Entertain In Style - Family Outdoor Dining

Dining Table Styled by Tara Sloggett

Outdoor dining! There is nothing like it for producing a festive mood with no effort. Add in the fact that you can cook a whole meal on a grill if you choose, and you have super easy preparation.  It’s a great way to bring the family together for a relaxed and casual dining experience.  Toss a Frisbee around, play with the kids, or have a cocktail, as dinner sizzles on the grill.

Annette JosephNot into grilling? No problem! Dinner outside can be like a picnic without the ants.  Whip up a couple of salads, and buy a rotisserie chicken at the local market for a quick and easy meal.  You can go super healthy and low cal with salads if you like, choosing whole grains like quinoa to mix with veggies, or open up a couple of cans of black beans, add some frozen corn and chopped peppers for a tex-mex style dish.  Those salads can be put together the night before, or in the morning before work, so when its time to eat, everything is ready, and all you have to do is set the table. 

 Coco + KellySitting around the table in an early summer evening, as the fireflies come out, and the candles glow is simply magical.  Choosing bright colors for napkins or placemats, and setting out some pretty votives can really dress up a table, making dinnertime feel like an adventure, especially for the kids. Even better, you can use disposable plates, if you want, making clean up a snap. Or find a set of nice looking re-usable plastic ware in case somebody drops one by mistake.

Mikael BeckmanHowever you carry it off, dining outdoors does wonders for the mood, and for the appetite.  The kids get to blow off steam running around, while parents can either cook or just chill while enjoying the summer night together. 

Read more about Guest Blogger Katy Keiffer.

Photo Resources:
Tara Sloggett
Annettee Joseph
Coco + Kelly
Mikael Beckman via Desire to Inspire