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Vogue
04-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vogue
Everything You Need to Host Your Next Outdoor Dinner Party
If winter is for extravagant tablescapes and decadent menus, summer is the time to do less. Your wrinkly linen napkins can be re-branded as rustic; simple white plates are the preferred pairing for swirls of spaghetti al pomodoro; family-style platters lean in to the relaxed mood of the season. It is completely acceptable to pop a bowl of farmers' market produce on the table and call it a centerpiece. So when it comes to the best outdoor entertaining essentials, a few key essentials will go a long way. Vogue's Outdoor Entertaining Essentials: Once you have your outdoor furniture set up and cracked open the latest cookbook to plot out your spread, treat your table to a couple new pieces that will make your evening feel that much more special. For BBQ outdoor parties or soirées around the fire pit, enamel serving trays and grilling utensils go without saying—but for everything else, from the wicker-covered glasses that'll give your bar cart some coastal flair to the soft lighting and gingham linens that bring the ambiance, we have you covered. Ahead of your next summer dinner party, turn to our outdoor entertaining essentials edit and kick the season off right. The Table Linens The right base layer allows you to keep the rest of your setting relatively simple—after all, it's pretty hard to top an oversized runner with baguettes and sardines hand-stitched along its length. Whether it's a printed tablecloth or striped place mat, choose natural fibers like cotton, raffia, and linen to keep your dining table feeling laid-back. And if summer's bold prints and splashy colors aren't tempting you to abandon your minimalist palette, a simple white linen napkin set with a sage scalloped trim is the way to go. The Dinnerware To incorporate some functionality into your al fresco dining plans (or at least, to account for the youngest members of the guest list), the key is picking out a dining set that can withstand a little wear and tear. Durable melamine and enamel are shatter-proof and good for transporting, if you're taking your feast to-go to the park or the beach. Staying put with a garden party on your outdoor patio? A set of neutral stoneware plates will let the fresh ingredients of the season truly shine. The Drink Station Serve up batch cocktails in a carafe or pitcher for hands-free entertaining. As for the drinkware, Ichendorf Milano's cherry- and chili pepper-dotted tumblers are a playful nod to vibrant seasonal produce, while Jake Arnold's delicate Crate & Barrel cups are more refined if you want to eschew traditional wine glasses. You'd never guess they're actually acrylic (read: clumsy guest-proof). The Servingware Grilled fish, crisp, colorful salads, mountains of fresh pasta… whatever you're serving, it'll be better with a fun platter. Splatterware enamel and tomato-decorated bowls are an easy sell for the print-prone—though with the silver trend still going strong, Pottery Barn's oval dish will be something you can use past Labor Day. Speaking of silver: Hay's stainless steel coupes are the perfect dessert vessel for everything from sorbets to berry crumbles. The Hostess Gifts Perhaps your preferred role to play in the summer dinner party is that of the guest—in that case, the right gift is your ticket to getting invited back. Something cooking-adjacent, like olive oil presented in a ceramic cruet or gourmet sweet and sour candy, is always a safe idea. You can also take inspiration from the menu. Loewe's tomato-scented room spray or Maison Balzac's asparagus taper candles are a more creative way to stay on-theme. The Tabletop Extras These are the outdoor entertaining items that, while not necessary, can make hosting a little easier. To wit: a rechargeable, portable lamp to light your late-night dinner conversations, a Bluetooth speaker to keep your playlist going into the wee hours, and citronella mosquito coils to ward off uninvited guests. They also serve a decorative purpose—in lieu of fancy centerpieces, why not pot your herbs in a mini terracotta planter you can display instead?
