'Dining Alfresco'

Ahhhh. The sound of the words ‘Memorial Day Weekend’ calls to mind mojitos, barbecue and lounging with friends on the deck. Being the unofficial start of summer, it would not be complete without an outdoor celebration. While dining tables and ornate ceramic plates now seem are out of place, festive silverware and canopies are essential. And let’s be honest, no one wants to scramble for the last folding chair or the best spot around the only citronella candle.



We’ve all been there.

For this Memorial Day weekend, I compiled a list of must-have items for the ideal alfresco dining party. Gemstone-colored glassware, decorative serving trays and funky glass stirrers take the blandest of garden parties to the grandest.


Set the Mood

The romantic sweep of light, but bustling mosquito netting has been at the top of my list since I first saw one on my uncle’s newly renovated patio deck a few summers back. His was a more modern concoction – a canopied tent with netting running along the entire perimeter. For mosquito-ridden nights, the tent could be sealed thanks to zippers running along one of the sides.

The canopy might be too big an option for those inner-city dwellers lucky enough to have the outdoor space. No matter. A 40’x 10’cotton mosquito net (available for $165) hangs perfectly from an outpost or tree branch.



Stir-Crazy

Are you a master at making mixed drinks? I know that I’m not. But I do know that my boyfriend loves his gin and tonics. Added to my list is a set of candy-colored glass stirrers. Even the most classic drink could use a playful makeover.

The kids will love the swirling straws in all the blue, pink, yellow, green color options. Hey, whatever keeps them entertained, occupied and less envious of the stir-crazy adults.

You Got Served

Part of the allure of outdoor get-togethers is that hefty dishwashing at the end is over (what I like to call post-partum cleanup). Paper plates and Tupperware are low maintenance and recyclable/reusable. But you can’t serve the best mojitos on paper plates or Tupperware.

A one-of-a-kind serving tray with a splash of color invites guests to drink and be merry. Then set it on the table for the duration of the party, using it at the end to clear trays away.


The List Goes On

The rest of my list includes some finishing touches to not only make my guests feel the most comfortable, but to also set the mood as the party heads into the wee hours:

- Candle holder set on a wooden tray as the centerpiece for $22.99 (above left)
- Bar table with stools for $200
- Comfy pillows for $19.99
- Tiki torches at $14.99

This Memorial Day, I'm kicking off the summer in style. How about you?

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of Mosquitocurtains.com, All Products.com and f Decor Innovation.com