The sun is out. The bees are buzzing. The trousers are getting increasingly shorter. In short, the summer has finally arrived! Ever the calendar agrees, so you’ve got everything you need to throw your first summer garden party between grown-ups.
The typical garden party happens during the day, but if you want to make the most of your outdoors, you need to consider the advantages of a dinner out. What makes dinner in the garden so appealing? Lunch and afternoon gatherings are more likely to expose you and your guests to the full heat of the summer sun. Planning an evening meal together lets you enjoy the residual heat without suffering from any nasty consequence. Additionally, the garden is going to be a lot more pleasant in the early hours of the evening. But there are still a few things you need to plan to make sure that everyone has a fantastic time on the patio.
Remember to have plenty of soft drinks too
Remember, your body is a bug’s meal
Who says summer in the garden says mosquitos. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a rural area or whether you’re on the outskirts of a big city. Mosquitos are everywhere. We all know the typical spray repellent, which makes you smell like a Yankee candle for the rest of the evening. Effective, yes, but pleasant, absolutely not! You can, however, consider alternatives for your patio. Did you know, for instance, that you can use an eco-friendly garden spray that blocks one of the essential compounds to the life cycle of mosquitos and other pesky bugs? It’s completely safe for your plants, pets, and guests, which makes it an excellent choice. For something a little more discreet, you can find ultrasonic plug-in devices that keep mosquitos away. They produce a non-audible sound to the human ear and can cover an area up to 1,200 square feet, which lets you enjoy your meal without itchy interruption.
Impress your guests with the right wine
Most people tend to grab the first bottle of booze they can find to put on the table. A nice red or a white or even a handful of bottles of beer, and you’re good to know, right? The truth is that understanding how to best pair your food and your drinks can make a significant difference in the whole experience of the meal. You don’t need to cook anything fancy, though. But if you’re serving chicken in a creamy coriander sauce, for instance, the subtle citrus flavors of a Sauvignon Blanc would perfectly complete the dish. A herby lamb dish needs a Pinot Noir to add a hearty and fruity taste. For a Spanish-inspired tapas meal with plenty of spicy sausages, tomatoes, and sharp cheese, opt for a Syrah. And if you prefer a beer pairing for end the day, a malty stout is a perfect companion for your roasted lamb, but for spicy dishes, you should go with a porter beer.
Curb out unfriendly habits
We all have a few bad habits that we happily indulge. But some of these habits are not suitable for an evening with friends. If you don’t mind about your dog begging for food when you’re alone, you need to keep your furry friend away from the table when you’ve got guests. You could feed your pet just before you sit at the table, for instance. Another unfriendly habit that can affect your guests is if you enjoy having a smoke in the garden. Even if you’re careful about not blowing any smoke next to them, the smell of tobacco can turn the dinner into an unpleasant experience. If you fancy something a little special, you might want to consider vaping – you can figure out the best vape coils for a fruity fragrance here. Surprisingly enough, pairing flavors can make a difference to the meal without affecting your guests. We shall call it vaping for gourmets!
Don’t let anybody get burned
Planning your garden party in the evening protects your guests against the risks of a nasty sunburn. But it doesn’t mean your guests are completely safe from burns. If your outdoor furniture has been outside all day long, it’s fair to say that the surface will still be hot. The last thing you want is for someone to suffer a first-degree burn just by sitting on a chair. It’s a good idea to store your garden table and chairs away from the sun during the day – if it is at all possible. Alternatively, you can add protective covers. Finally, adding a padded cushion will also ensure everything stays cozy and cool.
Everybody loves a casual outdoor meal between friends. It’s inexpensive and quick to prepare, and it’s the perfect way to share a moment. But, these few tips can ensure you make the most of your time together, from creating a comfortable atmosphere to unlocking new flavor experiences!