The holidays are once again fast approaching and it’s time to start making your holiday preparations. Considering the majority of Americans have spent the better part of this year in quarantine, the holidays feel more necessary and important more than ever before. Never has there been a greater need for an uplifting season of spirit and holiday magic across our nation. Even though the weather is beginning to cool down, there is no reason to stop enjoying your outdoor patio space. Typically, we would plan to gather with lots of family and friends for a big meal at the end of this month, but with the recent resurgence of coronavirus cases, many American families are looking for alternative ways to celebrate safely.
While it may be tempting and difficult to not visit your loved ones this Thanksgiving, consider the health and safety of your loved ones and others. Maybe this is the year that you try something completely different, such as an outdoor Thanksgiving feast, and maybe in doing so, you’ll find some new fun traditions you can add to your yearly celebrations.
Here at All American Outdoor Living, we have a few ideas you can use to change up your holiday plans and still make this a memorable holiday season. Let’s take a look at how you can throw a holiday patio party to rival the greatest of Thanksgiving meals.
Upgrade Your Patio Furniture to Accommodate a Crowd
Most patios are furnished to accommodate the regular use of your family, which generally speaking, is fewer people than your average Thanksgiving meal celebration. If you decide to throw an outdoor patio party for Thanksgiving, you’ll need to consider upgrading your furniture selection to accommodate a larger crowd of people. This applies not only to your outdoor dining table for seating, but also to your lounge areas and social spots.
We have a wide selection of furniture pieces that are perfect for hosting large outdoor patio parties. First, you’ll want to make sure your guests have a comfortable space to socialize, conversate, and eat appetizers before the big meal. Our Edge 5-Piece Sectional is a great and durable piece for larger groups. It can seat five comfortably and adds a really classy and comfortable option to your patio.
If you are looking for something a little smaller or more portable, consider getting a handful of these Parc Rocking Chairs to strategically arrange around your yard. These are affordable, fit with most modern designs, and can be moved in and out of storage easily. These chairs are best accompanied by outdoor end tables on which your guests can set down their drinks or appetizer plates. We have a large selection of end tables and coffee tables to fit most designs.
Next, you’ll need to consider where your guests are going to sit for the actual meal. A large outdoor patio dining table with plenty of seating is just the ticket you need this year. Our Amalfi Dining Table is a beautiful and classy choice for larger groups and is made of gorgeous Indonesian teak wood. This all-around table is a great choice for small to medium-sized groups. If your quarantine pod is a little larger, you might need a bigger table to accommodate the extra bodies.
Consider our Hyannis Extension Dining Table which is features fold-away leaves that allow you to expand your table size as needed. Also made of beautiful Indonesian teak wood, this table is versatile and functional. It also comes with optional Sunbrella fabrics for the chairs.
Accessorize and Plan for Your Guest’s Comfort
The accessories you choose for your outdoor space will make or break your Thanksgiving patio party. If you’re looking to host the perfect evening, you’ll want to consider everything from the point of view of your guest. Consider the weather, the temperature, the lighting, and just how these things affect your guest’s comfort and enjoyment.
Plan for the Possibility of Bad Weather
Due to the nature of this season, inclement weather is always a possibility. It may be a smaller or larger factor depending on where you live in the United States, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Patio space heaters are a great option to fend off the impending chill of the autumn evenings. You can always purchase a fancy outdoor space heater, similar to those you might find out at a restaurant, but an indoor space heater plugged into an extension cable and run outside can also do the trick for smaller yards.
If you are worried about rain, hail, or snow, consider an outdoor patio umbrella. Our collection of Cantilevered Umbrellas offer sleek and stylish protection from the elements. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and finishes, allowing you to customize to your heart’s content. These are a great investment for your patio all year round, especially the Summer months.
If your outdoor space doesn’t have room for an umbrella or has an exposed area that could use some extra coverage, consider installing some outdoor blinds. If you experience windy nights as the temperature drops, consider strategically installing outdoor blinds to drastically reduce airflow and windchill. Outdoor blinds can also assist in protecting your outdoor furniture from rain, hail, and snow. All American Outdoor Living offers custom outdoor blind solutions. Featuring magnetic locks, guided tracks, and the ability to roll up and disappear, these blinds are second to none. Outdoor blinds are also seen as a valuable investment as they can increase the value of your home. Alternatively, a cheap set of patio curtains can help block wind or rain. It can also make it easier to heat your patio on a cold evening.
Provide Proper Lighting
You’ll want to plan for proper lighting in all spaces of your yard throughout the evening. If the group moves around your space, make sure everything is evenly lit. While most lamps that can be used indoors can also be used outdoors, that doesn’t mean they are suited for the long-term outdoor use. If you are looking for an all-around solution to light a large space, look for ceramic lights. These lights are built with a durable exterior that is heavy enough to withstand heavy winds and light rain.
String lights continue to be a popular choice as they are affordable and add amazing ambiance to almost any space. Consider adding string lights as accents to some of the poorly lit areas of your outdoor patio.
If you’re looking for a more rustic approach and have the space for it, consider installing an outdoor fire pit for your event. We have a wide variety of fire pits, ranging from decorative showpieces to functional gathering pits that are perfecting for roasting s’ mores or chestnuts. We offer a wide array of outdoor fire pits including marble, slate, cast aluminum, and concrete outdoor fire pit styles. All fire pits are available with natural gas, propane, or ethanol types to complement any outdoor patio furniture sets.
Our line of fire tables is also a great choice if you are set on a pit but your outdoor space is limited.
Provide Ambiance for the Meal
As your guests mingle about your party, they are likely to chat with each other over cocktails or appetizers as they await the main course. You can add a whole new level of ambiance to your patio party by layering in some background music to fill in the spaces between conversations. An outdoor speaker is a great solution to elevating your party. High-quality Bluetooth speakers can be installed all over your yard for synchronized audio playback, but if you’re looking for a simpler and more affordable solution, consider the outdoor speakers by Escape. These portable speakers provide a rich sound and elegant design that truly elevates your outdoor space.
Create a Thanksgiving Tablescape for Outdoor Dining
What is a Thanksgiving meal without a proper centerpiece or tablescape? While not directly related to the food part of the meal, a fall-themed tablescape can really bring ambiance to your patio party. Adding elements of nature can really tie the whole outdoor meal theme together.
As part of your tablescape preparations, consider the types of flatware and dinnerware you will use. Avoid using paper plates or lightweight plates that might fly away in the wind. If you will have lots of children at your patio party, you may want to use durable dinnerware that can survive a fall or spill. This is doubly true if your outdoor space features lots of concrete or stone fixtures.
If you are looking to get crafty with your tablescape and centerpiece, consider making your own using elements from your local craft store. Cornucopias are always a classic hit, but maybe you are in the mood for a fall-themed wreath to hang on the door? There are so many options for sprucing up your dinner table, so focus on the ones that are fun and inviting to friends and family.