The first rule of hosting a dinner party outdoors is the same as for any other dinner party. If your guests feel comfortable, have a choice of drinks, and are well fed, they will have no reason not to enjoy their evening.

So, first make sure that they will be comfortable outdoors. Will you need an electric fan nearby to keep the air moving, or should you supply warm wraps for guests to snuggle into as the evening draws on? Are there cushions on the chairs, and is the table steady (no wobbles)? Are guests well protected from rain, wind and dew? Is the route from indoors to outdoors safe and easy to negotiate, and well-lit for return to the house later in the evening? If guests will be walking over grass or soft surfaces, warn them ahead of time so they can rethink their shoes …

A good supply of drinks and a choice of interesting items to nibble on immediately makes the outdoor area look inviting and encourages guests to sit down, comment on the snacks, offer each other refills and generally socialize. Bring out an extra table for drinks, glasses and fresh supplies if necessary; it will make your life much simpler when you’re welcoming guests, and allows you to hand over the ‘host’ role easily later on when you want to serve food. An ice-bucket, cold-box or mini-refrigerator lets you keep drinks and ice cold conveniently.

Choose food that is easy for you to prepare and serve and which either stays hot easily without suffering (casseroles, etc) or which doesn’t need to stay hot (salads, cold pies, etc). This is not the time to experiment with new dishes or delicate cuisine. The emphasis of an outdoor dinner party is the experience of eating outdoors, rather than novel foods. Remember that your guests will enjoy themselves much more if they feel comfortable about you and the role  you are playing too, so make life easy for yourself.

For some more great tips on decorating an outdoor area, with a focus on furnishing options, check out Rattan Outdoor Furniture Tips.