Whether it’s sipping mojitos under the stars or throwing some burgers on the barbecue, there’s nothing like a breezy summer patio party – and planning one is easier than you might think. Kick off your newlywed life by hosting an outdoor engagement party or post-wedding celebration in your backyard with the following tips:
1. Design the perfect space. Whether it’s building a patio or planting some greenery, there’s no better time than the present to update your yard. For a garden that will have your guests goggling, Julie Garcia of Winnipeg’s The Garden Room recommends keeping things simple and organized with a few colours for flowers. She also recommends designing your patio as large as possible. “For parties and entertaining, people need space to pull back their chairs, walk around and chat,” she explains.
2. Seating selection. When it comes to outdoor furniture, you have two options: dining sets or lounge seats. Most couples opt for classic sets with enough seating for eight people, which should last 10 to 15 years if treated well. “For a lounge area where you won’t necessarily eat, everyone can just get comfy. There are four-season wicker, cast aluminum and cast iron pieces. Invest in a few quality pieces,” says Kate Seaver of Kate’s Garden in Toronto. “Plus, there are hundreds of different outdoor fabrics on the markets that are mold, mildew and UV ray resistant,” she says.
Helpful hint: When hosting a party don’t have everyone sitting, because they won’t move around and talk says Nancy Curtis of Fredericton’s Perfect Parties by Nancy. Instead, have separate stations with drinks, hors doeuvres, etc to encourage mingling.
3. Beat the bugs! Provide guests with ways to fend off mosquitoes and other critters as the sun goes down. “Citronella candles are inexpensive and versatile, but they have a very powerful smell that would take away from the scent of the food,” says Nathalie Mousseau of Vancouver’s Countdown Events. Mousseau suggests placing them around the perimetre of your dining area. “If wasps are an issue, go to a Home Depot-type store and buy a fake wasps’ nest. Wasps are territorial, so hang a faux nest and that will keep them away,” she advises. Have bug spray available or opt for a tent with netting sides to be sure you and your guests won’t be pestered.
4. Dress your table. You don’t need to break the bank to set a fashionable table. For place settings, tie a simple ribbon around napkins or place a fresh flower from your garden at each seat. Fresh citrus fruits are an inexpensive way to add colour – serve fresh lemonade and lemon tarts, and accent your table with bowls of lemons and limes. If you’re tight on table space, place two picnic tables side-by-side to create one long table where guests can interact.
5. Prep in advance. “Be realistic about what you can do, so you can enjoy the occasion and socializing with friends,” says Jane Langdon of Niagara’s Wine Country Cooking School at Strewn Winery. Flexibility, simplicity and being prepared for all types of weather are key – this is not the time to try new techniques. “The more foods you can make ahead of time, the better,” adds Nancy. Try serving a buffet indoors, allowing guests to select food and return outside (minimizing the risk of bugs and contamination). When shopping, steer clear of ingredients like eggs, cheeses and mayonnaise, which don’t hold up in heat. Our pros recommend fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies. “They taste better and allow for a simple menu so you can enjoy your guests,” says Langdon, “and remember to slice food into medallions because it’s easier to eat.”
6. Festive eats and treats. Create a garden party menu with these picks from Canada’s best chefs:
Wine Country Cooking School at Strewn Winery, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario
- Asparagus steamed with lemon sauce or tomato basil vinaigrette.
- Cous cous salad with seasonal vegetables and herbs, served with a pre-cooked cold poached salmon.
- Salsas, chutneys, and relishes to add colour and flavour; try a black bean or corn pepper and tomato relish.
- Rhubarb almond tart made in a large quiche pan to serve a crowd.
- Strawberries and maple syrup cream (add two tablespoons of maple syrup for every half cup of low-fat sour cream for a delicious dip!).
Maple Leaf Grille and Lounge, Banff, Alberta
- Cold melon soup. Open a watermelon and remove seeds. Mix with ice, water and some lemon juice. Blitz, strain and serve cold.
- Mushroom flans in a pre-cooked pie dough. Sauté wild mushrooms in garlic and thyme. Place in the pie dough and pipe some goat cheese on top. Bake it like a pie until golden.
- Marinaded chicken with sesame seeds, maple syrup, ginger and soya sauce. Skewer it and grill on the barbecue.
- Shortbread or ginger cake with fresh berries and whipped cream.
The Good Earth Cooking School, Beamsville, Ontario
- Crostinis of thinly sliced baguette, brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake with old cheddar cheese and fresh rhubarb jam.
- Dips like hummus, baked with oil and herbs and served with pita.
- Tomato skewers. Marinade overnight with chopped basil or pesto. Spear, with mini bococcini cheese balls or pre-cooked sausage in between.
7. Ice cold cocktails. Fruity, fun and refreshing is the perfect mantra for summer beverages, so start by filling big containers with ice to keep drinks cold. Nicolette Novak of The Good Earth Cooking School recommends kicking things off with sparking wine. “Then you don’t need to buy different mixes and it gets everybody in a sparkling mood! It’s lighthearted, easy to drink, and refreshing,” she says. Remember to offer your guests non-alcoholic options as well. “Alcohol and hot weather are dehydrators, so have refreshing drinks over really sweet ones,” advises Langdon.
8. Pick the perfect theme. A mid-afternoon English tea party, French wine tasting, black and white cocktail night, or (one for the boys!) burgers and beers – pick a theme to suit your style and play music to match. Mousseau votes for a Latin party, complete with mojitos, spicy skewers of meats and veggies, colourful decor, steel drum music and citrus accents. “Set up an open bar with different rums and fruit juices so people can style their own drinks,” she says. “If your guests are adventurous, hire a Latin dance teacher to show everybody a few moves!”
9. Dazzling decor. During the summer, let Mother Nature do her job! Fresh flowers are beautiful, convenient and make for colourful décor. “A really great way to dress up concrete or a deck is outdoor carpets,” says Garcia. “They are 90 percent recycled plastic with a UV-inhibitor built in,” she explains. Available in array of bright colours and patterns, they can be cleaned with a hose and never rot.
10. Light up the night. Once the sun goes down, brighten up the night sky for your guests. Candles, paper lanterns and string lights are affordable and make for great ambience, be it romantic, laid-back, or reflective of your chosen theme.
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