Celebrate the warmer weather by throwing a party outdoors! You've been couped up this winter, so treat yourself and those close to you with some fresh air and good food. Here is how to throw a dinner party outside in this refreshing new season.
Setting the Scene
If you're in the mood for something a little fancy, break out your cutest napkins and some mason jars and host a dinner party outside. Find a favorite spot in your backyard–under a certain tree or even just somewhere where the dog doesn't visit when you let him out. If you don't have a picnic table, no worries! Haul your kitchen table outside! Obviously, that may not be possible for everyone, so you can also just have dinner picnic-style with a big blanket. It all depends on how fancy you want to get.
If you use a table, go simple with centerpieces since the scenery outside will offer as a pretty big backdrop. Grab some candlesticks and candles in your favorite color and line the middle of the table with them. You don't even have to light them. Have a couple of friends or family members be the servers and let everyone sit around the table and be served their food. This way you don't have to worry about a line at a food table taking up quality conversation time. Everyone can relax around the table and be waited on!
The Menu
For the menu, start with a simple and refreshing salad. Fresh romaine and spinach topped with fresh sliced strawberries, carrots, cucumbers, and a poppy seed vinaigrette will have your guests so thankful that spring has finally arrived.
Grilled chicken breasts are easy, and there are so many ways you can make them your own. You can also cook them outside, which will get you in the mood for your outdoor gathering later. If you have time, you can marinade them beforehand to give them an even more intense flavor. Lemon offers a tangy flavor that compliments the spring season really well.
Keep the grilled theme going for your sides with corn on the cob, asparagus, fresh green beans, or all three if you want! Season them simply, wrap in foil, and slowly cook them alongside your chicken. It's easy, healthy, and delicious!
Don't stress over your drinks. Just offer a pitcher of ice-cold water (with lime slices if you want), and either a pitcher of sweet tea or a fruity drink like berry lemonade. There's no need to go crazy with the beverages, unless of course you have a specialty drink that you know will be a big hit!
Spring-Themed Dessert
Go with a themed dessert to finish off your evening. A cute idea is to buy however many small, clay flowerpots you need–these are usually extremely budget friendly, and base your dessert around that. Whatever you decide to make, serve it in these (washed and dried!) little flower pots for a very springtime effect.
An easy recipe I've seen online is to get store-bought pound cake or make your own, cut each piece with a circle-shaped cookie cutter, place one circular piece in the bottom of each pot, and layer with a few different flavors of ice cream. Stop between each layer and throw in a few gummy worms. Put them in the freezer after this step and let them get really firm. Then, top them off with some crushed or blended Oreo cookies to resemble dirt. If you want, you can go an extra step and stick a fake flower in the middle of each dessert. They'll almost be too cute to eat. Only almost, though!
You're outside, the wind is blowing slightly, and it's spring. Enjoy!
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