On Thanksgiving, we feast with loved ones to celebrate all that we’re thankful for. Hosting the dinner outside can add a refreshing twist, allowing guests to enjoy nature’s beauty and the crisp autumn air. However, outdoor gatherings come with their own set of challenges, such as weather unpredictability and logistical concerns, which require thoughtful planning and preparation. Learn how to host Thanksgiving dinner outside this year and create treasured memories with your loved ones.
Set Up a Cozy Dining Area
Creating a cozy and inviting dining area is essential for an enjoyable outdoor Thanksgiving dinner. Arrange ample seating for all guests, ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the meal. To keep everyone warm as the temperatures drop, provide blankets or throws they can use throughout the evening. If you opt for outdoor heaters, make sure they are not too close to tables or flammable materials.
Consider using outdoor furniture that is both functional and stylish to enhance the overall ambience of your gathering. Adding decorative pillows and cushions can elevate the comfort level while also contributing to the aesthetics. Don’t forget to include a table centerpiece or seasonal decorations to capture the festive spirit of Thanksgiving.
Music also helps set the festive mood. Curate a playlist that features a mix of classic hits and mellow tunes to provide a soothing backdrop that complements the setting. Consider using a portable speaker with good audio quality so that the music reaches all corners of your outdoor space without being overwhelming.
Determine Whether You Prefer Buffet or Family Style
Setting up a buffet-style arrangement can streamline serving and make more room on the dining table. Utilize a sturdy outdoor table or set of tables, which you can cover with linen or spill-resistant tablecloths. Arrange dishes in a logical order, starting with appetizers and sides, followed by the main course, and ending with desserts. Alternatively, you can create separate stations—such as a beverage station or dessert table—and spread them out across your outdoor space to encourage guests to mingle and move around.
You could also set up family-style dining by arranging large platters and serving dishes filled with festive foods directly on the dining table. Family-style dining encourages a more communal feel and limits interruptions to conversations. Use serving utensils that are easy to handle and appropriate for the type of food being served, such as large spoons for side dishes and tongs for salads.
Use a Propane Gas Cooker
Using a premium propane gas cooker makes it easier to host Thanksgiving dinner outside this year. This device is easy to set up and transport, giving you the flexibility to choose your cooking location.
The FireDisc propane gas cooker is a high-end cooker for grilling, steaming, searing, frying, baking, and more. The 22-inch cooking surface has three heat zones that allow you to keep some items warm on the disc while others cook. With the FireDisc, you can cook your mains, sides, and desserts efficiently and serve everything hot and fresh.
Tips for the Cooking Station
Set up your outdoor cooking station in a place with ample ventilation and away from any flammable materials. Arrange all your cooking tools, utensils, and ingredients within easy reach. It’s helpful to organize your ingredients and utensils in advance, using labeled containers or trays to keep everything accessible and easy to find.
Keep Food at the Right Temp
Maintaining the temperature of your dishes can be challenging when dining outdoors. After all the work you put into creating these dishes, you don’t want to lose their satisfying flavors and textures.
To keep food hot, use insulated serving dishes or heated trays, which help maintain the warmth of the dishes from kitchen to table. Additionally, covering dishes with aluminum foil or lids can trap heat and prevent them from cooling too quickly. Remember that you can keep some foods warm on the FireDisc as you cook other ingredients, too.
To keep things cold, place chilled items in insulated coolers packed with ice or reusable ice packs to ensure they stay at a safe temperature. Consider using smaller serving bowls that can be replenished from the cooler to keep everything fresh.
Hot beverages like mulled cider, hot chocolate, or spiced tea are a delightful way to keep guests warm and comfortable during your outdoor Thanksgiving gathering. Offering a variety of flavors allows guests to select their favorite soothing drink. Consider setting up an insulated beverage dispenser to keep drinks at the perfect temperature throughout the event.
Enhance Lighting and Ambience
The right lighting complements the outdoor scenery and elevates the mood at your Thanksgiving dinner. Having a variety of lights in different areas will make your patio, porch, or backyard feel more inviting and cozy.
These are just some of the lighting options you can use to create a festive ambience:
- String lights: Hang these lights above the dining area or wrap them around trees for a warm, inviting glow.
- Lanterns: Place lanterns on tables or along pathways to add an elegant touch with soft flickering lights.
- Solar-powered stake lights: Insert these lights around the perimeter of the dining area for a sustainable lighting solution.
- Candles: Use windproof or enclosed candles for a classic ambience, arranging them on the dining table as part of the centerpiece.
- Portable LED lamps: Provide additional illumination with rechargeable lamps that guests can move as needed.
Provide Entertainment
Entertainment makes your gathering even more fun and memorable. Offer outdoor games or activities that are suitable for all ages, such as cornhole, bocce ball, or a friendly game of charades. These interactive activities can help everyone feel more comfortable and social.
Consider setting up a small area with board games or card games for guests who prefer a more relaxed form of entertainment. If your space permits, creating a DIY photo booth with props and a festive backdrop can be a hit for capturing memories.
An outdoor Thanksgiving dinner combines the warmth of a festive gathering with the refreshing backdrop of nature. For the best dinner experience, create a welcoming dining area, set up an efficient buffet or family-style service, and maintain the right food temperatures. Evocative lighting and engaging entertainment options make the evening more immersive. Use these tips for a fun outdoor Thanksgiving celebration.
