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11 Magnolia Lane

Sharing our easy DIYs, decorating, entertaining and more!

Elegant Outdoor Entertaining

May 15, 2014 By Christy 51 Comments

This Post Contains Affiliate Links

228 shares
  • 5
outdoor entertaining tent chandelier

May is the perfect month to entertain outdoors.  The weather is almost uniformly warm and sunny, but not yet unbearably hot.  This past weekend, we honored some very special volunteers at a reception in my backyard, and  I wanted to be sure that I paid attention to every detail to make them feel welcome and appreciated. If you’re planning an outdoor event (from a casual cookout to a more formal occasion), then let me share my Seven Secrets of Outdoor Entertaining:

1.  Let them know they’re in the right place! Be sure to put something out front to let them know where the party is, especially if you’ll be hanging out in the backyard instead of answering the doorbell!  I hung these colorful paper lanterns in lime green and white on my mailbox–a little more unique than the usual balloons!

Hang paper lanterns on the mailbox for a party

2. Make sure everyone knows each other.

At a more formal event, like mine, that might mean that you set out pre-printed name tags that match your color scheme.  Or you position a greeter at the door to introduce guests to one another.  Either way, it makes your guests feel welcome.

name tags black white green
Name tag table at party

3.  Let everyone know what to expect.  

I love printing (and framing) a menu using a mix of several different fonts for visual interest, and then putting it on my serving table to tell guests what their choices are.  You can also add notes like “gluten-free” or “vegetarian” for your guests with dietary restrictions (I will post all the tried-and-true recipes I used for this event very soon!).

Print and frame a menu for your next buffet!

Small picture frames hold labels with each menu item.  You can read how I made those {here} and {here}.

Lemon mousse tasting cups--yum!

4.  Keep things comfortable.

Whether it’s a casual or formal event that you’re hosting, you’ll want your guests to be comfortable.  While I was expecting a sunny day, the tent provided much-needed shade for us while we were eating, and I didn’t have to worry about where we’d all sit inside if a spring shower popped up.  I also made sure that my everyday outdoor furniture was a part of my event, and we added folding tables and chairs to expand our dining space.

Outdoor seating conversation area Backyard tent for a party!

 

5.  Use your indoor and outdoor space.

This is a busy time of year, with proms, graduations, and lots of weddings coming up.  Why not consider hosting your next event outdoors?  You can invite so many more people when you use your backyard to add to your party space!  We easily fit 40 people under the tent, but we kept the food and drinks inside for this particular event.  That way, everything stayed at the proper temperature, and the flies didn’t get to our meal before we did!

Meringues on dessert tier   mason jar glasses paper straws

 

6.  Add fun and unexpected touches.

When I saw the high ceiling in the tent, I just knew I’d have to hang a chandelier up there!  Fortunately, my neighbor had the perfect piece, and it really added a fun and festive touch to our decor.

tent with chandelier

 

I also set up a make-your-own-champagne-cocktail bar inside.  Guests could create their own drink with a choice of fruit juice mixers and fruit add-ins, or they could opt for a champagne-free fruit juice on ice, too.  This was a big hit, and I posted more on it {here}!

 

champagne cocktail mimosa bar

7.  Add beauty and comfort with TIKI® Brand products!

It’s beautiful here in Savannah, but the mosquitos and sand gnats are vicious!  I wanted to be sure that my guests weren’t the main course for the bugs, so I positioned four TIKI® Brand Island King® Large Flame Torches at the four corners of the yard to help keep the mosquitos away.  TIKI® Brand torches now come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can coordinate with your party’s theme and colors.  Aren’t they pretty?

Island King ® TIKI® Torch

I also used the TIKI® Brand Glowing Tabletop Torch:

Tiki light

They worked like a charm, because we were bug-free all afternoon.  We also burned these beautiful blue TIKI® Brand Glowing Torches at my neighbor’s low country boil the night before, and they kept the mosquitoes away:

glowing torch

Thanks to the folks at TIKI® Brand for sending me all these fabulous party goodies–they really added to the fun (and comfort!) of the afternoon.  All of these goodies are available at WalMart, by the way. Want to win your own party package from TIKI® Brand?  They’re giving away 2 TIKI® Brand Glowing Torches (the beautiful blue ones) + 1 TIKI® Brand Glowing Table Torch + 1 – 64 oz Bottle TIKI® Brand Torch Fuel + 1 Snap & Pour spout = Retail Value $102.95 All you have to do to enter is comment below telling me “How does the TIKI® Brand help create the perfect environment for your outdoor entertaining?”  The contest runs through 6/30/14.  Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

This post is sponsored by TIKI® Brand, but as always, all opinions are my own.

Sweepstakes Rules: 
No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

1.     Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

2.     Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

3.     Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

4.     For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 5/15/2014-7/4/2014.
Be sure to visit the 
TIKI® Brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!


 

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Filed Under: Entertaining/Events, General/About Us, Reviews/Sponsored Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara e says

    May 15, 2014 at 7:40 am

    I love this! We use tiki torches (the old not pretty ones) to add not only bug protection but to add light to the yard.

