Dressed to Impress: 10 Festive Alfresco Entertaining Ideas
'Tis the season to entertain outdoors! These 10 inspiring ideas set the stage for a very merry alfresco Christmas
Functional and festive, memorable and manageable, these 10 ideas go beyond draping your outdoor area with red, white and green Christmas decorations and will help make the alfresco areas of your home worthy of entertaining the a crowd this Christmas.
2. Set the table
Visions of Christmas invariably inspire feasts with friends and family and for many Aussies, the outdoor dining table will be centre stage for much of this (hopefully) merry occasion. Like any stage, make the most of props to imbue the space with the feel of Christmas.
Visions of Christmas invariably inspire feasts with friends and family and for many Aussies, the outdoor dining table will be centre stage for much of this (hopefully) merry occasion. Like any stage, make the most of props to imbue the space with the feel of Christmas.
In this case, your props could come in the form of floral arrangements, table centrepieces, tablecloths, napkins, place settings, decorations, crockery and, of course, food.
If you have crystal glasses or silverware sitting sullen in a cupboard, now’s the time to dust them off. If not, you can still set a stunning alfresco table on a budget with found objects and personalised touches. Snap off a few fresh branches and arrange them in a tall vase for a table centrepiece or gather some vines and greenery and let it sprawl down the middle of your table. Add some candles or thread in some illuminated copper wire for a subtle touch and voilà!
If you have crystal glasses or silverware sitting sullen in a cupboard, now’s the time to dust them off. If not, you can still set a stunning alfresco table on a budget with found objects and personalised touches. Snap off a few fresh branches and arrange them in a tall vase for a table centrepiece or gather some vines and greenery and let it sprawl down the middle of your table. Add some candles or thread in some illuminated copper wire for a subtle touch and voilà!
No tablecloth? No problem. Unfurl a roll of hessian or a length of inexpensive fabric down the centre of your table and arrange some greenery on top.
There’s no rule that says you can’t use paper napkins at Christmas – or any other time of year for that matter – so if you don’t want to use your best table linen outdoors, grab a few festive-themed packs of napkins for a carefree meal.
Tip: No time to dream up an elaborate scene on your table? No problem. Christmas bon bon crackers placed on each plate can be enough to give your table a festive vibe.
There’s no rule that says you can’t use paper napkins at Christmas – or any other time of year for that matter – so if you don’t want to use your best table linen outdoors, grab a few festive-themed packs of napkins for a carefree meal.
Tip: No time to dream up an elaborate scene on your table? No problem. Christmas bon bon crackers placed on each plate can be enough to give your table a festive vibe.
3. Look up
If your tiny table leaves no extra room for a Christmas centrepiece, fret not. Most alfresco dining areas, whether they’re undercover or under a tree, have enough room for overhead decorations instead.
If your tiny table leaves no extra room for a Christmas centrepiece, fret not. Most alfresco dining areas, whether they’re undercover or under a tree, have enough room for overhead decorations instead.
Take inspiration from these outdoor areas and string up lanterns, fairy lights, paper pom poms, traditional Christmas decorations or flora above your table instead of on it.
Tip: If using candles overhead, opt for LED battery-powered models instead of the real deal – you don’t want your Christmas memories to include applying salves on guests’ burns or trying to pry wax out of their hair.
Tip: If using candles overhead, opt for LED battery-powered models instead of the real deal – you don’t want your Christmas memories to include applying salves on guests’ burns or trying to pry wax out of their hair.
4. Light up the night
There’s no need to limit your use of candles, lanterns or fairy lights to your dining area or Christmas tree. If you’re one of the millions of Australians who will celebrate Christmas outdoors this year, think about dressing up your alfresco area with lights to add a sprinkling of magic. Fairy lights, lanterns, candles and their host of flameless and battery-powered relatives instantly transform any outdoor space from everyday to enchanted.
There’s no need to limit your use of candles, lanterns or fairy lights to your dining area or Christmas tree. If you’re one of the millions of Australians who will celebrate Christmas outdoors this year, think about dressing up your alfresco area with lights to add a sprinkling of magic. Fairy lights, lanterns, candles and their host of flameless and battery-powered relatives instantly transform any outdoor space from everyday to enchanted.
Is there anything more magical on a balmy summer’s evening than a sea of twinkling lights rustling among the leaves? We think not.
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5. Cast a net
Mosquitos are up there with the most unwelcome uninvited guests at Christmas time in Australia, so to save yourself from being eaten alive, think about how you’ll deter them. Simple citronella candles can work a charm, though if you’re keen to combine outdoor decorations with a functional purpose, look no further than mozzie nets or outdoor curtains. These breezy beauties set the scene for a whimsical alfresco Christmas when they billow in the wind.
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Mosquitos are up there with the most unwelcome uninvited guests at Christmas time in Australia, so to save yourself from being eaten alive, think about how you’ll deter them. Simple citronella candles can work a charm, though if you’re keen to combine outdoor decorations with a functional purpose, look no further than mozzie nets or outdoor curtains. These breezy beauties set the scene for a whimsical alfresco Christmas when they billow in the wind.
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6. Designate a drinks station
Hosts already have enough to do without constantly refilling guests’ glasses, so think of setting up a drinks station and let everyone help themselves. It could be as sophisticated as clusters of crystal cocktail glasses and tumblers beside a glass drinks dispenser, or as casual as an esky propped up in the shade of the tree. Drinks stations communicate a clear and hospitable message for guests to keep their own glasses topped up.
