Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

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My Mom has a group of life long friends who meet for lunch on Fridays. I affectionately call them "The Lunch Ladies". Ever since our chicks came to live at Chez Poulet she's been wanting to bring her friends by to see the coop & chicks so I offered to host a luncheon for them.  I thought it might be nice to share a few of my favorite simple outdoor entertaining ideas with you.

1. Centerpieces are best kept casual. Getting too extravagant can be stressful and expensive. I used what I had on hand, silver vases with a mixture of fresh cut garden blooms. With the "chicken" theme a few vintage garden chicks were added to the tables for fun.

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2. In lieu of a formal menu, I opted for a small pennant flag encouraging them to enjoy their meal. It's such a quick and easy way to add a festive touch.

3. A small drink station or bar set up is always a welcome site. It gives guests a chance to mingle and prepare their tea just the way they like it. Instead of an ice bucket, each glass was filled with ice just as guests arrived.

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4. If fresh flowers aren't in the budget, a trip to your local garden center can provide an inexpensive alternative and you will also get the benefit of planting them later. Any kind of greenery will add so much life and vibrancy to a buffet. 

5. I like to use an assortment of serving pieces. Good choices to try might be vintage platters of any kind, french baskets, ironstone bowls, glass punch bowls for salads or tin tart pans. The variety will give you different height options and create a nice layering effect as well as provide interest and depth to your tablescape.

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6. Keep your menu simple. Mixing in a few store bought items such as cookies or croissants from a bakery will save you time and still taste delicious. Make a few of your favorite salads and perhaps one splurge such as Brie en Croute or another specialty in your recipe arsenal. If you're not busy cooking at the last minute you're more likely to enjoy the party as much as your guests.

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Hope some of these tips and tricks will be helpful to you as spring and summer entertaining season is about to open. Outdoor dining has got to be on the top ten list of happy things for me. I'm so glad I live in an area that provides me with many beautiful days to do just that.

I'll leave you with one overall shot of the buffet table. Please forgive all the shadows from the beams on the patio cover. I don't have a reflector large enough to hide them for the photo but still thought it would be nice to give you a sense the full picture.

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And btw, don't you love my new 8 ft. work bench buffet? I think it's completely perfect for the space. The Man on the other hand not so much. He thought it was too expensive, rickety and beat up. What about you guys? I could sure use your vote of confidence in this area. I would really like to win this debate!

83 Responses to “Outdoor Entertaining Ideas”

  1. Stella Pesci

    I LOVE that work bench/table…it’s so versatile. It’s perfect the way you’ve used it for a lunch buffet…and the food looks delicious!
    Stella xx

  2. Laura

    Hi Heather!
    Your table is perfect for the space and you will be able to use it for so many different things. (You win).
    You have inspired me to get busy planning my son’s graduation party!
    🙂 Laura

  3. Kimberly Kostka

    I would have bought it!
    I love the way you set the table. It was very inviting and all the plants that you can plant later in the garden is the BEST idea!
    Kim

  4. Diane @ InMyOwnStyle

    Hi Heather-
    Your mom’s friends must have been oooohh”ing” and aaaahhhh”ing” not only at your thoughtful gesture, but the beautiful presentation. Lovely. I think the table is perfect, not only for your style, but the size is exactly whats needed for setting out food. Your husband will come around once he sees it in action a few times.

  5. Kris

    Lovely! This is my kind of entertaining!

  6. Beth

    I totally love that old rickety beat up table and it looks gorgeous dressed as a buffet! What a lovely luncheon! Your mom must have been so happy with your kindness! Beth

  7. Aurora Suzette

    I do love your workbench, and the whole spread is lovely. Love that wicker, too.

  8. Jane

    A lot of great ideas here, Heather, and I adore the workbench/buffet!
    xoxo
    Jane

  9. teresa sheeley

    Such a beautiful set up! And the workbench, perfect. 🙂 My mom has a ladies lunch also; but we call it “the old lady lunch.” 🙂

  10. Peggy

    It is absolutely PERFECT for the space and I adore the shutter on the right. LOVE! Just add a few L brackets to it to reinforce its strength and you’re good to go.

  11. Gail

    I have a feeling The Man won’t win this one……it’s fabulous!

  12. Mish

    Hey Heather, I love your outdoor luncheon. The workbench is so awesome! I once wanted my husband to become a handy man and build me all sorts of stuff. His first and only creation was a cat house built out of rough plywood and he used a chain saw to cut the wood. That ended that. Now, anything that I can purchase outright is much better. He still shakes his head at all the junk I bring home though. I’ve only just begun. Thanks for all the inspiration. Your blog is my new favorite site!
    http://michellewooderson.blogspot.com/

  13. Leigh, Tales from Bloggeritaville

    Everything os gorgeous…..and the bench-perfect buffet for entertaining. Such character!

