Outdoor Entertaining: Deck Your Deck Out

Posted by Siofan | Friday May 20, 2011

Whenever we need ideas for entertaining we look no further than At Home With Kim Vallée, from innovative ways to spruce up our garden, to easy ways to plan a party, we're constantly inspired. With the first long weekend of the summer (and a few deals to be had), we're going to stock up on all the basics for our patio table and a few extras to make outdoor entertaining easier.

Plates, bowls and platters in melamine and other shatter-proof materials aren't just practical, with all the fun print options, they allow you to show more character than you would at a traditional dinner table.
Clockwise from top, left: Anthropologie Continental Bird Plates (US$8.00 each); Anthropologie Farmer's Market Basket, Large (US$20.00); Target Sea Life Melamine Dinnerwear Collection (from US$32.00 for four); West Elm Bird Melamine Plates (US$20.00 for four); Pottery Barn Oyster Melamine Serving Bowl (US$34.00); Pottery Barn Starfish Melamine Bowl (US$10.50 each)

Round out your table with fun flatwear (ahem, you don't have to go disposable just because you're outside), or go rustic with rough-hewn condiment servers and napkin weights.
Clockwise from top, left: Veneerware Utensils & Sporks (from US$10.00 for 8 place settings); Michael Aram Fig Leaf Napkin Holder (US$59.00); Sabre Frosted Acrylic Flatware (from US$4.00); Pottery Barn Range Square Condiment Set (US$35.00)

Easy acrylic glassware lets you relax and tip one back without fear of broken glass, after all it's not a party unless someone knocks a glass over at some point. (Red wine hoses off the patio pretty painlessly!)
From left: Anthropologie Salud Goblet (US$10.00 each); West Elm Banded Acrylic Drinkware (US$14.99 for four/sale); Target Double Wall Tumbler (US$17.99 for six); Crate and Barrel Acrylic Stemless Wine Glass (C$3.50 each)

Any good hostess makes sure that her guests' drinks are always full, and might we add, well-chilled. Mix up a fruity punch or sangria and let guests top up whenever they like with a cool dispenser.
Clockwise from top, left: Creative Bath 3 Gallon Beverage Dispenser (US$29.99 sale); Pottery Barn Galvanized Metal Rolling Wagon Party Bucket (US$199.00); Trudeau Wine Chiller (C$44.99); West Elm Recycled-Glass Drink Dispenser (US$59.00)

Set the mood with plenty of lighting. Hurricane lanterns, sweet strings of lights and subtle glowing garden posts will make your guests feel like hanging well after the sun goes down.
From left: West Elm David Stark Outdoor String Lights (US$24.99 sale); Ikea Solvinden Solar-powered post (C$8.99); West Elm Porcelain Hurricanes (from US$19.00 each)

A great sound system (the more portable, the better) makes for a gathering filled with spontaneous dancing, and DIY desserts (or midnight snacks) that don't require a fire pit complete the outdoorsy feel.
From left: Bushnell Travel Tunes 1.0 Speaker System (US$149.00); Plow Hearth Indoor S'more Maker (US$24.99)

Top image via Ikea.

What are your favourite outdoor entertaining finds?

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8 Comments

	on May 23, 2011 Bren 26,031 said: I really love the plates there so pretty!
	on May 21, 2011 takoda 28,648 said: Siofan we have those out door solar lights, we left them out all winter long. Ours are all still working great. I also left my solar rock that has glowing butterfly's floating above it out and it still works. We have a lot of other things that work off the sun that stays out all year long. I just couldn't see my self going around the yard taken all that stuff down every year. It's up to you, but ounce you put them in I would just leave them. That is unless they say right on them to bring them in for the winter.
	on May 21, 2011 Siofan 50 said: @Ali The Bay has some great outdoor furniture (was just at the one at Queen and Yonge, basement floor), I didn't check price tags, but it is The Bay so can't see it being outrageous.
	on May 20, 2011 Ali de Bold STAFF said: There are so many inspiring ideas on here! Right now I'm on the hunt for porch furniture that looks great but isn't expensive.
	on May 20, 2011 Siofan 50 said: @takoda thanks! I like that you can kind of go crazy with this stuff, with bright colours and fun plates. With the indoor stuff I feel I need to go more basic and simple. My roommie and I got solar powered lanterns last summer from Ikea, I can't wait to put them up again.
	on May 20, 2011 TammyK 1,073 said: The creative Bath 3 Gallon Beverage Dispenser with lemonade in it is just calling to me. Everything else looks great as well thx for posting this.
	on May 20, 2011 jskim07 50 said: The utensils are adorable! They look perfect for picnics, or an outdoor BBQ.
	on May 20, 2011 takoda 28,648 said: Oh I just love all of this, it makes me feel like throwing a BBQ party. The Sabre Frosted Acrylic Flatware is one of my favorites, with all the different colors that are available anyone should be able to find one that match's they're outdoor decor. The acrylic glass ware is another big plus to have, especial if you have guy's over like I do that like frosted mugs with they're beer. Real glasses tends to get a slippery in the heat and I can't tell you how many time the guy's have broken glass mugs when they're having a few out side on a hot day. I also really like the three gallon beverage dispenser, this will not only be great for entertaining with the adults, but also great for kids summer parties. Real nice finds Siofan thanks for sharing!!