Hosts already have enough to do without constantly refilling guests’ glasses, so think of setting up a drinks station and let everyone help themselves. It could be as sophisticated as clusters of crystal cocktail glasses and tumblers beside a glass drinks dispenser, or as casual as an esky propped up in the shade of the tree. Drinks stations communicate a clear and hospitable message for guests to keep their own glasses topped up.
Remember to offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages as well to lessen the chances of anything untoward. If you’re keen to go an extra step, try incorporating Christmas colours into your cocktails or mocktails for extra brownie points.
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7. Edible decorations
With so much of Christmas focused on food, edible decorations make perfect sense.
With so much of Christmas focused on food, edible decorations make perfect sense.
If you’re in the mood to bake up a storm, dust off those star and tree-shaped cookie cutters hiding in the back of your pantry and stock up on red, white and silver sprinkles. If the last thing you want to do is cook yet another Christmas dish, consider delegating this task to a family member or buy some festive sweets from your local bakery.
Stack your edible creations on a tray in the shade outside, top it off with a cloche to keep the flies off or, for a special treat for the little ones, string them from the branches of a tree and let kids nibble them off without using their hands. Bon appétit!
Stack your edible creations on a tray in the shade outside, top it off with a cloche to keep the flies off or, for a special treat for the little ones, string them from the branches of a tree and let kids nibble them off without using their hands. Bon appétit!
8. Make a message tree
If you fancy sprinkling a sentimental touch into your Christmas decorations, consider making a message tree. This could be as simple as attaching old pages of sheet music with Christmas carols to a branch. Alternatively, you could supply your guests with a stack of paper and pens and encourage them to write a festive message or jot down their favourite memory of the day then tie the paper to a branch with ribbon.
These little notes can be tucked away for safekeeping, tossed at the end of the day or even read out loud at future Christmases as a funny game – the ones written after a few sherries will be sure to give everyone a laugh – your game, your rules.
If you fancy sprinkling a sentimental touch into your Christmas decorations, consider making a message tree. This could be as simple as attaching old pages of sheet music with Christmas carols to a branch. Alternatively, you could supply your guests with a stack of paper and pens and encourage them to write a festive message or jot down their favourite memory of the day then tie the paper to a branch with ribbon.
These little notes can be tucked away for safekeeping, tossed at the end of the day or even read out loud at future Christmases as a funny game – the ones written after a few sherries will be sure to give everyone a laugh – your game, your rules.
9. Bring on the games
Speaking of activities, for many Aussies sport or games are part and parcel of celebrating Christmas. Whether it’s heading to the beach or pool to cool off from the sweltering sun or a game of basketball in the backyard, games lighten the mood and create some of the merriest of memories, especially for children.
Speaking of activities, for many Aussies sport or games are part and parcel of celebrating Christmas. Whether it’s heading to the beach or pool to cool off from the sweltering sun or a game of basketball in the backyard, games lighten the mood and create some of the merriest of memories, especially for children.
If you have the space, try bringing out some ball games – you could try everything from badminton or cricket to boulé or croquet.
Or, if your hand-eye coordination leaves room for improvement and the thought of ball games send shivers up your spine, consider alternative activities instead. All you need to play chess outside are some large-scale chess pieces and flat pavers in alternating colours (you can also outline a large chess board on bricks or pavers using chalk). You’ll be amazed at how some alfresco games can double as decorations.
Tip: Board games are great for indoor entertainment too, especially in wet weather.
Or, if your hand-eye coordination leaves room for improvement and the thought of ball games send shivers up your spine, consider alternative activities instead. All you need to play chess outside are some large-scale chess pieces and flat pavers in alternating colours (you can also outline a large chess board on bricks or pavers using chalk). You’ll be amazed at how some alfresco games can double as decorations.
Tip: Board games are great for indoor entertainment too, especially in wet weather.
10. Create a private retreat
Almost anyone who has hosted a large Christmas celebration understands the urge for a little time out, so if space permits, consider throwing a few outdoor cushions in a quiet corner of the lawn or hanging a hammock under a tree. Functional furniture helps set the scene and can instantly jazz up a forgotten corner of your garden. You’ll be glad for a tranquil retreat if Nanna grows overly nosey about your private life and besides, after all your hard work, it will provide you with a restful repose on Boxing Day… and the year to come.
Tell us
How do you decorated your outdoor areas at Christmases or are you planning something special this year? Share your tips in the comments, bookmark or like this story and save your favourite photos.
More
Read more stories about Christmas decorating
Almost anyone who has hosted a large Christmas celebration understands the urge for a little time out, so if space permits, consider throwing a few outdoor cushions in a quiet corner of the lawn or hanging a hammock under a tree. Functional furniture helps set the scene and can instantly jazz up a forgotten corner of your garden. You’ll be glad for a tranquil retreat if Nanna grows overly nosey about your private life and besides, after all your hard work, it will provide you with a restful repose on Boxing Day… and the year to come.
Tell us
How do you decorated your outdoor areas at Christmases or are you planning something special this year? Share your tips in the comments, bookmark or like this story and save your favourite photos.
More
Read more stories about Christmas decorating
No front door says Christmas more than one crowned with a wreath, so set the scene from the street. Start with your façade and dress up your entrance with some decorations. A festive front door distinguishes this day from all others from the moment your guests enter your home, arms laden with offerings.
Many Australians are moving away from wreaths that evoke traditional ‘white’ Christmases and are embracing native flora, so jump on the trend for a home-spun ambience. You can buy Christmas wreaths or, if you’re feeling crafty, make your own. Even a few baubles tied to a fresh sprig of greenery can infuse your front entrance with a festive spirit.
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