  14. Karen B

    While I can’t speak for expensive and rickety, it certainly isn’t too beat up! I think it’s perfect. Obviously, it was for this lovely “Lunch Ladies” luncheon. I bet they had a wonderful time! I can just hear the ooh’s and ahh’s.
    Karen

  15. Trish

    Heather,
    Your taste is exquisite! I LOVE the table, and thanks for sharing all your tips. You have a beautiful home, inside and out. Have a great week.
    Trish

  16. ClassiclyAmber

    First off, the table is YUMMY! I have no idea how much was paid for it – but it truly looks fabulous. I’m a fan of the rustic look, though. Where did ya find it at?
    Second, your tablescape is beautiful. The fresh flowers along with the different serving pieces really adds a fun texture to the whole thing. It’s classy!
    Last, I would love to see more of the [burlap?] banner hanging overhead!
    It looked like a fun day inDEED! =-D

  17. Nancy

    I think it’s pretty fabulous where it is, but it would even be more fabulous as a display in my store..LOL. Maybe The Man will learn to love it. 🙂 Great post and LOVE that little cement chicken…*squeel*

  18. fairmaiden

    My favorite part of your buffet is that rickety work bench! My Carpenter hubby would love it too…maybe you can whisper that bit of info into your hubby’s ear…another manly man likes it! yep, that might help.
    My next favorite part is all the urns filled with greenery and blossoms…crossants are the best for luncheons…can’t ever go wrong with crossants and strawberries. What a beautiful luncheon for your mom and her girlfriends.

  19. MorningT

    I’m so glad you shared this with us Heather. Like I anticipated, your presentation and photos didn’t disappoint. LOVE your new table too!
    T

  20. teresa

    Thanks for sharing—-it looked lovely….I put my vote in… the buffet table is a keeper…love it.

  21. Mari

    The work table is amazing, you’ll get more than 101 different uses out of it and this luncheon is one perfect example… lucky ladies, that is a very nice set up and great looking lunch. I hope all the ladies and you had a great time.

  22. Stacy~Creativemuse

    AHHHH so lovely. I ready feel relaxed and cared for. What wonderful touches to create a Warm and Beautiful afternoon.
    The table is stellar. You can do what you’ve done countless times, feast upon it, THE MANs scuba Gear can be laid upon and then packed up with out fear of damaging …since that is it’s charm. You can do projects and layouts it’s a FAB size! Imagine it with Giant sepia photo Canvases of your kiddos with heights and levels and vintage creamy/tawny fabrics swirled around….
    oh sorry….the muse took me.
    Just have a whiskey and cigar gentlemans gathering with cheeses, hot spiced almonds, maple sugared pecans,
    funky jerkies, and big relaxing chairs around it and you’ll win him over….
    good luck
    and congrats its there that 9/10ths of problem solved.
    just schmooze that other 1/10th and he’ll look at it with good thoughts or none.
    warmly
    Stacy~Creativemuse

  23. simony

    Everything is so beautiful! Every detail, color, material and the sunshine! What a perfect day! And the table….I would kill for one like that! Great acquisition.

  24. Jill Harris

    As always … stunning … simple, classic and full of pure Bullard STYLE … my favorite! You’ll get much use out of the table, you KNOW that and soon he’ll SEE that.
    You didn’t mention how the ladies reacted to the baby chickens … I would like to see some candid photos of the meet and greet ; )
    Thank you for sharing your creativity,
    xo
    Jill

  25. Joanne

    Wish my buffet was as long as yours! Mine was actually sold as a “workbench” but I use mine in my screened in porch for when we have such occasions.

  26. Bonjour Romance

    Bonjour Heather,
    The Ladies Who Lunch are some lucky ladies. Your gathering was elegant and simple – always the perfect combination! The table is wonderful, 8 feet of space to create on!
    Wishing you a good week,
    Mimi

  27. Florence Muma

    I love the work bench it is perfect. What a lovely thing you have done for your mom. Beautiful. Florence

  28. Brenda Kula

    I love your big buffet table. What’s not to like? Thanks for all these great and affordable ideas. As usual, the photos are exquisite!
    Brenda

  29. Sherry @ No Minimalist Here

    Heather, I think your work bench buffet is fantastic! The luncheon you set up for the ladies is divine…the basket of croissants, the urns, the flowers. Everything is absolutely beautiful.

