How to host an outdoor dinner party in a few simple steps

Next, you should decide on the menu, since that will determine how much space you need for extra items like plates, bowls, or serving platters. Another important consideration is how far you'll be from the kitchen. Family-style service with passed platters is ideal for outdoor parties.

Entertaining becomes virtually effortless when you don't have to make many trips back and forth during the meal, but you'll need to leave plenty of room on the table for larger platters.

Pitchers and nearby beverage tubs also make it easier to enjoy your guests' company rather than trekking back and forth for everyone's drinks. You might even set up a sideboard or small folding table nearby if you don't have space on your dining table.

• Pitcher: Pottery Barn Happy Hour Acrylic Pitcher
• Platter: Le Creuset Large Oval Platter
• Cheese board: MaxMoxie Cheese Board and Knife Set
• Beverage tub: Threshold Aluminum Beverage Tub
• Folding table: Camco Adirondak Outdoor Folding Side Table

Make the most of your outdoor setting with greenery and natural elements like garlands or small vases of flowers. They will always elevate the look of your tablescape.

Lighting can also set the mood, and if you don't have string lights overhead, you'll want plenty of candles, which you can put in hurricane vases to keep breezes at bay.

Your theme will be important here too. A tropical tablescape can display vibrantly hued flowers or lush bowls of fruit, while a boho-chic party calls for an abundance of candles, metallic accents, and more low-key blooms.

• Flowers: UrbanStems Flower Deliver Service
• Candles: Bolsius Ivory Pillar Candles
• Hurricane Vases: Pier 1 Hammered Glass Hurricane Candle Holders

While it's not technically part of the table setting, also consider the comfort of your guests. You may want to drape a blanket or shawl over the back of each chair or add an outdoor pillow to each seat so that people can truly relax.

• Throw blanket: Crane & Canopy Linen Throw or Peshtamel Towel
• Outdoor pillow: Bed Bath & Beyond Print Outdoor Throw Pillow

So there you have it. With this basic template, you can set a different insta-worthy dinner table every weekend, or at least a handful of times this summer.

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