Throw a Grand Garden Soiree

Plan your outdoor party with indoor comfort

By Matthew M. F. Miller
CTW Features

Outdoor comfort essentials include ashtrays, pillows, lanterns and citronella candles to deter bugs.

Whether it’s a stainless steel beauty with built-in sink and refrigerator, or a threadbare tripod-mini, everybody’s got a grill. But when it comes to hosting a summer affair, you’ll need more than an open flame to make your celebration sizzle.

“You have to ask yourself, ‘what are the physical needs,’ as if you were a guest at the party,” says Cheryl Cecchetto of Sequoia Productions.

Outdoor areas generally don’t offer the same amenities as indoors – with an increase in pests and other precarious elements. The first rule of thumb, according to the Culver City, Calif.-based party planner, is making sure that everything your guests need is within reach.

She recommends having ample elevated spaces throughout your garden to hold you food, as well as plenty of trash depositories and easy restroom access to make your garden party user friendly.

Cecchetto also stresses the importance of comfort, which can be a hurdle of outdoor entertaining. “Ninety-nine percent of guests love events under the stars surrounded by atmosphere and fresh air. Do you need to add heating or shading elements?”

Other comfort essentials include ashtrays, pillows, lanterns and citronella candles to deter bugs. Cecchetto also says that since garden areas are generally small, one should keep décor simple to allow easy traffic flow; avoid loud music and think twice about food that is too hot for the weather. “The exterior should feel warm and welcoming by the addition of flickering candles and intoxicating music,” she says.

Cecchetto, who frequently plans balls for both the Emmy and Oscar galas, says to designate a relative or friend as the grill master in order to remain an attentive host. “I have a neighbor who comes over and barbeques for us and loves it!”

Here are her tips to ensure success at your next garden party:

• Blend accessories such as pillows, fabrics, table linens, throws and your flowerbeds into your décor. “Move accessories from inside to the outside to add a special touch,” Cecchetto says.

• Create “rooms” with your outdoor furnishings and give each area a purpose. “For example, cabanas for an intimate sitting space, a dance floor for your guests to enjoy under the stars and cocktail tables for those who just want to mingle,” Cecchetto says.

• When planning a theme, incorporate the right accessories that would coordinate within your theme. “I love Tiki torches,” Cecchetto says. “I always have lanterns on hand that hold votive candles that are then placed along the driveway or hung from trees. The lighting of the Tiki torches and lanterns is a great sunset ceremony. Have drummers drum at this time, serve drinks and light Tiki torches, can you imagine!”

Matthew M. F. Miller, author of “Maybe Baby: An Infertile Love Story” (HCI, 2008), is a syndicated fatherhood blogger

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