'Let's Take It Outside'

Stone Street in the NYC financial district

It must have been the sight of a herd of New Yorkers sitting or milling around wooden benches in the middle of Stone Street, some of Wall Street’s best raising their beer cups in a toast to the unexpected warm weather today.

Whatever it was, it brought to mind the lazy days of summer and outdoor dining. Suddenly, every food tastes better on the grill: salmon, chicken, corn, chorizo, burgers, vegetables…

This summer has got to be better than the last year. I started to research ways in which I can take my outdoor entertaining to the next level. This is what I’ve found:

Outdoor entertaining with paper lanterns

1. Who needs a canopy or a closed in patio on your deck when there’s fabric? Hang sheer curtains, inexpensive burlap or netting to create an intimate outdoor setting. Keep out the bugs and maintain some privacy when entertaining guests. Just make sure the fabric is easy enough to take down and wash.

2. All those home accents that you have in the house: a few lamps, a table clock, or set of furniture could work just as well outside as inside. Taking the party outside doesn’t mean your guests should sacrifice comfort!

Bring outdoor furnishings outdoors

3. Speaking of comfort, cushion those battered and bruised bare feet with some flooring. Play with pattern and texture by laying rugs on the floor of your patio or deck. Make sure to lay some protective matting underneath the rug, to prevent unwanted moisture from damaging the rug.

4. This is perhaps my favorite entertaining trick. Partially, because it seems so effortless and on the other hand, because I’ve never thought of it before. Who needs a cooler when you have an empty planter? Throw the ice in the planter, load your drinks in and you’re set! The planter already fits in with the outdoor décor.

A planter doubles as a cooler

5. Classic. Not satisfied with tea lights. Put up some paper lanterns in your back yard. This decorating tip is tried and true, and is immediately festive and welcoming to guests. Don’t like the traditional round and cylinder-shaped lanterns? Mix it up with some stars or other unconventional lantern shapes.

6. Another genius idea: Use a space heater outside (electrical cord permitting) to warm your guests in case it starts to get chilly in the night. This is a good idea for those who don’t have an outdoor chiminea or fire pit. Remember that your job as a good host is to keep your guests happy.

*Photos courtesy of www.diyideas.com and www.wikipages.com