Why Not…Entertain in Your Backyard

One of my favorite things to do is to set a table in the backyard and have dinner under the stars. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of family and friends, nothing beats the fun and excitement of serving dinner by moonlight among the fragrances and sounds that dimple the evening hours. You can add a festive radiance with 20 foot ribbons of indoor/outdoor round lights (they are inexpensive and easy to order on line) arranged among the low oak tree branches that arch like a canopy over your grass. Place candles in glass hurricane candleholders on a white table cloth to create a subtle, warm glow and use colorful plates and glasses to catch the reflected light. I like to add a touch of elegance by draping ivory lengths of fabric off the backs of the chairs and I often place arrangements of flowers (I like to use hydrangeas) from the yard in mason jars filled with colorful slices of fruit (oranges, lemons) and water. I can almost feel the thick, cool scent of Confederate jasmine scrolling through the air and dusting the evening with its natural perfume. Prepare a simple yet special dinner so that you can spend time with your guests outside. Consider a pork loin that can cook in the oven unattended and a salad made ahead of time so that the transition from kitchen to table can be accomplished easily and without a lot of fuss. We need to remember we live in a world filled with natural poetry that can transform a simple evening meal or tea party with a best friend into an event with just a little thought and preparation. So why not entertain in a very special, exotic space that is overflowing with new and graceful sensations. Your own backyard.