CNN
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- CNN
26 outdoor essentials to get your backyard guest-ready, according to event planning experts
Outdoor entertaining quick picks So your deck has plenty of comfy seats: Burrow Dunes Teak 4-Piece Sectional A still-stylish alternative to breakable glassware: Crate & Barrel Schott Zwiesel Tour Outdoor Stemless Wine Glass For fun, personalizable dinners: Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Pizza Oven To get rid of the grime on your patio: Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer Inviting people to your home for a backyard hang seems like a good idea — until you actually survey your outdoor space and realize it's definitely not ready for summer entertaining. Maybe you don't have enough comfortable seating for guests, or perhaps there are too many mosquitoes flying around. Whatever the case might be, there are easy steps you can take to transform your backyard in a matter of days. To help determine what you might need, I spoke to Jean Kintisch, the founder and owner of Pine Hill Events, and Elizabeth Tulipana, the owner and creative director of Anticipation Events. I even compiled products our editors personally love and combed through expert-recommended outdoor furniture picks to pull out options that'll have your yard guest-ready in no time. The expert- and editor-recommended products on this list span a range of categories, from misting fans and pest control devices to stylish serveware and outdoor lighting. Once you're done with your haul, you'll want to throw a backyard soiree just to show it all off. Ego Power+ LM2135SP Select Cut Electric Lawn Mower Don't make your visitors trek through tall, scratchy grass. Instead, make sure your lawn is manicured when they arrive with the help of our favorite electric lawn mower. It can mow an entire standard lawn on one charge and has seven cutting height positions, so it's able to tackle even the toughest our review Westinghouse ePX3500 Electric Pressure Washer A grimy, dirt-covered patio just won't do. Make your primary hosting area look presentable with the help of this pressure washer, another CNN Underscored staffer favorite. It comes with five nozzles that offer varying pressure to help you clean a wide variety of surfaces, and our tester noted that the machine was 'incredibly manageable to move from one location to another.' Read our review Walensee Stand-Up Weed Puller Maybe you don't have a full-on flourishing flower garden, and that's okay! But at the very least, you should make sure there are no weeds growing throughout your yard, as they can be both obtrusive and an eyesore. Our director of product design loves this weed puller, praising its ease of use, ergonomic design and effectiveness. With this tool, your outdoor space will practically look professionally our review Vigoro Premium Brown Wood Shredded Mulch In addition to doing maintenance on grass and any flowers you might have in your backyard, Tulipana also suggests putting down fresh mulch. The brown color of this lawn-care-specialist-recommended mulch also enhances the appearance of flower beds, making vibrant colors pop even more. Koopower 16-Foot LED Fairy Lights, 4-Pack Kintisch said adding string or fairy lights around your outdoor space can help achieve an intimate ambiance. For that, consider the Koopower string light set, which comes in a pack of four. The lights are battery-operated and waterproof, and if you forget to turn them off at the end of the night, no worries — they have an auto-shutoff feature after six hours. Mainstays Citronella 2-Wick Outdoor Jar Candles, Set of 2 Tulipana likes to put out citronella candles if it's not windy, and this Mainstays set is a foolproof pick. You get two candles packaged in pretty glass jars, so they look way more expensive than their $14 price tag. As far as mosquito repellents go, this is definitely one of the most stylish options. Vinkor Flameless Candles, 9-Pack If it is, in fact, a windy day, Kintisch suggests putting out flameless LED candles. They achieve the same romantic vibe as regular lit candles, but obviously without the fire hazard. Amazon has countless options, including this nine-piece bundle of pillar candles that vary in height. Newhouse Lighting LED Bullet Flood Light 'If the homeowner has feature lights in the yard or strung market lights already, those are great,' Kintisch said. 'Otherwise, you can rent uplights to highlight trees in the yard and architectural features of the home.' The Home Depot and other home improvement retailers sell uplights like this one, so be sure to snag a few if you want to show off a set of columns on your back porch or your new garden trellis. Crate & Barrel Batten Acacia Wood LED Solar Outdoor Lantern Rounding out the cozy lighting recs are, of course, lanterns. You can find plenty of design-forward options online, like this acacia wood number from Crate & Barrel. It comes in different sizes, so you might even snag all three and set them in different spots on your deck for a mix-and-match yet still cohesive vibe. Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller Kintisch has used companies like Mosquito Shield to spray entire venues with mosquito repellent, but if you don't want to pay for a service like that, our editors suggest getting a Thermacell device instead. The softball-sized device emits a human- and dog-safe repellent into the air, creating a 20-foot mosquito-free zone. Even better still, the repellent doesn't have an our review Shark FlexBreeze Fan With InstaCool Mist Attachment 'Fans are great, including misting fans,' Kintisch said. Shark's outdoor-friendly FlexBreeze fan comes with a misting attachment, and you can even detach the cord when you bring the fan onto the deck (it has a 24-hour battery run time). What's more, the pedestal collapses, so you can transform it into a tabletop fan in a second. Banana Boat 1-Ounce Ultra Sport SPF 30 Sunscreen, 24-Pack Both of our experts recommend keeping mini sunscreens on hand for guests if it's a sunny day. You can buy Banana Boat's mini sport sunscreens in bulk and set them out on a console table for easy access. When testing different sunscreens, our team liked this brand's spray formula. Like the spray, this version is also sweat- and water-resistant. Proven Insect Repellent Spray In addition to sunscreen, both Kintisch and Tulipana say you should hand out bug sprays to help friends ward off mosquitoes and other insects. If you don't want to buy sprays in bulk, though, you can just buy a couple of bottles of this editor-favorite repellent and place them in an easily accessible spot for people to spray as they our review Beurer BR60 Insect Bite Healer Still got a couple of bug bites? No problem. Kintisch said this device is 'super' when it comes to treating the resulting swelling and itching. The palm-sized gadget uses heat to speed up the healing process, so you'll definitely want to set one of these out, just in case. Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan Accordion hand fans could double as cute party favors for your guests, though Kintisch also likes this battery-powered portable fan. Consider buying a couple to loan to friends during the event, and then you can always stash the fans in your own work tote, gym duffel and beach bag for personal use later. Or, you can avoid the clutter and have your guests take them home. That's kind of what Amina Lake Patel, our home and gifts editor, did last summer: She brought a bunch of these to her bachelorette party in hot and humid Savannah, GA, and let her friends keep them. Ninja Slushi Frozen Drink Maker Our experts suggested keeping cold drinks on hand for guests to grab, in which case you'll want to set out a cooler or two. Alternatively, a countertop appliance like the Ninja Slushi can churn out all kinds of frozen drinks based on the customizable recipes you choose. Plus, the sheer novelty of having one of these in your home is bound to get some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' from partygoers. CNN Underscored associate editor Rachel Dennis tested it last summer and loved our review Article Hulst Outdoor Bar Cart 'I think bringing in carts is great fun,' Kintisch said when asked about other touches party hosts can add to their outdoor events. Even if you don't have the funds to rent an actual bar, food truck or ice cream cart, you can still wheel out your regular bar cart and stock it with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. This one from Article is made for outdoor use, and it can double as a nice little prep or snack station. Ooni Koda 16 Gas-Powered Pizza Oven You could hire a pizza chef to prepare artisanal pies for attendees, or you could just invest in an outdoor pizza oven. It's definitely more casual but still pretty enticing as far as dinner options go. When our team tested different pizza ovens, the Ooni Koda 16 was praised for its easy-to-use design and even cooking. With this outdoor appliance, you can enjoy Neapolitan-style pizzas in your own backyard. Schott Zwiesel Tour Outdoor Stemless Wine Glass Red Solo cups don't exactly scream 'sophisticated,' but we understand if you don't want to risk guests dropping your nice crystal glasses. Luckily, there's acrylic drinkware that looks like glass, and it's designed specifically for outdoor use. Crate & Barrel has an entire collection of beautiful acrylic glasses (both stemmed and stemless), so grab what you need before your next party. Lacgo Waterproof Floating Lotus Lights, 12-Pack 'If you have a pool or a pond or some sort of body of water in your yard, incorporate it!' Tulipana said. 