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Easy Outdoor Entertaining Tips for Summer

Posted by ChickAdvisor Team | Wednesday June 11, 201415 comments

Backyard party season is officially in full swing, and after the winter we just survived most of us are using any excuse to be outside as often as possible. 

And so to get this party started, we chatted with celebrity designer Nicole Sassaman for a few ideas. 

Bring the Inside Out
We're used to hearing "bring the outside in", but Nicole flips this around for backyard entertaining. To create a comfortable and elegant setting, set your dining room table and chairs out on your deck. Create cozy sitting areas on a stone patio with your living room couches and side tables.

Having a hard time visualizing? Try these ideas on for size: 

(credit: LaurenConrad.com / Jan Garcia) 
 

(credit: mate_the_Label)
 
Break Out the China
It may seem counter-intuitive (hello plastic or paper plates!) but a backyard soiree is really the perfect time to bring out the fancy tableware. Since you'll be eating on your dining room table, it's not really that much of stretch to see how this makes all kinds of sense. 


(credit: HouseBeautiful.com / Joe Schmelzer) 

Elegant Touches
Even a simple picnic table takes on a new personality when it gets a pretty dressing. Start with those tablecloths you never use (or fussy curtains for that matter!), and if you're a serial overachiever string up a thrifted chandelier from the rafters of your pergola: 


(credit: Village


(via WeddingChicks.com)

Quick Clean-up
During your pre-party house cleaning you probably ran the dishwasher one last time with your breakfast and lunch dishes, but did you remember to empty it before the party started? You'll be eager to get back to your guests as quickly as possible, so loading dirty supper dishes into an empty dishwasher can save a lot of time.

Speaking of dishes (sparkling clean ones, that is), we recently tested OxiClean™ 4X Concentrated Extreme Power Crystals™ Dishwasher Detergent with our Product Review Club with rave results! Available in Crystals and single dose Paks, clean-up is super simple because there's no need to pre-soak, pre-wash, or re-wash when the dishes are done. 

Don't forget to fill your rinse aid dispenser with OxiClean™ Dishwashing 2 in 1 Booster Rinse Agent and add two squirts in the bottom of your dishwasher to supercharge your detergent for a crystal clean shine. Waking up the next morning to sparkling clean dishes and a tidy kitchen will also make your entire hosting experience that much easier.


Your turn: Have another outdoor entertaining tip to share? Let us know in the comments!
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12 Comments

on August 27, 2019  suzannem1  8,045 said:

awesome tips

on March 16, 2016  kristinasimpson90  8,179 said:

this has me dreaming of july ahhh :)

on February 05, 2016  a.m646  1,024 said:

Love these ideas

on August 31, 2014  Zillah82  2,182 said:

Great tips!
I like the idea of bringing the inside out! Great photos as well

on August 05, 2014  Tatdewar  12,689 said:

I covered my whole balcony in layers of blankets and big pillows and lit the whole thing with lanterns. Perfect mood and different idea. Everyone loved it.

on July 20, 2014  Tatdewar  12,689 said:

Candles candles and more candles. And lanterns galore. Love blankets and pillows on the floor or balcony. Super cozy

on June 14, 2014  KellyMcKelly  3,803 said:

I absolutely love the pictures in this article. I wouldn't recommend washing that gorgeous china in the dishwasher...Older china patterns tend to fade with dishwasher use....Best to be done in the sink.

on June 13, 2014  scamp101  1,285 said:

Great tips here. I like the tip of unloading the dishwasher before the guest arrive for quick clean-up.

on June 13, 2014  jmca  9,245 said:

I don't think I would take my furniture out BUT I would take out pillows, tablecloths, vases, dishes, etc.

on June 12, 2014  flower  4,433 said:

We try to have most of our meals outside now

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