{"id":3250,"date":"2023-03-22T12:02:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-22T12:02:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/blog\/?p=3250"},"modified":"2023-07-10T14:39:37","modified_gmt":"2023-07-10T14:39:37","slug":"outdoor-entertaining-planning-101-from-space-prep-to-furniture-and-food-tips-for-every-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/blog\/2023\/03\/22\/outdoor-entertaining-planning-101-from-space-prep-to-furniture-and-food-tips-for-every-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Entertaining Planning 101: From Space Prep to Furniture and Food, Tips for Every Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

One thing we may have gained during the pandemic. A new appreciation for our outdoor space. We realized that these areas, from the front porch to the backyard firepit, can be treated as an extension of our homes\u2014and we really don\u2019t use them enough. As we move forward, we can continue to use these outdoor spaces to safely entertain. (Our neighbors in Alaska and the Scandinavian countries have been doing so for years!) So instead of feeling cooped up indoors this winter, take it outside. Here are a few ideas to help you warm up to outdoor entertaining.<\/p>\n

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Create Some Warmth<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Outfit your outdoor space with a variety of heat sources. Restaurants were able to extend their outdoor dining season with patio heaters and it\u2019s no different when entertaining at home. Heaters are available to buy or rent in varied sizes, styles, and fuel sources (natural gas, propane, electricity). Fire pits have also become popular during the pandemic, for good reason. They\u2019re available in multiple sizes and price points and fuel sources as well. You can find smaller, tabletop fire stoves or even fire pit tables; smokeless pits, propane- and natural gas- powered fire pits, as well as traditional fire pits that burn wood. For added warmth around the fire, drape quilts and blankets on weather-friendly seating. If feasible, install peg hooks on a nearby shed, fence, or exterior wall of your house or garage to hang additional blankets in case guests crave extra warmth.<\/p>\n

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Let There Be Light<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Take advantage of natural light and host your gathering in the afternoon. But, be prepared for the celebration to continue past dusk. Caf\u00e9 lights and string lights will supply a warm glow as well as party ambiance as they help light up your outdoor space. Candles (either flameless or regular) arranged on table surfaces will further enhance lighting. Flameless candles and luminaries set aglow under or on top of acrylic boxes<\/a>, cylinders<\/a>, and risers<\/a> will help elevate your al fresco d\u00e9cor. Acrylic is weather-friendly and can withstand freezing conditions making it an easy choice for outdoor use.<\/p>\n

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Get Your Game On<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Outdoor activities, such as cornhole and ladder golf, don\u2019t have to wait until the warmer weather. These active games don\u2019t require dexterity so they can be played with gloved hands and the movement will keep guests\u2019 bodies warm. Or, literally put a game on by setting up an outdoor screen to stream a sporting event. Think of it as a more comfortable version of tailgating (glam<\/em>-gating?) with heavy blankets and chunky throws at the ready and a fire for roasting marshmallows instead of grilling burgers.<\/p>\n

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Self-Serve Beverage Station<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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An ice-filled cooler with chilled beverages may not quite work at this time of year, depending on where you live. Instead, create a drink warmer using a slow cooker to serve sips that will warm guests\u2019 bellies (and hands!). Fill the cooker about \u00be full of water and set to warm. Place drinks (hot toddies, hot cocoa, hot cider, etc.) in individual mason jars with tight lids and place in the cooker to keep warm. Guests can then grab a hot one anytime they\u2019re ready. Alternately, you can warm mulled cider or cocoa in cookers and provide thermal mugs for sipping. Place shooters or non-alcoholic flavorings on acrylic trays<\/a> and cinnamon sticks,\u00a0 and marshmallows in acrylic cylinders<\/a> so guests can customize their drinks.<\/p>\n

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Provide Simple Snacks<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Outdoor menu items should be simple and easy to eat. For hot foods, think pureed soups that can be sipped (keep warm in a slow cooker), grilled pizzas (or cooked in an Ooni pizza oven), and of course s\u2019mores and roasted marshmallows over an open fire. When deciding on a menu, keep in mind your outside space and surfaces available for guests to place food. If you have all-weather furniture, uncover it and dust it off (or drag it out from the basement or shed). If you need more surfaces, consider our weather-resistant TimberLine™ outdoor display pedestals<\/a>. Taller ones can be used as a resting place for cocktails on a patio and a lower-height pedestals can be set in a garden or yard to serve as a table for plates (instead of plants). Or use one of our economy display pedestals<\/a> (or any of your suitable indoor furniture) in a covered area, such as a porch or under a party canopy or rental tent.<\/p>\n

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Textured Outdoor Display Pedestal with Weather-Resistant TimberLine<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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We hope these ideas spur more than just wishful thinking. Embrace each season, live in the moment, and make the most of the weather we\u2019re given. Spring<\/a> (and summer<\/a>) will be here before we know it. For more information contact our team. We\u2019ll gladly assist you.<\/p>\n

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One thing we may have gained during the pandemic. A new appreciation for our outdoor space. We realized that these areas, from the front porch to the backyard firepit, can be treated as an extension of our homes\u2014and we really don\u2019t use them enough. As we move forward, we can continue to use these outdoor … Continue reading Outdoor Entertaining Planning 101: From Space Prep to Furniture and Food, Tips for Every Budget<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[54,67,2,14,30,196,49,31,4,29],"tags":[266,166,119,136,428,430],"yoast_head":"\nOutdoor Entertaining Planning 101: From Space Prep to Furniture and Food, Tips for Every Budget | shopPOPdisplays<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shoppopdisplays.com\/blog\/2023\/03\/22\/outdoor-entertaining-planning-101-from-space-prep-to-furniture-and-food-tips-for-every-budget\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Outdoor Entertaining Planning 101: From Space Prep to Furniture and Food, Tips for Every Budget | shopPOPdisplays\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"One thing we may have gained during the pandemic. 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