  30. debra phillips

    simply gorgeous and very inspirational!
    those words sounded like they came out of my husbands mouth. as a shop keeper/stuff hauler/antique buff…..he is my lifter. i just ignore him as i know his “opinion” of this “expensive rickety junk” will never change 🙂
    good luck!
    debra
    5th and state

  31. julie

    heather! you are a genius! i love how it all looks! and that table! i was drooling over it before i even read about it! now i have to find me one! its perfect! i wished you lived closer to help me out! thanks for sharing!

  32. Trina

    What a beautiful lunch. Your Mom and her friends were absolutely delighted I’m sure. And I love the work bench. It has a lot of character and seems the perfect height for serving yummies on.
    There are a lot of those kinds of debates at our house. My favorite was over a lovely antique green baking rack I bought for our root/wine cellar. We had been looking for wine racks but the new ones were cheaply made and very expensive! So I thought my $100 bread rack was a steal and perfect for storing wine…and no assembly required!
    I was winning my debate right up until we began moving it into the cellar and discovered that it was too wide to fit through the door. : +
    Hubby then had to widen the door to get it in there. : o
    So not sure who won our debate!
    But I think your case is very strong!!! A charming piece that’s also very functional is a great addition to any home (is he reading?)!! ; )
    xoTrina

  33. Katie

    LOVE the work bench buffet!!! You made the perfect choice buying it. I want to use some of your ideas for my sisters 50th b-day. You ALWAYS give us the prettiest things to look at. You never disappoint. Well done!

  34. Julian Rodriguez

    The bench looks great as is. And the display with the food and flowers are beautiful also. I understand it takes two to run a house hold. But if I like it I buy it. Have a good day…

  35. Wendy in Kennewick

    Lovely workbench and table scape. I get the same response from my hubby over anything that was well loved before coming home with me.

  36. Ellen

    Seems to me that there is very little doubt about that table….it’s perfect. And I too love outdoor entertaining, I think that people tend to relax more outside…..smiles.

  37. Common Ground

    I vote yes on the fabulous work table/buffet! And besides it’s already getting the workout. Versatility, style, functionality…maybe a few pennies, but definitely worth it. You put together a lovely luncheon and thanks for sharing all the great ideas and tips, I’m sure they loved it!
    Debra

  38. Vicki Cotnoir

    Love it! Men have to say that,but I bet when he saw it all beautiful……
    I have done many an art show and I have the responses down pat….#1 on the hit parade…what are you going to do with that!

  39. Laurie griffin

    What a beautiful luncheon for The Ladies. And I’m sorry, but The Man is wrong. Your table is devine. Of course The Man At My House would not be siding w/us, sigh. :))

  40. page2

    I love your workbench buffet. You have such good taste. One of these days I’m going to get brave and have friends over for lunch just for fun. You make it look easy to be elegant. Thanks for the inspiration.
    I found your blog through Scribbit.

  41. Theresa

    Your workbench came in handy for this lovely luncheon. Everything looks so wonderful and inviting. Thanks for sharing. Hope the ladies had a great time.

  42. Kathleen

    Everything looks so inviting. I like all of your special touches. I’ll bet your mom is so proud of you!

  43. Dianne

    Your buffet lunch looks wonderful but I LOVE the simple beauty of that table!

  44. Maureen in IL

    The work bench is a keeper. I love the way you set a table. I’m hoping to have all the ‘girls’ in my family over for an afternoon of food & merry making. You have so many beautiful ideas. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

  45. Kim L

    OMG – its AWESOME!!! I love everything about it and the spread… looks wonderful. You did a great job. Love.. Love.. Love it!

  46. Cindy

    Your mom and her “ladies who lunch” may just call on you another Friday. Everything looked so inviting, scrumptious and your photos are always a special enhancement.
    As for the work bench it has already showed to be useful, seems to me you are a winner hands down. My man would be the first to sand it down and give it a clear coat, ugg. I like it just the way it is, thanks for sharring

  47. Melony Bradley

    So much inspiration! I once read that your guest will remember that you are relaxed and happy for the party versus how clean your house is/ how much scratch you put together. LOVE LOVE LOVE the bench…

  48. Susan

    Couldn’t have been more beautiful. Love the table, love the menu, love the flowers…LOVE IT ALL! Wish I could be a “Lunch Lady!”
    Blessings!

  49. Meg Mitchell

    I love the idea of getting together with your friends on a Friday. It would be nice to take the time to do that. And your entertaining ideas and tips were brilliant.

