I decided to poll a few talented and seasoned entertainers about their secrets to outdoor entertaining. Maggie, Danae, Celeste, Ben & Amy regularly entertain outdoors once or twice a month, often spur of the moment, which means they are GOOD at this! They shared valuable tips, which that the magic word is PREPARATION:

1. Always have a well stocked pantry  Maggie: cheese straws, seasoned pecans, olives. Danae: Ingredients to make her famous chocolate cake.  Amy: gourmet frozen pizza dough & her outdoor pantry in the form of a glorious garden. Celeste: crackers, eggplant tapenade, kalamata olives.   Ben (who went to culinary school): works magic with whatever he has.  Stock up on skewers, bamboo forks, specialty olive oils, truffle butters, marinades, crackers so you will be ready for impromptu entertaining.

Prep Tip: Good ingredients make good food, and don’t ever forget it! Keep fine olive oils and basalmics on hand for appetizers, grilling or salads. Instant greatness.

 2. Keep a  well stocked bar  You know the drill: Beer, Wine, drink mixers, ice, garnishes, cocktail napkins. Beer glasses in the freezer. Set up a bar table so guests will feel free to help themselves. (Pictured bar accessories and outdoor bar cart also available in other summer colors- pricing and information available upon request). Celeste freezes sliced lemons in a ziplock bag so she can throw them into a pitcher of ice water when company comes.

Bar Tip: Make frozen ice cubes with citrus, berries, mint or edible flowers so you will always be prepared for elegant spur of the moment entertaining.

3. Music  Have music playlists ready to suit various personalities, crowds, party moods. Celeste recommends installing surround sound throughout the house so different rooms can have different volumes.

Sound Tip: Bose Wireless Speakers

4. Serving dishes/table settings:  Maggie: swears by white serving pieces and plates- allowing the placemats and napkins add the color. Danae: uses her china whenever possible…even for a burger. Pull out those wedding gifts- the ice buckets, trays, china and crystal- this is why you have them!

5. Respect the Outdoor Elements:   Like Maggie says: Nobody likes bugs, no matter how good your food is, so have a mosquito plan.  From mosquito misters to tiki torches with anti mosquito fuel, there are ways to keep them at bay.   Celeste keeps her citronella lanterns full and ready to go.  All great ideas.

6. Lighting: Ben suggests string lights and a small fire pit, popular year round. I recommend a bag of citronella tea lights and a tray of votives ready to go for dual mosquito control and lighting. Celeste always keeps a stock of candles, an inexpensive way to set the party mood and dim the change of seeing dust bunnies!

7.  Remember side tables: In my previous “Eat Out More” post, I made seating recommendations.  Remember to have side tables next to any seating, even if you have to borrow them from inside.  See outdoor orange side table: other colors and pricing available upon request.

8. Have a few easy go-to recipes to entertain with:  I recommend working with seasonal produce.  Need ideas? Here are a few suggestions:

Watermelon Balsamic Cubes

Grilled Romaine Salad

Mini BLTS

Mini Grilled Cheese Bites and Soup

Many thanks to Maggie, Danae, Ben, Celeste and Amy for sharing your talents and wisdom.  Readers, please send us your ideas~ cheers!

~photo credits~