    Reply
  2. heidi says

    May 15, 2014 at 10:04 am

    oh I have never seen them, but I love love that idea.. Not only do them bring a lovely look, I hear they keep the bugs away, and I am all about that :)!! bring on the BBQ~!

    Reply
  3. Karen S. says

    May 15, 2014 at 11:56 am

    I would love to try these and see if they
    help the “bug” problem here in the humid south.
    I often stay indoors because I hate fighting
    mosquitoes. =(
    And they are beautiful too !

    Reply
  4. Chelsea says

    May 15, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    The tiki torches definitely create a welcoming atmosphere to any party!

    Reply
  5. Debby says

    May 15, 2014 at 11:49 pm

    Love to use Tiki torches and the oil to keep the bugs away while enjoying Margaritas on my deck

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    May 16, 2014 at 6:38 am

    I love the look of the tiki torches. No one would ever know they were for combating bugs.

    Reply
  7. Crystal says

    May 16, 2014 at 8:36 am

    We’ve been wanting to buy some tiki torches, just wasn’t
    too crazy about the bamboo ones, but I love the look of these.
    We do a lot more entertaining in the summer so these would
    definitely come in handy.

    Reply
  8. Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos says

    May 16, 2014 at 11:39 am

    I love the warm glow and ambiance tiki torches bring to our patio in the evening. Thanks for hosting such cool giveaway!

    Jennifer @ Decorated Chaos
    http://decoratedchaos.blogspot.com

    Reply
  9. Colleen says

    May 16, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    I think these are just wonderful functionally and esthetically! The ambience from the glow of the flame will provide quite a few mood settings!! I’d love to entertain by these lamps.

    Reply
  10. Cynthia says

    May 16, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    I’ve always loved the fun & functionality of tiki torches. Mosquitos can find me from miles away, so having the tiki torches allows me to actually enjoy outdoor bbq’s and gatherings instead of hiding inside, or soaking myself in a can of bug spray. The blue glass ones are stunning & a definite upgrade from the standard type I usually see in stores.

    Reply
  11. Donna Wisdom says

    May 17, 2014 at 8:01 pm

    What fun ideas. Keep ’em coming!

    Reply
  12. Vikki says

    May 18, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    I absolutely cannot be outside in the warm weather without the tiki torch. I’m a mosquito, bitin gnat magnet. These look really nice.

    Reply
  13. Kimberly C says

    May 18, 2014 at 8:37 pm

    Love those torches!

    Reply
  14. Tobi says

    May 18, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    The torches are so cool!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    May 18, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    The blue Tiki torches are gorgeous and a must have for outdoor entertaining in the South! Love them!

    Reply
  16. Meagan Liani says

    May 19, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    Perfect for outdoor entertaining as they combine function with style! This would be perfect for our summer parties…especially here in Ipswich! Thank you very much! 🙂

    Reply
  17. Meagan Liani says

    May 19, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/MeganaSofia/status/468442950285148160

    Reply
  18. heather says

    May 21, 2014 at 12:21 am

    The TIKI Brand helps me create the perfect environment for outdoor entertaining by creating a fun, comfortable and classy place to celebrate life with family and friends.

    Reply
  19. Kristen says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    I love the ambiance tiki torches create!

    Reply
  20. Kristen says

    May 21, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/469241092417015808

    Reply
  21. Robin says

    May 21, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    Tabletop torch is lovely, not to mention useful too!

    Reply
  22. Pamela Spencer says

    May 22, 2014 at 8:59 pm

    We have a new patio and I would love to add to the ambiance with these torches!

    Reply
  23. Krys says

    May 25, 2014 at 1:39 pm

    This is such adorable setting for a party. The tiki torches add pop to the bright green and black colors. Thank you for all the suggestions. I love to entertain my neighbor and I will use these suggestions that you blog to us.
    Thank you

    Reply
  24. D Schmidt says

    May 25, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    The Tiki brand provides a sense of relief against mosquitoes when outdoors, compliments our decor and adds to the ambiance with their great styling. My children would also think they are incredibly cool!

    Reply
  25. D Schmidt says

    May 25, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    Tweeted for a second entry
    https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/470625101600145409

    Reply
  26. Nancy says

    May 30, 2014 at 2:25 pm

    These new Tiki Torches are functional and decorative too! A win-win! They would add so much ambiance to any outdoor area.

    Reply
  27. Ashley H says

    June 1, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    They would help set the ambiance and keep the bugs away.

    Reply
  28. rachel says

    June 2, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    It helps keep away mosquitos! Love that

    Reply
  29. Lauren says

    June 4, 2014 at 10:09 am

    It sets the perfect summer night mood!

    Reply
  30. Lauren E. says

    June 8, 2014 at 10:35 am

    It helps set the lighting for an evening on the patio

    Reply
  31. Jennifer says

    June 10, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    Creates a relaxing atmosphere while enjoying a beautiful torch!

