Whether it’s for a special anniversary dinner or just enjoying a cookout, here are five tips for having a successful time.
1. Do not use citronella candles or scented candles near the table. The smell will destroy the natural aroma of the food. You want to let your palette soak up all of the flavor components, and that includes your nose. Many people don’t realize that candle scent can block odor receptors that make food not taste as good as it should.
2. While the use of china and glass can make everything feel like fine dining, the mood will stop once something breaks. When you’re outside, the chances of elegant dining clothes hitting a rock or concrete are huge. So save your sanity and your relics. Use reusable plastic plates, cups, and glasses. There are many attractive designs that can be found through outdoor supply companies. Add cloth napkins for an elegant touch.
3. Prepare a separate table to place the food dishes. You just need something simple like a game table decorated with a beautiful oilcloth and maybe a vase of flowers. Unscented tea lights in a candle holder would be a classy touch. Having food on another table gives you more space where you’re eating, allowing more of your hand to be held and a greater sense of relaxation. Also, you can cover the food on the other table with netting to keep flies away. If the screens were on your table, you might not be able to make eye contact across the table.
4. Install outdoor patio heaters 5′ from diners. You want to take the chill out of the air, not warm people up. It is best to have three to triangulate around the tables and maintain a moderate temperature. Turn on outside heaters when the air begins to cool. If you wait too long, diners may catch cold before the ambient air warms up.
5. Finally, have a bonfire for atmosphere and dessert. It is very relaxing to sit with a glass of wine and watch the fire crackle while discussing the events of the day. Also, you can roast marshmallows and have S’mores. I don’t think we are too old to enjoy them.
So remember, keep the aroma natural, keep the plastic cutlery, keep the table clear, keep the temperature moderate, and enjoy a beautiful fire at the end. And a daily meal will become exceptional dining outdoors.