Planning an outdoor party?  You don’t have to compromise your health values and goals to create a delicious and memorable experience for your guests!  What do you want them to experience?  What fun foods do you want to provide?  These practical tips will make the planning process easier and help you evaluate what is most important to you.  

Provide Regular 9” Dinner Plates For The Meal

When shopping for disposable plates, there are dozens of options to purchase the large, platter-sized plates.  But why?  Does a party = eat more?  It certainly doesn’t have to!  No one really wants to leave the gathering feeling heavy, bloated and ‘stuffed.’  You want your guests to leave feeling lively, encouraged, and full of memories!  By providing a regular sized plate, you are setting the tone.  Sure, individuals can fill it to overflowing.  Sure, guests can go back for more.  That is their volition.

Plan 1 Or 2 Desserts, That’s It!

Since when do we give ourselves permission to eat 3 or 4 different desserts at one time?!  Why?  There is no guilt in providing a dessert on a special occasion, but it is completely unnecessary to provide a full table of them!  Choose 1 pie or cake or cookie and also provide a large fruit salad.  

YOU are the host.  

YOU create the environment.  

YOU set the menu.  

No one will complain and no one will leave (kids included) on a sugar high (or low!).

Plan Food For The Correct Number Of People

Don’t end up with loads of leftovers that are not in line with how you choose to eat on a regular basis.  It will only cause angst about whether to eat them or toss them!  Plan for the proper number of individuals and tell anyone who is also contributing a dish to make enough for this number of people and take home any food that remains.

Choose The RIGHT Cut Of Meats

Grilling can be a great way to cook meat that allows the fat to drip off, but if you choose fatty meats, the grill can only do so much.  

Instead, choose wisely…  

BUT, if you choose the higher fat meat for your special occasion, think about how you can provide sides that are lighter to counterbalance the meal.

Set A Time For The Meal

When food is out for an extended period of time, it is natural for munching, nibbling and snagging a finger food here and there.  Remove the temptation for yourself and your guests by setting a meal time.  Keep all the food covered until the designated time.  Allow all of your guests to enjoy the meal and about an hour later, remove the food.  This also prevents issues with foodborne illness, in which the risk rises significantly after 2 hours at room temp.  

Create An Event That Is About More Than Just Food

Some picnics and outdoor parties are totally centered around food but yours can be different.  Instead, choose an activity or several activities that can entertain and guide your guests away from food at designated times.  

Here are a few ideas…

Make a Bonfire- Have several individuals bring guitars to sing songs.  Share favorite memories and reminisce about the good ‘ole days.

Yard Games For Adults and Kids Alike- There are dozens of fun activities to play in a grassy area.  Encourage everyone to get involved.  Challenge a few adults to a game of darts or create a 3-legged race competition between families!  Here are a few more ideas…

1. Bocce Ball

2. Croquet

3. Twister

4. Water Balloon Toss- create a competition!

5. Spike Ball

6. Corn Hole

7. Frisbee

Team Sport- Kickball, soccer, volleyball, softball,… there are so many fun games that can be organized with a few pieces of equipment and a grassy area. Get creative!  Think about planning a game that will allow for people of all ages and athletic abilities.

Pool Fun- Plan your outdoor gathering around the pool!  Have a diving competition and select non-swimming adults to be judges.  Put up a volleyball net for a competitive game.  

Outdoor Movie- Perfect for after dinner entertainment.  While this doesn’t get people up and moving, it can be a fun event to sit around and watch a fun movie.  You can buy a blow-up screen or even project the movie against an exterior wall of your house.

As the host, you have the opportunity to create a memorable experience for your guests.  Make amazing food that everyone will love, but don’t succumb to assumed expectations or previous traditions if they don’t line up with your values.  Instead, set a new trend.  Create a new tradition.  Designate opportunities for quality conversation.  And definitely, enjoy some laughs and a whole lot of fun!

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