Summertime Dinner Parties—Good Food and Community
Summer 2024 is in full swing, and nothing beats the joy of sharing good food and community. Whether you envision an intimate gathering with close friends or a lively party brimming with guests, the possibilities for summertime dinner parties are endless. Let’s explore tips and strategies for hosting these outdoor events.
Hosting an outdoor dinner party doesn't have to be daunting! Begin by determining the size of your guest list. A smaller gathering allows for meaningful conversations, while a larger event can bring extra energy and excitement to your space. Whether you're inviting 5 or 50 guests, thoughtful planning can help you create a memorable experience.
Venue/Location: Our easiest tip — choose a backyard! A backyard can be easily transformed into a magical, intimate venue or a chic, trendy vibe. Lighting, floral, and drapery can do wonders.
Concept: What is the reason for entertaining — is it a celebration or a girl's night? This will help determine color palettes, types of flowers, variety of ingredients, and the overall vibe.
Tables and Seating: Do you prefer tables and chairs or picnic style? Hosting a dinner picnic style creates a cozy vibe with pillows, cushions, and blankets on the ground.
Set the Table: If you're going with a table, consider adding a tablecloth, runner, or placemats. Matching dinnerware sets can add an element of elegance and sophistication while unmatched sets with varying sizes and designs are whimsical and eclectic. If you're having a large party, explore premium disposable dinner sets.
Centerpiece: Finish the table with a decorative centerpiece. Use flowers, branches, and tall grasses clipped from the garden, or buy an arrangement from one of our florists.
Lighting: Good lighting makes your outdoor dinner feel cozy and magical. String lights hung back and forth over your table add ambiance to your space, or add candles or portable lights to your table to add a touch of softness.
Food: Create your menu in advance while being mindful of your guest's preferences. Prepping before the event will save valuable time. Consider family style if you don't want to plate individually or cook the sides ahead of time if you want less to do the day of.
Drinks: Choose your drinks around your menu. Consider your food and drink pairings, or consider a signature batch cocktail to match your concept and elevate the experience.
Outdoor dinner parties in the summer can create a core memory for everyone. Quality time together with good food and drinks outside is so incredibly special. Consider these tips to plan your next summer dinner party. And once your outdoor space is ready, don’t forget one of the most important things: hosts must enjoy themselves, too!
The Leaf, located in downtown Wooster, offers a vast menu, making breakfast through dinner a delightful experience! Open Tuesday through Sunday, our culinary team creates fantastic dishes that are sure to delight you. Bring a friend or dine solo for a relaxing meal away from home.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest specials and new menu items. Make your reservations online or by calling 330-804-0126. Interested in holding your next event at The Leaf? We are happy to accommodate larger parties or planned gatherings.