Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an outdoor meal with friends. With concerns around large gatherings amid the coronavirus, try your hand at a small outdoor dinner party with the help of experts from around the city. 

Plan like the pros: Theresa Kaufman and Shari Zatman, partners at Eventful Events, offer a few tips. “Keep things simple,” said Ms. Kaufman. “Walkways should be clear and well-lit. Make sure there's plenty of everything, so guests don't feel like they're bothering you for something,” she added. Ms. Zatman suggests: “Be mindful of the elements. If it is chilly, scatter wraps or blankets. If it is a season for mosquitos, light citronella and offer insect repellent spray.” 

It’s a vibe: “Every event has at least one anchor point, like a fire pit,” said Martin Potoczny, founder + CEO of LUXE Creative. Determine potential inconveniences: “Will this seat be staring into the sun? Is this chair going to be receiving the majority of smoke from the fire?”  Place candles and lanterns to accentuate the details, “and create a playlist of background music to add to the ambient sounds of nature,” he added.

Set the Table: Intimate seating arrangements for two to four are taking the place of long farmhouse-style tables, says Cindy Scott, director of sales at All Occasions Party Rentals. “Seating couples together makes sense right now. If you have a long table, we are seeing people being staggered because of the coronavirus. You don’t want anyone sitting directly across from anyone else,” she added. She recommends renting place settings because they are thoroughly sanitized for safety.

Add pizzazz: When thinking about linens and other table decor, let the environment inspire you. “Be one with nature with natural fibers like cotton, linen, or burlap,” said Susie Perelman, owner of Mosaic Inc. “Keep the palette earthy with creams, greens, and camel. If you want more adventure, use vibrant explosions of colors and prints that make a great contrast to the environment.”

Cheers: Want to make that perfect summer drink for your guests and stay safer while you’re at it? Shawnee Fereydouni, sales manager at Kingfly Spirits, suggests a simple, flexible, and boozy batched cocktail, like a spiked lemonade, that you can then customize as you please. “Batching the cocktails means fewer touches in serving. Use beautiful disposable cups or reusable ones that guests can take home with them.”

 Dig in: Say good-bye to the buffet. Pre-plating dishes will make everyone at ease. “Grill the unexpected, like fruits, vegetables and fish on a pile of fresh herbs. The herbs smoke and burn into the fish, creating a delicious aroma,” said Bob Sendall, owner of All in Good Taste Productions. One-pot dinners like jambalaya, shrimp and grits, or paella are also easy and a hit with guests.”

Botanical beauties: You don’t have to spend a lot on floral when you are already in nature. “Try your hand at some light foraging,” said Thommy Conroy, owner of 4121 Main. “Gather greens from the field and leaves from the shrubs, a branch for drama, and a few simple blooms to finish.” He also notes that with social distancing, try making individual arrangements for every place setting with “humble blooms from the garden in collected glasses.”

Article by Natalie Bencivenga / Photography by Laura Petrilla