5 non-food things you need to prep an outdoor dinner party

The weather’s nice, friends are in town and you’ve got a great outdoor dining setup—it’s time for an al fresco dinner party. You may have a menu on point, but there’s more to a dinner party than just food, and an outdoor event takes a little more planning than its inside counterpart. Consider this your preplist, and check these five things in the five minutes before guests arrive.

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1. Set aside serveware

Your guests probably offered to bring something—they know what’s up! But there’s a good chance your friend’s cheeseboard makings or your sister’s famous brownies will come in disposable wrappers or Tupperware that don’t support your Instagram-worthy dinner party vision. Think ahead and pull out various pieces of serveware that fit your vibe. Better yet, reach for serveware made from unbreakable melamine, particularly ideal for outdoor entertaining.

2. Find your light

If you think your outdoor gathering will still be kicking long past sundown, make sure you’ve factored in lighting. Outside string lights add instant ambiance year-round, but if you haven’t set yours up yet, you can still create an elegant setup in a flash with lanterns, candles and hurricane vases. Line large ones on the floor to light a path, and set smaller pieces right on the table for an elegant glow.

3. Designate a drink station

Keep the party outside—and a crowd out of your kitchen—by setting up an outdoor drink station so guests can serve themselves and reach for their own refills. Keep it simple with crowd-pleasing white wine and rosé options. “The crisp profile of Sauvignon Blanc appeals to a wide range of wine drinkers, and its citrus notes complement seasonal summer flavors,” says Cloudy Bay’s Kat Mason. “Put the wine bottles in an ice bucket and add a bit of water to the ice—a trick for quicker chilling.” Bonus points for bottles with twist-off caps. No one will have to fumble around your kitchen looking for a bottle opener.

4. Keep an eye on the elements

Mother Nature has a knack for spontaneity, so even the most thoroughly planned outdoor hang carries an element of unpredictability. Keep a basket with sunscreen and bug spray in a central location for guests to use as needed. Drape throw blankets over outdoor chairs so guests can place them over their laps if things cool off. And in case it starts to rain, you’ll be happy to have some serving trays on-hand to quickly bring everyone’s food and glassware inside.

5. Prep your playlist

Good music makes or breaks a party. Your indoor speaker system is probably a well-oiled machine, but don’t neglect your outdoor setup. A quick Bluetooth check on your portable outdoor speaker will make sure your tunes stream without a hitch. Special requests? Let guests know the name of the device so they can cue up their own favorites as the night plays on.