How to throw the perfect outdoor dinner party

Canadian chef, writer, food stylist and entrepreneur Christine Flynn may just be the finest source for outdoor entertaining inspiration. She is the author of A Generous Meal: Modern Recipes for Dinner, the proprietor of The Good Earth Food and Wine Co. (a culinary destination set on an idyllic farm and vineyard in Beamsville, Ont.) and the passionate planner of many captivatingly stylish – and always enchanting – get-togethers, both indoors and out. We asked Flynn to share what it takes to throw her IG-ready fetes, and her resulting meld of common-sense planning and magical touches is nothing short of exhilarating. Here are eight back-pocket ideas from Flynn that you’ll want to copy for your next dinner party. 

1. Capture the magic of golden hour

Set the tone with flattering light.
If your gathering is taking place outdoors, find out when the sun is expected to set in your area on that day. “Depending on where you live, you may want to eat a little later in the day, if you’re planning on being in the full sun,” Flynn says. “The golden hour makes for the best photos, but it’s also a bit cooler and likely a more amenable temperature than full August heat in the middle of the day.”

2. Balance comfort and cuisine with the right temperature

Plan ahead to ensure that dishes are served at their best.
If there’s one rule you need to follow, it’s that dishes meant to be served cold should stay, well, cold, and the same goes for hot plates. “For cold dishes, like gazpacho, salads and crudo, chill the bowls and plates in your freezer ahead of time to keep the food icy cold,” Flynn says. “Similarly, warm plates and platters for hot dishes in a low oven before serving. Go for family style versus individually plated plates, so people can serve themselves.”

3. Curate an organic and whimsical tablescape with items from the garden

Use natural items as decorative elements.
“Decorate your table with things from the garden,” says Flynn. “Small jars of herbs or pollinator plants are lovely and fragrant without being overpowering, and when our gardens are in peak production, I love to just spread out tomatoes and peppers as part of my tablescape.”

4. Elevate your beverage presentation

Ask guests ahead of time what drinks they prefer.
“For me, warm weather calls for rosé or a gorgeous skin-contact Pinot Grigio, but you’ll also want to have lots of water and a thoughtful non-alcoholic option on hand,” says Flynn. “Put out ice buckets to keep everything well chilled and make sure everyone has both water and wine glasses at their place setting, as all the great conversation you’ll be having is a thirst-making activity.” Try one of our non-alcoholic drink ideas to complement your menu.

5. Add whimsy and ambience with layered lighting

Mix lighting styles to create a cozy, decorative glow.
“With outdoor dining, you get a pass on everything having to match. And you can really lean into the whimsy of your space by adding different types of lighting,” says Flynn. “I use my grandmother’s brass candlesticks, with big, drippy taper candles, as well as smaller tea lights combined with string lights overhead. The effect is unique and personal, and creates a real mood.” To make the table even more memorable, use candles shaped like food items.

6. Select food and decor that bring both beauty and ease.

Focus on quality, not quantity.
“Buy good, crusty bread, the best olive oil, big wedges of salty cheese and briny olives,” Flynn recommends. “These will be delicious, but also take some of the pressure off you, while making your table look abundant and enticing.” Or, you can serve one of these quick and easy appetizers.

7. Incorporate thrifted decor to create visual texture and flow.

Even those quirky heirloom items have a place at the table.
Embrace vintage charm for items you might not have, such as cloth napkins, platters or candlesticks. Flynn suggests heading to a thrift store. “With a bit of digging, you’ll find wonderful treasures,” she says. “Vintage lace or linen tablecloths can be laid flat or scrunched to create texture on your table. Old quilts are a welcome offer to chilly guests. Repurpose vintage bell jars to make great candle holders.”

8. Keep the guest list intimate

Limit your crow to preserve intimacy or bring in help for a larger gathering.
The bigger the guest list, the bigger the effort. “Ten people is the maximum number I want to host, and if you want to host more than that, hire someone to help you,” Flynn suggests. “Usually, a local restaurant or catering company can recommend a team member to come and give you a hand with set-up, serving and cleanup. Trust me: it is worth every penny.”

9. Plan your menu ahead

Do as much prep in advance as you can, then let the evening flow.
“Don’t try to make all the food the day of your dinner party,” Flynn advises. “Prepare as much as you can the day before, leaving last-minute touches, like dressing salads, until just before your meal is served. Plan for mostly cold or ambient temperature dishes, so you don’t have to do too much sweating over the stove in your party outfit. And don’t pick the day of your party to try a new dish!”

10. Feature recipes from Christine Flynn

Elevate the meal with signature, crowd-pleasing dishes.

Baked Brie With Hot Honey

Warm, oozy baked brie drizzled with homemade hot honey—an effortless, show-stopping appetizer perfect for entertaining.

Get the recipe

Warm Chorizo in Sidra

Christine Flynn's super-simple recipe for warm chorizo in dry Spanish apple cider, served with charred bread on the side.

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Easy Pear Cake

Christine Flynn's recipe for a cake with baked-in Red Anjou or Bosc pears.

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Lemony Spaghetti Squash With Burrata

Christine Flynn's creative recipe for a summery spaghetti squash dish, served at room temperature with burrata, lemon and herbs.

Get the recipe