'The easiest way to do this is to float something in it: swans, lit orbs, floral [decor] — anything that floats is an option and a fun way to get creative.' The pool floaties that caught our attention? These ultra-cute LED lotuses. Burrow Dunes Teak 4-Piece Outdoor Sectional Kintisch's biggest tips for choosing comfortable patio furniture are to choose seating with cushions and to avoid pieces with metal frames that get hot from the sun. Burrow's Dunes collection checks both of these boxes. This sectional sports a weatherproof teak frame and quick-drying foam cushions. It even has a built-in side table for convenient drink storage. GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Table XL Summer is about enjoying good meals with the people you love, preferably alfresco. This GCI Outdoor folding table allows you to do just that. It comfortably seats six, holds up to 125 pounds for easy prep and features built-in handles. Purple Leaf Square Cantilever Patio Umbrella Perhaps even more important than seating, a patio umbrella will provide relief from the sun and give your yard a beachy aesthetic. When we asked interior design experts for their recs, one of them provided us with this cantilever model, which is big enough to cover an entire seating area despite being one of the most affordable options on the list. It has a UV-resistant and water-repellent fabric canopy, as well as an extra-thick pole that won't succumb to wind. Outer Aluminum Dining Table If you're hosting an outdoor dinner party, make sure you have a table large enough to accommodate your entire group. This one from Outer is great because it's made from powder-coated aluminum, which the brand promises will last at least 10 years. What's more, the table seats up to six people (you can add chairs to make your order a complete dining set) and comes with the brand's water-resistant OuterShell cover, which protects the table from pollen and dirt. AllModern Wicker Outdoor Lounge Chairs, Set of 2 'We love using couches and comfy mismatched chairs for seating when possible,' Tulipana said of the events she plans. When it comes to outdoor lounge chairs, Wayfair has tons of cute options that won't break the bank. This set has a trendy hammock weave design and comes in five colors, including some bold, perfect-for-summer hues. If you want, you can place cushions on each chair to make it even more comfortable. Tiki 25-Inch Smokeless Patio Fire Pit Kintisch likes the way a fire pit can create a cozy mood, and our testing team just so happens to have found the perfect one. This model from Tiki gives off minimal smoke and doesn't require a ton of maintenance throughout the evening. Measuring 25 inches across, it also doesn't take up a lot of space. Just be sure to stock up on some wood pellets our review First and foremost, you need to keep in mind the weather forecast for the day of your outdoor event and plan accordingly, said Kintisch. 'You need to plan for rain, wind, sun, bugs,' she said. 'Consider renting tents, shade umbrellas and fans, providing sunscreen and bug spray, and have an indoor Plan B location just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate.' Tulipana seconds the bug spray and sunscreen idea, adding that mini bottles 'are functional and also make for cute takeaways where people can just take what they need, and nothing will go to waste.' Beyond stocking up on items that'll help make your guests feel comfortable, you'll also need cleaning and maintenance supplies to tidy up your yard or patio. Kintisch recommends cutting the grass short and getting rid of standing water, like puddles or old bird bath water. Additionally, make sure there's plenty of cushioned seating, and keep it out of the sun as much as possible, especially if it has a metal frame. Finally, Kintisch said, 'Hosts should communicate to guests that the event will be primarily outdoors so they can dress accordingly.' The following FAQs have been answered by Elizabeth Tulipana, the owner and creative director of Anticipation Events. How should you decorate your backyard for an outdoor party? How should you decorate your backyard for an outdoor party? 'We love creating a visual so people know when they have arrived,' Tulipana says. 'Especially if guests haven't been to the home before, it's a reassuring way to let them know they are at the right place.' She suggests a floral installation, signs or even tying ribbons to a tree in your front yard for an instant party vibe. If you're feeling a little extra, you can rent a real bar instead of using a folding table. 'It is much more functional for service, easier to keep clean and is a nice touch to elevate the party,' Tulipana added. If you're hosting more guests than usual, you could clear out space for a dance floor, which is, according to the event planner, 'also a nice way to anchor the space and elevate the event (and also save your grass).' How else can you make your guests feel appreciated at a party? How else can you make your guests feel appreciated at a party? 'At the end of the night, set up a station with ice-cold water, aguas frescas, popsicles or individual ice cream to-go for guests to take in the car, which will not only cool them down but leave them thinking that you thought of absolutely everything for your party,' Tulipana said. For this article, we consulted the following event planning experts to gain their professional insights on hosting in your backyard. Jean Kintisch, founder and owner of Pine Hill Events Elizabeth Tulipana, owner and creative director of Anticipation Events CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate home and gifts editor Nikol Slatinska consulted event planners to get their product recommendations and tips for summer backyard entertaining.
