Tips for Enjoying the Great Outdoors

by Debra Quintyne

Now that we are in the midst of summer, our minds naturally turn to the prospect of outdoor entertaining.  Who doesn’t enjoy getting outside and taking advantage of all that nature has to offer?  If you are like me, you dreamt about summer throughout the winter and counted the days when you did not have to worry about coats and gloves.

However, outdoor entertaining comes with its unique set of challenges that need to be considered.  There’s a lot more to it than placing a table in your backyard, firing up the grill, and inviting your nearest and dearest friends over for sun and fun.

First and foremost, whenever holding an outdoor event, you must have a well-thought-out plan to deal with inclement weather.  Next, you will have to combat pesky flies, mosquitos, and ants (just to name a few). Given these obstacles, holding an outdoor event in a tent can offer the best of both worlds.

Tents are like a blank canvas where creative minds can run wild. They can be dressed up or down with lighting, florals, and furniture that can make it a destination in and of itself.  In addition, based on where you place your tent, the opportunity for the most amazing views is almost limitless.

However, tent entertaining has to be thoroughly investigated and planned for the event to be a success.  Here are some things to consider:

Size

The first thing to decide is the tent size. Meg Hotchkiss of LVR Events posted an excellent guide in her blog “A Practical Wedding Guide” .

 Location

The tent should be pitched in a location that is easily accessible and on smooth terrain. Permits and noise ordinances must also be fully researched and followed.  Also, if your desired location is a popular spot, privacy and security could be a concern.

Comfort

Most importantly, the event attendees must be comfortable.  There are four things that I believe are crucial.

 First, tent accessories are key.  For instance, sidewalls that can be tied open or closed are necessary to combat wind and rain.  In addition, based on the time of year, you might need to heat or air conditioning.  Sidewalls will help to maintain the desired temperature.

 Second, accessible and plentiful restrooms must be available.

 Third, flooring that covers the full expanse of the tent is desirable. Ladies don’t enjoy themselves when their heels are sinking in dirt. 

 Fourth, don’t forget to administer a bug repellant treatment before the guests arrive; and, have sunscreen on hand.  

 Vendors

HIRE PROFESSIONALS!!!!  Utilizing a tent can be expensive.  It is not for the faint-of-heart or the DIYer.  Therefore, you must rely on a great group of experienced people who know how to address the nuances of outdoor entertaining. 

Enjoy

Once you have done your homework and hired your event planner (me! 😊), have fun at your event.  Remember, you’ve hired me so that you can be worry-free. 

Debra's Details & Designs is a full-service event planning company based in Wake Forest, NC. Owner and lead coordinator, Debra Quintyne, is a certified planner and project manager with varied professional experiences under her belt. She lives her passion when eliminating her clients' concerns by assuming event planning details on their behalf. Her specialty is artistic styling and immaculate attention to detail which are guaranteed to make her clients smile.