How to dress an outdoor event

There’s something uniquely magical about dining amongst carefully arranged foliage, potted trees and all the things that hint at the great outdoors. It takes us on a great escape, leading us from the norm and into the wilderness. So, what - aside from our gloriously unpredictable British weather - is preventing us from taking it al fresco? It’s time to bring the inside outside.

Back to nature

Recent studies in biophilic design have found the natural world can boost our sense of well-being by up to 15%. We have an innate connection to nature. It makes us happier. Therefore, when event planning, it makes all sense to harness the power of the great outdoors and use it as a canvas on which to go wild.

a plan for all outcomes

We know all too well that British weather can take a sudden down-turn, so the production of your event cannot rely upon fingers-crossed fate. A downpour is every event planner’s nightmare. For the love of flora and fauna, a plan B is essential.

When considering the layout of your outdoor event, hire, buy or build a tent or structure to serve as a warm, dry space your guests can escape to in an emergency. There’s a high probability that your outdoor space will have an established room or outbuilding, but consider adding a tent structure or yurt nearby (and use it primarily for a dance floor or lounge space) to take the whole al fresco disco under canvas. Or why not erect a canopy if the space allows it? A great alternative might be to hold the event inside but adorn the surrounding outdoor space with interior elements to make it part of the main event.

Event Styling: outdoor interior design

To some, the outdoors might be an intimidating environment for an elaborate party. Exciting as it is, the idea of ruining an expensive frock on an adventurous bimble in the undergrowth might not be every guest’s cup of tea. So why not make the outdoor space luxurious, decadent and a virtual extension of the comfort and beauty you have created inside?

The idea is to prep the exterior as if you were designing the interior of your event. Spread rugs across the ground to unite the space and ensure a steady step. Hang lanterns, festoons of light bulbs or candle-lit orbs from the trees to brighten the space – casting light whilst creating a sense of cosy intimacy. Illuminate pathways leading to mini bars, and install fun installations or pop-up food carts to encourage exploration and adventure. Decadent chandeliers suspended from tree canopies in woodland clearings; entwined with not just lights but blooms, berries and hints of nature; create the perception of a ‘ceiling’ – made all the more of a spectacle in the backdrop of the surrounding sky. Pillows, blankets, sheepskins, rugs… all ensure your guests succumb to their comfort zone.

Think rich, sumptuous materials that will create atmosphere and comfort. The billowing fabrics and textures of harems, dens of inequity and party parlours - rather than the industrial strength, hard-wearing go-to tents that have become the norm for outdoor events.

Travel back in time and regress to a Victorian era of promenading, relaxation and lounging, and designate intimate spaces for comfort and interaction. Stage a living room feel amongst the wilderness, and you’ll provide a welcome respite. Add day beds, stuffed chairs and loungers, throws, Moroccan mattresses and couches to create a fun central hub of great distraction.

There’s nothing to say that these social lounging zones have to be the centre of attention! There’s a lasting excitement in stumbling upon a secret area far from the madding crowds. So, go wild on arty installations or day-beds for the adventurous, that will draw a buzz and leave a lasting impression.

Outdoor Spaces

Dining al fresco? Perfect the table as you would a grand hall. Monumental candelabras, colourful runners and billowing crisp linens; recreate the decadent feasting of a private dining room within an abundance of space. Banquet with the Gods. The fantastic thing about dining outside is there isn’t much in the way of architectural limitations. The banquet table can be as long as you need it to be, there is no anti-social smoking area, and your soundtrack is nature's orchestra.

And what of warmth? It will be the first question on the lips of anyone planning a successful outdoor event. Well, the good news is, aside from costumes fit for a Russian winter, there are a multitude of ways to keep your guests warm outside. Besides, outdoor heating adds atmosphere. Fire pits are easily hired and make a fantastic central focus to a party. Imagine a central dining table, surrounded by fire pits, set in woodland!  Gas lamps, outdoor heaters, fire pits, bonfires - a little research goes a long way to creating the perfect outdoor event! You won’t find your guests in the kitchen at parties… chances are, they’ll be by the fire.

Originally published on Canvasandstone.co.uk