Appetizers at an outdoor barbecue party look attractive when grouped together.
Generally, when outdoor parties or barbecues are held, the weather is warm and pleasant, which means that party hosts can take advantage of the fresh flowers and fruits available in spring and summer to decorate their tables. Additionally, because barbecues are less formal than other occasions, hosts can experiment with several whimsical table decorations and settings, from clam shell dip containers to cowboy boot vases. As barbecues tend to be kid-friendly occasions, safe and durable table settings and ornaments should also be considered. Does this Spark an idea?
Tropical & Ocean Themes
A tropical or ocean theme is well suited to a barbecue, even if your party is nowhere near the beach. Brightly colored tropical flowers can give your table a look reminiscent of a luau, especially when set against tablecloths and runners in cool colors, such as white and teal. Large shells, such as abalone or oyster shells, may be used to hold dip, salsa or ice. Instead of using traditional napkin rings, try using raffia strung with coral or shell beads.
Chalkboard Placemats
CBS.com suggests using small chalkboards instead of traditional placemats. The advantages of using chalkboards as placemats as that they are durable and reusable, as well as adaptable to a number of other purposes. Children will enjoy drawing on them during idle moments, while adults and kids alike can use them to play games such as tic-tac-toe when the meal is over.
Candles & Lanterns
Candles and lanterns will keep your barbecue bright and vibrant, even after the sun sets. In addition, citronella candles can serve the practical purpose of repelling pesky mosquitoes. For a romantic look, votive candles may be placed on the table in bowls or jars of festive water. You can also suspend lanterns from your picnic table umbrella. If you have a large tree in your yard, place your table beneath it, and light it with lanterns or Christmas lights strung from the branches.
Lemon & Lime Place Settings
Another practical place setting idea is to use whole lemons or limes as place settings. Write guests' names on paper labels and place them on the ends of toothpicks. These small signs can then be placed in lemon or lime halves. This has the added advantage of ensuring that any guest who desires more lemon for his salmon or lime for his mojito has it conveniently on hand.
Vivid Colors
During the spring and summer, flowers are at their most brilliant and beautiful. Intensely colored flowers, such as pansies and snapdragons, can be complemented by either pale, neutral table settings or by equally intense, saturated colors. You could also try designing a monochromatic table. If you have golden marigolds on hand, complement them with yellow tablecloths, plates, napkins and napkin rings. Set flowers off in unusual containers, such as watering cans or milk jugs.
Cowboy & Farm Themes
Finally, barbecues are traditionally associated with cowboy and farm life. Use bandanna-patterned cloth as a table runner, or use bandannas as napkins. Decorate tables with sunflowers placed in cowboy boots. For a rustic touch, use hay bales as seats instead of chairs.
Tags: napkin rings, spring summer, table settings, your table