Forbes
12-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Outdoor Lighting Part 1: Avoid These Lighting Mistakes
Photo courtesy of Whether you're creating curb appeal or celebrating the year of the backyard by creating a great outdoor entertaining hub, outdoor lighting plays a crucial part. 'There are amazing things that can be done with landscape lighting, but it can be costly to put in the infrastructure,' says Annie Obermann, co-founder and principal designer at Forge & Bow. 'String lights are a great option to cover a larger area and you can install them with an outlet and a few well-placed trees or landscape posts.' Photo courtesy of But whether it's a small or a large outdoor lighting project, some mistakes can ruin the vibe, and may cause safety issues as well. A helter-skelter approach probably won't produce the desired result. According to Kyle Beach, COO of Wonderly Lights, planning and placement are crucial. 'Create a cohesive lighting design that avoids harsh hotspots or dark voids, think in terms of visual balance and even distribution of light across the space,' he explains. Too much lighting can be harsh and kill the ambiance, but if you don't have enough lighting, Beach says it can be unwelcoming and unsafe. However, there's an easy fix for this problem. Start with a lighting plan. 'Think like a designer and map out your space and decide the best layout for lighting,' Beach says. For example, do you want to uplight a tree canopy for dramatic effect? Do you want to string bistro lighting? 'Techniques like moonlighting, wall grazing, silhouetting, and zone-based lighting can all be used to create a beautiful backyard,' he says. Beach recommends layering the lighting. 'When you mix different types of lighting—uplights for trees, path lights for walkways, string lights to create social areas and spotlights for focal points – it adds depth and dimension,' he says. Also, if you vary the wattage of your lamps, Beach notes that you can add depth and dimension. Photo courtesy of Selecting the wrong transformers, fixtures, and bulbs or lamps could result in a variety of Aproblems, including overheating, fire hazards, and corrosion. However Beach says there's any easy solution to avoid this mistake as well. 'Always select fixtures, bulbs, and connectors labeled for outdoor use (look for 'wet-rated or 'weather-resistant'),' he says. These items are built to handle rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. 'Make sure your transformer is properly sized to support the total wattage of your system with some room to grow,' Beach says, warning that an undersized transformer could lead to dimming, short circuits, or system failure. The expert tip for this section: Beach recommends using low-voltage LED bulbs since they are energy-efficient, produce less heat, and have a longer lifespan. 'Make sure the wattage doesn't exceed the fixtures' maximum rating,' Beach says. 'Typical color temperatures include 2700K for a warm, classic look, and 3000K for a slightly brighter, more modern appearance.' Photo courtesy of DIY lighting might appear to be a good way to save money. However, Beach warns that DIYers don't always know the best safety installation practices. To ensure safety, the easy fix for this problem is to use low-voltage lighting systems. 'Bury wires 6 inches deep or use conduit and seal all connections with waterproof gel-filled wire nuts or shrink-wrap tubing,' Beach advises. Also, be sure to follow the manufacturer's specs for maximum run length and load capacity. Beach provides 4 expert tips: #1: Avoid anchoring to trees, especially living limbs, as movement and growth can damage the lights or the tree. #2: Use permanent anchor points like buildings, pergolas, or poles secured in concrete or heavy planters. #3: Run a tensioned cable (aircraft cable or stainless steel wire) between anchor points, then attach string lights to that for extra support and cleaner lines. #4: Use outdoor-rated mounting hardware like screw hooks or eye bolts, and check periodically for wear or loosening. In addition, Beach recommends being intentional about fixture placement. 'Choose the right fixture for the right location by considering how the space is used,' he says. For instance, uplights and path lights should be placed in flower beds or areas that aren't regularly mowed— Beach says that installing them in grass can lead to damage from lawn equipment. Outdoor Lighting Part 2 is packed with practical lighting tips and tracks.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Dunelm is selling a cheap garden essential at just 31p each – it's perfect for jazzing up your outdoor dining table
SAVVY shoppers have been making the most of outdoor entertaining with the help of one penny-pinching dining product. Fans of al fresco eating have been singing the praises of a handy accessory that looks great - and is as cheap as chips. Dunelm 's Foil Charger Plate comes in two shades - charcoal and gold - and has been reduced to 31p from £1.25. The superstore explained about the product: "Ideal to place under your dining plates, this round foil charger plate is perfect for occasional dining to decorate your dining table setting and is available in a range of colours." Customers have described the plates as 'great quality' and a 'fantastic price'. The hand wash only items are a staple for any outdoor brunch or dinner occasion and measure 33cm (13"). One happy shopper wrote online: "A nice way to dress a table. Keeps the heat away from the wooden table." A second agreed: "Fab charger plates, have them in different colours, great way to dress a table." "Good inexpensive way to add a touch of class to your table," commended a third. Garden lovers have been rushing to the homeware and furniture retailer to pick up another stunning accessory. An arched window wall mirror, costing £30, has gained rave 5 star reviews. The sale piece comes in four colours including Ashley Blue and sage and can be hung up inside as well. Dunelm garden furniture deals Shoppers can click and collect the item for free from their nearest store stocking it, or home delivery costs from £3.95. It's not the first time in recent months shoppers have rushed to buy a product at Dunelm. One managed to pick up a Bromley Lamp Table for £6.90 marked down from £69. Another bagged a stylish bar stool marked down to £19.90 from £200. 2 How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. .
