Tips for Hosting ‘Al Fresco’

If you’re from Montreal, you may notice that we don’t usually have a spring. We typically go from snow on the ground to +20 degrees in a couple of short weeks and by mid-May we are in full summer mode. It’s a far cry from what I was used to growing up in Manitoba – and its definitely not the case this year. While I am getting sunburned the past few weekends, it’s not from hot weather, but rather the copious amount of yard work we have to do at our new home, that we have to cram in to a few short days.

But now that the weather has finally turned from one of our most annoying winters ever, to spring, it’s about time we got outside and get ready for the summer. Since we moved into our new home in November, exactly one week before the first snowfall of the season – I have been dreaming of this moment. And with the great backyard set up we are in the process of creating – I’m starting to feel those summer vibes.

In our last home, we loved to host outdoor parties, however, we found outgrew our space and were hosting less and less.  Our new home has about 3x the land, which does means more manual labour (hence the sunburns and achy body on Monday’s), it also means hosting more parties ‘Al Fresco’. Whether you prefer a chic 5 à 7, family friendly BBQ, or backyard bonfire, it’s great to spend time with family and friends in your own backyard.

One of the biggest challenges with hosting ‘Al Fresco’ is to ensure you, as the host, can actually be outside, with your guests. This is a challenge that I often have – I end up either spending all my time in the kitchen or getting too wrapped up in the conversation (and perhaps the cocktails) and forgetting about starting dinner…that is until the kids remind me. Either way – its not very good hosting.

So this summer, after a few years of trial and error, I’m getting better prepared.  So I’m sharing with you some of my tips for effortless hosting ‘Al Fresco’

Stick to food and drinks that you can pre-prep before guests arrive.

Nothing is worse (unless you’ve had too much sun) than having to retreat from your guests to prep and cook food.  Grillable foods are the best.  For are family friendly, casual BBQ – its always grilled burgers, hot dogs and veggies.  But be sure to prep all your accompaniments and have them ready to put out. 

For something a little more refined – skewers are a great option – super flavourful and customizable, and quick to cook – even easy for kids to eat

For Salads, I go with something I bit more heartier that won’t get soggy in the fridge – I usually use Kale as a base for a fresh salad, with a bit of quinoa, avocado (which I add at the last minute) tomato and lime. That or a greek salad prepped ahead, or a pasta salad something a bit heartier.

Make sure you have everything prepped before guest arrive.

If your lucky enough to have a second fridge, use that to hold things you don’t need that day, so you can keep your party eats in your main fridge. Otherwise, leverage coolers or the space you have to keep everything within easy access.

Plan your menu also. One of my favorite things to serve (and a guest favorite) is my guacamole.  But as we all know – nothing looks less appetizing than browning avocado.  So this I prep right before my guests arrive (or live as they are arriving) for a nice starter snack with torilla chips.  Same for my margaritas – best when whipped up fresh as opposed to sitting all day.  So I always offer these at the start of the event, before switching to something more easy to serve – like Sangria or Rose.

Anything that can’t be prepped in advance should be served as guests arrive

Have lots of beverages available and within reach.

In the summer heat, its easy to get dehydrated.  Make sure its easy for you and your guests to keep hydrated.  Use coolers, strategically placed, for everyone to have easy access. 

I like to have a adult cooler and a kids cooler if its an all ages party – this way there’s no mixing up the beverages or having to dig through juice boxes to get to the beer. Or you can use steel tubs, like the one shown above, filled with ice and drinks.

Always, have tons of water available for your and your guests – especially if you’re also serving alcohol.

Use tableware that is dishwasher safe for easy clean up

As we are all very conscious of out impact on the environment, we avoid using plastic/paper/Styrofoam plates, glasses and cutlery.  This also allows for less waste, as people often tend to take a new plate or cup, just because they have misplaced theirs. While this does mean a bit more clean up, its a small sacrifice in my books.

However, many outdoor items are often NOT dishwasher safe (ie many plastic/melamines) and even if they are, the degrading of the plastic is not good for us. So I have found the best solution is bamboo for plates, an old/inexpensive set of cutlery to, along with stainless steel tumblers. All are dishwasher safe, low impact on the environment and durable for outdoor use. (Make sure you check the labels for the stainless steel cups though, as not all are dishwasher safe.)

This allows for a quicker clean up while guests are still there, as well as after the party.

I’ve put together a quick couple of items that are inspired by the tips above and my own set up, from Wayfair Canada

Click the links below to check out the above items or categories! You’d be surprised at the number of different styles to suit any personal taste and allow you to wow your guests!

Summer is short, so make the most of it by being ready to spend it outside. That’s what we plan on doing – especially with the outdoor space that will be started soon. Stay tuned for updates on that project and more via Instagram and this blog!

And for more ideas specific to your personal needs or for more info on some of my other items shown, feel free to reach out!