  50. gretchen

    that was so sweet of you to put on a tea for your mother and her friends. i’m sure they will talk about this for ages.
    the table? i love it …

  51. Elaine L.

    I love how you put things together.
    I really love the work table!
    ~elaine~

  52. maryann

    I love the work bench! Fits perfect there, and obviously it’s already turing out to be quite useful.
    Thanks for the “full shot” of the buffet! I really wanted to see it all put together.
    Great tips! Can I just come to your house for an outdoor buffet, though?? You have such lovely ways…

  53. Jill

    Love it all! Thank you for sharing and inspiring as always. The man will come around…they usually do when they see we are “right”.
    Jill

  54. Zita - Mlle Magpie

    Fabulous, gorgeous and brilliant ideas for outdoor entertaining, Heather! Love them. p.s. that table is amazing!!! Perfect for so many possible uses!

  55. Maryjane

    Heather, I LOVE your 8 ft. table! Well worth the cost!Beautiful setting to a lovely backyard party!
    Hugs,
    Maryjane
    I did a little post on newly found china and Flea Market Style…YOU!

  56. bevy a

    Thankyou for sharing your beautiful back yard. I am on your side for the work bench, it’s perfect! This work brench is so versitile! and could even be used if the MAN wanted to have “MANLY GUYS LUNCHEON DAY”. (hmm, is there such a thing?), anyway it has so many uses. I am planning on having a small group of ladies over for a lunch, thank you for the great suggestions.

  57. Jai

    Love, love, LOVE the table 🙂

  58. kaye

    OMG, I’m SO glad you wrote about your work/table/buffet; that was the first thing that popped in my mind when I saw the overall picture: what a great table! Where did you get it and what are those things on the front of it?
    Love it!
    Kaye

  59. Kimberly

    H~ Lovely pics and lovely work table. BTW…saw a pic of your Mom on sweet girl’s fb and she looks amazing! I haven’t seen her in years and years and she looks great. I bet you gave those ladies a wonderful memory. Blessings, Kimberly

  60. Karla Laura Smith

    Hello Sweet Heather,
    It’s been some time since I’ve hopped by. As always, I’m inspired by your creative life and am always touched that you share about the things you love to do, in life too.
    What a delightful luncheon you put together so beautifully. I’m sure all the ladies felt special and happy just being there. I would, indeed.
    Hope you are doing well and get some time to relax in between all your busy-ness.
    I still have not yet found a Flea Market Style magazine, but I’m sure I will find one soon.
    Happy May to you!
    Warmly,
    Karla

  61. Kristy

    LOVE the work bench. just got one of the curb a few weeks ago. i love it!!! i think i like yours better though :O)

  62. Susan

    the table is a keeper for sure, it’s beautiful!! i love all the plants and differnt platters and things, it’s perfect! thank you for sharing your talents! susan

  63. Melanie

    Outdoor parties are so beautiful. Do you usually have an “in case of rain” Option B? Like an indoor setup or a rented tent?

  64. Curtis & Sherrie

    I just found your blog and I love it~~ and I love your magazine I buy it all the time. That table is wonderful… I have been on the look out for a rustic farm table at least 10 feet in length for the back of our house, as I want have a place for us to eat outside, that is all of us, my wife, our sons and their wives and who ever may show up, we live right on a creek the flows year round and being able to eat outside and listen to the creek is wonderful. I will definetly be stopping by to see what is new in your blog~~ blessings to you and yours Curtis & Sherrie

  65. Curtis & Sherrie

    I just found your blog and I love it~~ and I love your magazine I buy it all the time. That table is wonderful… I have been on the look out for a rustic farm table at least 10 feet in length for the back of our house, as I want have a place for us to eat outside, that is all of us, my wife, our sons and their wives and who ever may show up, we live right on a creek the flows year round and being able to eat outside and listen to the creek is wonderful. I will definetly be stopping by to see what is new in your blog~~ blessings to you and yours Curtis & Sherrie

  66. Curtis & Sherrie

    I just found your blog and I love it~~ and I love your magazine I buy it all the time. That table is wonderful… I have been on the look out for a rustic farm table at least 10 feet in length for the back of our house, as I want have a place for us to eat outside, that is all of us, my wife, our sons and their wives and who ever may show up, we live right on a creek the flows year round and being able to eat outside and listen to the creek is wonderful. I will definetly be stopping by to see what is new in your blog~~ blessings to you and yours Curtis & Sherrie

  67. Phyllis

    Definitely vote YES on the beautiful, shabby, rickety, just what it should be work bench. Worth whatever the price!

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