Entertaining outdoors: A beginner's guide

by Barbara Rybicki 05/13/2024

Entertaining outdoors can be the perfect way to enjoy your outdoor living space with friends, family and members of your household. While it might seem more complex than indoor entertaining, knowing some best practices will help you become an outdoor entertaining expert.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a sprawling soirée, here are some basic tips for effortless entertaining outdoors:

Provide comfortable seating

If you have chairs and other seating options already, consider adding cushions to make your guests more comfortable. Arrange your patio furniture in a way that promotes conversation without being cramped. When buying new furniture, consider chairs with armrests, so your guests can use them as built-in trays and cup holders.

You can keep your guests comfy even after outdoor entertaining season is long over. Have cozy throw blankets available for chilly evenings, or consider adding a fire pit to warm up winter gatherings.

Keep food & drink simple

When cooking for a crowd, it’s best to keep the recipes simple. Not only will this cost you less money and time, it will please a wide range of tastes. Or, for a collaborative approach, have a potluck style event where every guest is encouraged to bring a dish to share.

Don’t forget the beverages, either - consider whipping up a large batch of punch, iced tea or lemonade to easily quench the party’s thirst.

Banish the bugs

Don’t let pests ruin your outdoor fun. Have plenty of anti-bug measures available to combat buzzing and biting insects like mosquitoes. Essential oils like lavender, thyme, lemon balm and rosemary can serve as a natural deterrent against bugs while creating a fresh-scented ambiance.

Citronella candles are another smart way to battle the bugs while also improving the overall atmosphere of your outdoor parties.

Whether you’re planning an outdoor dinner party or another type of outdoor event at home, remember these best practices. With the right outdoor furniture, menu and protection from pests, your guests are sure to have a wonderful experience in your outdoor space.

About the Author

Barbara Rybicki

I am originally from Poland but have been a Grafton resident for almost thirty years.

I come from the Hospitality Business. I used to work in 5 Star Marriott Hotel Management. That experience taught me how to provide excellent customer service. That "Marriott" way of doing business instilled in me over the years helps me tremendously to succeed as a local real estate broker.

Nothing is more exciting to me than gratifying feeling I get from helping people reach their real estate needs and dreams. You can count on me to always do what is in your best interest. I will be there for you throughout the entire transaction making sure you understand each step of the buying or selling process. I will guide you with great communication skills and hard work ethic.

I have not only passion for my job but also extensive real estate expertise. Whether it is preparing and staging your home to sell for top dollar or helping you purchase a perfect home, feel free to reach out to me so we can start this process together.

I specialize in marketing and selling residential real estate in Grafton, Upton, Northborough, Westborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Milford, Hopkinton and Metro West area.