Here are our top tips for eating outdoors this summer
When the weather is conducive to Al Fresco Dining, we all want our get-togethers to be right, set up to be a memorable experience for all that have been invited. Dinners are just dinners if there is no pizzazz to be had. This is one reason why planning ahead allows you to have the perfect Al Fresco experience.
Al Fresco dining is not just about the food that is served. There is ambience, activities, socializing and more. Many areas may have a change in weather in just a matter of moments and that should be planned for so that there is no sudden flurry of panic.
Let’s keep in mind that Al Fresco dining does not have to be just a fancy meal planned out. I highly suggest that even if travel is not possible to travel to a beach or a campground, change up the experiences you provide. There is no reason that you cannot make a camping or picnic experience in your own backyard into an Al Fresco dining event.
There are tips available for a tried and true pleasant experience for Al Fresco dining. A few of these tips may seem minor, that they are issues that you should not worry about when planning your Al Fresco dining.
Location
The location of where you plan to dine Al Fresco is of utmost importance. The location will set the stage for a number of other issues. The menu cannot be set until the location is determined, planning for the weather changes cannot be planned until the location is set, the menu will also be determined depending on the distance you will be going. Planning the backyard Al Fresco Feast is much easier to plan for in that you can have hot foods, cold foods as well as room temperature foods.
Menu
Planning would seem to be the top important tip for Al Fresco dining, however, that is not the case. Al Fresco dining at the beach will institute a different type of meal than if you are planning a backyard event with a Barbecue. Just a hike in the countryside would involve choices different from what you would choose for the beach.
Your menu will consist of the main course, the side dishes, and a dessert. However, appetizers of some sort should also be considered. Having a plate or dish of pickles, relish, crackers, cheese and fruit, will help your guests stay happy while waiting on the food to be cooked. Having snack trays also prevents the inevitable ‘hangry’ child or adult. You know those types that have a whole entire personality change when they are hungry, but deny that they are hungry.
To be able to enjoy the time spent with your family and friends, or other guests that have been invited, try to prepare as much of the food ahead of time. A Charcuterie board is the perfect way to get appetizers out to guests, it looks very nice and you can have a wide assortment of items on the board.
There is also a suggestion to make this buffet style and ask each guest to bring an item. This not only involves all people but there will also be a variety of foods brought. It may be easiest to give each person a category such as a side dish or dessert. This will ensure that all aspects of dinner are served.
Beverages must not be forgotten. Anything from infused water to a large batch of party punch will suffice for all ages. If you plan ahead, you can mix the beverages together and leave them to chill in the refrigerator all day to be served super cold. Be sure to use an ice tea pitcher with a spout for each of the beverages, These can be found at all shopping stores, this will also prevent you from having to be away from your guests. You can visit and have fun chatting the day away, with very little work that will take you away from everybody.
Be creative with the meal plans, for instance, if this is a winter dinner, incorporate the fresh garden produce and other foods more popular in fall foods.
Style of cooking
This will also help to determine the menu and is dependent on the location. For simplicity’s sake, planning the Al Fresco dining experience in your own backyard can help to complete the whole set of plans that need to be made. In other words, choosing the backyard Al Fresco means that you could use a Grill and prepare the foods right there when you are prepared to eat. Along with grilling or barbecuing, Al Fresco dining in your backyard would also allow you to have a bonfire or fire pit burning, which would allow those who choose to grill hotdogs or sausages over an open flame.
The side dishes could also be refrigerated dishes or those that also need to be cooked on the grill.
Activities
Planning for activities can be a daunting task. The plans are set around the people that have been invited. When there are children included, you will obviously need activities for that age group as well as the adults. Popular activities for groups of all ages include, corn hole, horseshoes, volleyball or even swimming. Even activities such as frisbee or football toss are accepted.
Weather
Weather, in most parts of the world, can be finicky and change on the spur of the moment. When you plan an Al Fresco dining event in your backyard, you are not only able to bring your guests indoors if needed, you can also plan to have a basket available that holds lightweight blankets, throws, sweaters or jackets. Making these available for guests is a well-thought-out consideration.
There are also tents and gazebo-style tents that can be set up to not only sit in but to play and dine in. The wind and a little rain should not be the reason that your Al Fresco dining feast does not need to be ruined due to the weather.