By Alana Livingston
Cover photo courtesy of Alana Livingston
Spring is the perfect season to embrace outdoor entertaining. There’s something magical about gathering with friends and family under the open sky, sharing a meal, and creating memories that feels effortless. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that hosting an outdoor dinner party doesn’t have to be overthought or overly complicated. In fact, simplicity is the secret ingredient that makes these moments truly special.
Sometimes, the best outdoor gatherings are the ones that are the most unassuming. Even the most ordinary foods—like hot dogs and chips—taste better when enjoyed outside. There’s just something about the fresh air that enhances every bite. Plus, the relaxed vibe means you can skip the stress of vacuuming and scrubbing floors. Spills are no big deal when they’re on grass or a patio instead of a dining room rug.
For me, one of the biggest benefits of outdoor entertaining is the sheer amount of space it provides. My indoor living area might feel a bit cramped with a group of people, but stepping outside essentially doubles, if not triples, my entertaining area. It’s amazing how much more comfortable and open a gathering feels when everyone can spread out on the lawn, lounge on a deck, or chat around a fire pit.
To create the perfect atmosphere, a little music and lighting go a long way. String lights or lanterns instantly add warmth and charm, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a laid-back birthday party. Pair the lighting with a curated playlist—upbeat and lively for a celebration or soft and calming for an intimate gathering—and your outdoor space is transformed.
Decorating for an outdoor event is one of my favorite parts, and nature always provides the most beautiful and recyclable materials. When hosting a more formal occasion, I’ve created tablescapes using bark, lichen, and rocks from my yard. The result is earthy and elegant, with the added bonus of being eco-friendly. For a wine-country-themed birthday party, I used grape leaves, vines, and lavender from my garden to weave through the table decor. When my child’s birthday party had a camping theme, we got creative and built fairy houses out of sticks, rocks, and moss—all treasures collected from our yard. These touches not only look beautiful but also make the decor feel personal and connected to the setting.
The best part about being outdoors is how the space takes on a life of its own. After dinner, guests might wander off on an evening walk, linger around the fire pit, or lie back to gaze at the stars. Those unplanned moments, when everyone relaxes into the rhythm of the evening, often end up being the ones we talk about for years. There’s something undeniably grounding about the simple act of breathing fresh air, feeling the breeze, and listening to the sounds of nature.
For me, the magic of outdoor entertaining isn’t in the food or the decor, though those can be fun to plan. It’s about the way being outside brings people together in such an easy, natural way. Even the simplest meal feels special when it’s shared under the open sky. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable—and that’s the beauty of it.
Alana Livingston is looking forward to learning and practicing more mushroom hunting this spring.
