Article Commentary

In this article, the Elle Decor staff gathers insights from industry professionals to come up with a list of outdoor entertaining tips. Featuring six pros from various fields related to outdoor entertaining, the writers put up a very educational and practical collection of insights which can be used by anyone who are entertaining guests and organizing an event held outdoors. The six industry pros include David Stark, an event organizer, wedding and event planners, Yifat Oren and Colen Cowie, Amy Atlas a sweets stylist and a party planner, Nathan Turner, an interior designer and also an event planner, and Mary Giuliani a caterer and an event planner. Together they give you some of the most useful tips and ideas when it come to food and drinks, hosting and decorating for any outdoor event.

The article starts with David Stark’s insights on preparing food and drinks when entertaining guests outdoors. According to him, party planners should start early by preparing food and drinks early on, maybe a day before the event. Fresh gazpacho or cucumber yogurt soup paired with fresh vegetables can be a staple for every event organizer. It is very important for him to prepare fresh food for guests and at the same time, top off the evening with a good and warm dessert fresh from the oven. For Oren, marinated olives and roast nuts are always a good way to kick off an outdoor event. A good farmer’s tray with avocado dip or eggplant tahini can also be a good option. Or, if a lot of kids are around, it would be best to fire up the barbecue grill and cook some hot dogs paired with chips or french fries.

Like Stark, Cowie also suggests that party planners should prepare the food and drinks early on. His favorite food to entertain guests during events is samosas from The House of Audre with a homemade chili dip. Macaroons and a signature cocktail is what Atlas always prepares for guests while Turner like to prepare Greek or Mexican inspired food to his guests. On the other hand, an egg bar and pre-made frozen drinks are what Giuliani prefers when hosting outdoor parties.

When it comes to decorating, Stark prefers linen napkins over the disposable ones and opts to have flowers and herbs to complete the outdoor setting. The article also mentions that Oren loves using saris as table runners and also uses tree-trunks as a plate for cheese. Outdoor pillows, torches, lamps and fruits and vegetables as a center piece is what Cowie prefers–same with Atlas who simply adores colorful paper lanterns as an outdoor decoration. Turner chooses to keep the outdoor decoration simple when entertaining guests by leaving a bare table and using ceramic dishes. Guliani on the other hand loves to bring out indoor furniture and put up LED lights and carnival lettering when entertaining or hosting an outdoor event.

Speaking of hosting, the Elle Decor staff writes that Stark wants things to be organized before any outdoor gathering. He always makes sure that he has Prosecco in the house, a couple cases of Corona and limes in the fridge, and a selection of olives, nuts, and dried fruits handy, while Oren is a “perfectionist.” Contrary to Oren’s perfectionist approach, Cowie prefers to just be laid back and relaxed when entertaining guests. same with Cowie, Atlas and Turner like to set up a relaxed atmosphere by not stressing about it too much. She also prefers to prepare everything the day prior to the event. Lastly, Giuliani is all about taking in and enjoying everything that hosting an outdoor party has to offer.

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