    Reply
  32. Tobi says

    June 10, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    Love, love, love the tiki torches! Beautiful color setting the tone for a bug free night is a bonus!

    Reply
  33. Lauren M. says

    June 10, 2014 at 9:31 pm

    I love the cobalt color! These would be great for entertaining because we have lots of mosquitoes here!

    Reply
  34. Stacy Uncorked says

    June 14, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    I recently noticed the newer (read: classier) version of the Tiki Torches – I definitely plan to upgrade my old plane jane ones before our big housewarming party…and you’ve given me even more ideas to incorporate into our soiree! 🙂 The TIKI® Brand will definitely help create the perfect environment for our outdoor entertaining by not only giving us beautiful lighting, but keeping those annoying bugs at bay! 🙂

    Reply
  35. Stacy Uncorked says

    June 14, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/RandomCoolChick/status/477927490498076673

    Reply
  36. Katt Lewis says

    June 17, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    https://twitter.com/kattzzz/status/479007371726184449 Lots of mosquito’s here.

    Reply
  37. Denise M says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    https://twitter.com/animundi/status/480526295231496193

    Reply
  38. Denise M says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    L♥O♥V♥E♥ Just Beautiful! (ツ)

    Reply
  39. Elizabeth Cordell says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:56 pm

    Oh, how I would love to win! I need them for my gigantic yard full of mosquitos.

    Reply
  40. Elizabeth Cordell says

    June 21, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    https://twitter.com/LuvFrees/status/480530175151460352

    Reply
  41. JerryAnne Ford says

    June 21, 2014 at 11:06 pm

    The new TIKI Torches are beautiful and would certainly be a welcome addition to our yard during the summertime.

    Reply
  42. Leigh Anne Borders says

    June 22, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    I think that Tiki torches help to set the mood and ambiance of the get together. They make them feel more inviting and personal.

    Reply
  43. Leigh Anne Borders says

    June 22, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    https://twitter.com/laborders2000/status/480884089382526976

    Reply
  44. Debbie B says

    June 29, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    these torches look beautiful and the added bonus is that they keep away the mosquitos

    Reply
  45. Debbie B says

    June 29, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    i posted a tweet:

    https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/483362362632581121

    Reply
  46. Kerry says

    June 30, 2014 at 10:17 pm

    Tiki helps by being functional, yet very stylish too!

    Reply
  47. Kerry says

    July 1, 2014 at 9:28 pm

    tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/484146496095264769

    Reply
  48. Wanda McHenry says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:23 am

    Tiki will absolutely help by giving my patio a great amber on those special nights!

    Reply
  49. Wanda McHenry says

    July 3, 2014 at 5:26 am

    https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/484629142852206593

    Reply
  50. Betty C says

    July 4, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    What could be a better way to keep the bugs away! These new designs are so pretty. I had no idea Tiki torches could add such a great look.

    Reply
  51. Betty C says

    July 4, 2014 at 1:27 pm

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/485112167335997440

    Reply

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  • MEET CHRISTY & AMY
    • IF YOU’RE NEW HERE…
    • WORK WITH US
    • 11 MAGNOLIA LANE 101
    • DISCLOSURE + PRIVACY (the fine print)
    • BEST OF 11 MAGNOLIA LANE
    • Back
  • TOUR OUR HOMES
    • TOUR OUR HOMES
    • CHRISTY’S MAGNOLIA COTTAGE
    • CHRISTY’S MCC HOUSE
    • AMY’S NEW HOME BUILD
    • HOLIDAY HOME TOUR SERIES
    • SPRING HOME TOUR SERIES
    • Back
  • CELEBRATIONS
    • EVENTS + ENTERTAINING
    • GIFTS
    • HOLIDAYS
    • RECIPES
    • Back
  • HOME
    • CLEANING
    • DECORATING
    • ORGANIZING
    • ROOM BY ROOM
      • BATHROOMS
      • BEDROOMS
      • CLOSETS
      • CRAFT ROOMS + OFFICES
      • DINING ROOMS
      • KIDS’ ROOMS
      • KITCHENS
      • LAUNDRY ROOMS
      • LIVING + GREAT ROOMS
      • OTHER SPACES
      • PANTRIES
      • PLAYROOMS + BONUS ROOMS
      • PORCHES + OUTDOOR SPACES
      • Back
    • TIPS
    • Back
  • SHOP
    • SHOP OUR INSTAGRAM
    • SHOP OUR AMAZON STORE
    • FRIDAY FAVORITE FINDS
    • 11 ML ETSY SHOP
    • 11ML ORGANIZING SHOP
    • Back
  • PROJECTS
    • CRAFTS
    • DIY PROJECTS + TUTORIALS
    • FURNITURE
    • PRINTABLES
    • WINDOWS, DOORS, + WALLS
    • Back
  • LIFE
    • FRIDAY FREE FOR ALL
    • HEALTH
    • SIMPLY ON SUNDAY
    • TRAVEL
    • Back
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    • Pinterest
228 shares
  • 5