Spring has arrived, and with warm beautiful weather right around the corner, thoughts are turning towards summertime. Warm weather is the perfect time to entertain outdoors. With a little advance planning, you can host a beautiful party outdoors. Whether you live in an Ann Arbor home or a downtown Ann Arbor condominium, hosting a party outdoors is a beautiful way to entertain.

Whether your guest list is two or twenty, the first step is to ensure that you have a flat area for guests to gather. A condominium or apartment balcony, backyard patio, or grassy backyards are all good places to host your guests. Start with a weatherproof patio set—several chairs and a table will serve you well to serve food on or seat your guests. Think about what furniture you have than can be temporarily moved outside for your party, such as a long folding table, covered with a bright cloth, to seat guests at.

Invest in an inexpensive set of dishware. Plastic dishes are sturdy and more environmentally friendly than disposables, and also come in classy colors and designs. Clear plastic tumblers and bar glasses are also a smart purchase for outdoor entertaining.

Decorative lighting will add to your party’s atmosphere. Tiki torches are a beautiful touch, and can burn citronella oil, which will deter mosquitoes. However, do take care if children will be present, as the torches do have an open flame. Citronella candles are another option both to add atmosphere and to keep bugs at bay. Twinkling white lights (dig your holiday lights out of storage) strung in trees ore draped from balconies are beautiful at night. White Chinese lanterns hung from trees are an elegant touch.

When planning your menu, plan foods that will hold up well in heat. Place serving dishes atop large bowls filled with ice to keep foods chilled on your buffet. Ice cubes made of lemonade, cranberry or apple juice add a decorate touch to your drinks, and provided added flavor as they melt.

Consider using items you already have on hand as decorations. Glass mason jars filled with wildflowers are a lovely centerpiece. Dishtowels are a rustic and colorful napkin. Smooth stones laid across the center of your table interspersed with small white tea light candles are an easy and natural looking centerpiece. Paper fans come in many colors and are useful both at the party and as a take home favor.

Entertaining outdoors is a great way to celebrate the arrival of warm weather. Your guests are sure to enjoy themselves at your outdoors soirée!

Image courtesy of Flikr: JolieNY