Aaaah, autumn! It's the perfect time to entertain outdoors -- most of
the bugs are gone, the sun isn't scorching even though it's warm
enough to enjoy an afternoon or evening al fresco, and there's a
bounty of good things to serve for an outdoor meal.
Because the days are shorter in the autumn, outdoor entertaining in
the fall calls for special attention to lighting and temperature.
Lighting
The earlier sunset will afford you an ideal opportunity to bathe your
outdoor space in evening lights. Use soft light, but use plenty of it.
Try dozens of votive candles in jars and glasses to protect the flame
from the wind, hurricane lamps, or kerosene lanterns set on low.
Create cozy seating areas and equip each with a glowing light source.
Heating
The method you'll use to chase the chill from the night will vary
depending on your climate and your outdoor space. If you have a yard
(and community by-laws allow), a campfire is a wonderful informal
party setting. In smaller gardens, consider self-contained fire pits
or a chimenea.
For a more formal affair, you can install a propane-powered heater.
These units are available in a range of heating powers and prices. Or,
drape attractive throws or quilts on each chair for your guests to
wrap around their shoulders to ward off the night air.
Of course, you'll want to take advantage of the wonderful colors and
textures of autumn in your decorating scheme and table settings.
Color
Autumn's colors are deep and rich -- russet, crimson, burnt orange,
gold, dark green, and the color of hay. Use these hues repeatedly in
tablecloths and settings, flowers, centerpieces, and even the food.
Scoop out pumpkins and other squash and fit them with containers of
water to make vases. Mass potted mums in vivid colors. Use orange
Chinese lanterns, bright rosehips, stems of red or orange berries, or
chilies. Wrap vibrant maple or sumac leaves around votive
candleholders or napkin rings. Sunflower heads can be strewn on the
tabletop, or left on the flower stalks in a container.
Texture
The textures of fall are earthy and rustic. Especially play these up
if your gathering is informal -- a corn roast, a bonfire, a jeans and
sweater evening. Use burlap or rough cotton to cover your buffet
table, and dish towels as napkins. Weigh down your tablecloth with
apples or pears hung on rough twine. Or use rattan placemats and
wicker baskets. Terracotta pot saucers make great paper plate holders.
If you're hosting a fancy sit-down outdoor dinner, use the subtler
textures of hydrangea blossoms and colored leaves on a linen
tablecloth. Try bringing your indoor dining table outdoors for the
evening-it will add unexpected elegance to your setting. Paint gold
lettering on small gourds to use as place cards. Grace your table with
late-blooming roses in crystal vases.
Whether you hold a harvest hoedown or a stylish sit-down dinner party
for eight, fall for outside entertaining this autumn!
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