Hosting any kind of evening event can be daunting, especially when you’re considering going al fresco. Yet, as soon as the sun comes out, we would all rather be eating and drinking outside!
If you’re like me, you’ll know there’s nothing better than hosting a fabulous party as cooler weather makes a comeback. Why waste it indoors?
Even better, with SWISH cocktails, you can enjoy classic drinks on the patio or verandah without the need to handle any of the ingredients.
If you’re planning a party or two in the sun this coming season, here are a few top tips of my own to ensure it goes off with a simmer and a sparkle.
Plan your menu
The first step to planning any kind of party, indoors or outdoors, is planning the meal. And, no, the meal does not just mean one set dinner or lunch option. The ideal menu for an al fresco get-together should cater for appetisers, starters, desserts and – of course – a range of easy picnic cocktails and mocktails.
And, as we’re talking about al fresco parties, let’s tick heavy meals off your list right now. No one wants to feel so full they can barely walk.
Al fresco parties play host to crisp, delicious salads, barbecues, fish platters, cheese boards, and traditional snacks. Al fresco dining doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should ideally match the season. Therefore, make sure you stock up on spring vegetables and easy-to-make starters to adorn your menu.
The perfect al fresco party menu isn't complete without cool, easy-to-serve drinks on the go. For that, nothing will beat professionally premade cocktails. They'll be quick and easy for you to serve, cold and ready-to-go, and your guests will assume you've done all the mixing behind the scenes!
Why not choose a few SWISH classics for your outdoor party menu? Personally, I recommend SWISH margarita cans or our non-alcoholic martini – both are full of flavour but light on the stomach.
Set the perfect table
Food and drink aren’t the only things you need to keep in mind when dining and hosting al fresco. Therefore, be sure to prepare your furniture in advance. If your rattan suite has seen better days, or your patio loungers need a spruce-up, put a few hours aside to clean up and make your outdoor array look fabulous.
If your favourite table is showing its age, but you can’t bear to part with it, fear not. Tablecloths are always classy. Mix it up with a few different patterns or stick to the basics. Choose a style that suits your personality, the outdoor decor, and the crowd who’s attending.
This is also a great way to cut down on furniture cleaning after the party ends. Thank me later!
When it comes to the plates and cutlery, refrain from falling for the plastic trap – I beg of you. Yes – plastic dinnerware is disposable, but aside from looking tacky, it’s also incredibly wasteful, and your guests won’t be able to move about as easily with a plate that’s practically melting under your food.
As much as washing up might make you roll your eyes, trust me on this – stick to your traditional hosting plates and glasses. If you’re not keen on your set, invest in some new looks or explore online listings.
You could also pick up a fabulous bargain if you’re a shrewd charity shopper. Not all shops carry worn goods! Trust me, nothing says class quite as much as vintage.
But, don’t make your dinnerware the most memorable element of the evening. Think carefully about the glasses you have available for fabulous SWISH drinks – and serve premade cocktails and premixed mocktails with all the traditional garnishes.
Remember the little things!
As fun as al fresco dining can be, it also comes with its drawbacks – even if sipping a delicious SWISH mojito in the fresh air sounds like your idea of heaven.
The sun being out means that annoying insects are back with reinforcements. None of your guests will want to stay outside if it's Mosquito City out there! So, invest in some citronella candles and sparingly place them around your furniture. Some of the most creative candles add a beautiful and soothing ambience once the sun starts to go down.
And, as warm as it may be out there, once the sun goes down, things are certainly going to chill down.
To avoid your guests feeling the cold after dark, prepare some warm blankets around your chairs, loungers, or benches, or in an easy-to-reach place inside to make sure everyone is warm and bundled up if they need to be.
Other important little things to remember include extra glasses (because your friends will lose track of theirs), napkins, bottle openers, seat cushions, and some extra lighting.
One last thing – be sure to serve chilled drinks early in the evening, before things get too chilly. Make a SWISH martini spritz or other canned drinks from our range the highlight of the party, but time their arrival!
Don’t overcomplicate things
I know this all sounds like a lot of planning, but trust me, once you get the hang of al fresco hosting, your patio or garden will be the go-to place for the season’s entertainment.
The important thing is to remember that things don’t have to be perfect, they just have to suit you. So, don’t overcomplicate it. The only thing that matters is you’re around people you love and that it’s a memorable party for all the right reasons.
And, one of the best ways you can make it a party to remember is to serve a range of delicious premade canned cocktails that are easy to pour and hard to ignore.
SWISH has a wide selection of cocktail and mocktail favourites to suit everyone’s taste buds! Whether you prefer to support your menu with a Piña Colada Spritz or a Key Lime Pie Mojito Fizz, our premade cocktails and zero-alcohol drinks will help you host al fresco in style.
SOURCES
https://thisgirlcanorganise.com/hosting-the-ultimate-al-fresco-dinner-party/
https://www.readersdigest.co.uk/food-drink/food-heroes/how-to-host-an-alfresco-dinner-party