Thanksgiving on the Patio

Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to create memories with your loved ones. Not only are you sharing a delicious meal, but this day can be full of family traditions and fun activities that will keep everyone entertained.

Have you considered the benefits of taking the Thanksgiving celebrations outside? If you live in an area where the climate allows, consider hosting your party in the backyard, where you can enjoy fresh air and provide more space for your guests.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning an outdoor Thanksgiving celebration:

Check the Forecast

Always plan for weather conditions that might arise. You want to monitor the weather as we are getting closer to Thanksgiving to ensure that the temperatures will be comfortable for your guests. If the forecast is predicting inclement weather, then make sure to have a backup option where you can host the party indoors.

Also, be prepared to accommodate your friends and family with the temperature changes that are bound to happen. As the sun starts to go down, it will definitely cause the temperatures to drop. So, consider setting up fire pits, outdoor heaters, or even space heaters so that guests can stay warm. It can also be fun to have blankets available so that everyone is feeling cozy and comfy.

Festive Fall Outdoor Ambiance

Not only do you have the natural décor of the outdoor landscaping, but you can also bring in festive design elements on the table and patio. Use themed decorations like pumpkins, fall leaves, and string lights to set the right ambiance.

A rustic theme can look great, with autumn centerpieces, simple table settings, and accents of natural wood and twine.

Don’t forget about the importance of good lighting. Set out lanterns, string lights, and candles around the patio. Instead of using the big lights installed on the house, these smaller lights create a warm and inviting glow that will help everyone relax for the evening. It will create a magical setting as the sun starts to go down.

Serving Areas and Outdoor Kitchen

If you have an outdoor kitchen, then this is a natural place to stage the serving area. If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, then you can create a staging area with tables and serving tools. Consider firing up the smoker or grill to cook the turkey or provide an interactive experience with other types of meats.

The most common way to serve a Thanksgiving meal is by setting everything up in a buffet style. Then, guests can move through the serving area to choose the dishes and serving sizes that they prefer. Use a dedicated table (or multiple tables) where guests can find all of the delicious food being served.

Also, don’t forget to have plenty of seating and tables available so people can relax while enjoying their meals. Folding tables (covered in tablecloths and decorations) with folding chairs can be a simple and effective solution to host a large crowd.

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Written by Becki Andrus