Elegant Backyard Dinner Party: How To Host An Intimate Backyard Dinner Party

The best summer nights are spent with friends enjoying a delicious meal underneath the stars.

I love hosting backyard dinner parties for my friends. The joy of seeing their reaction when they walk into the party, to the smiles on their faces while they’re enjoying the food and to the many laughs we share throughout the night. It brings me so much joy!

This summer, host a backyard dinner party for your besties with this pink bohemian-inspired tablescape.

Set up a boho picnic table on your backyard patio or grass to create an outdoor dinner party table setting. Decorate your tablescape with different shades of pink flowers, gold candle holders, and a light pink table runner. Create comfy seating for your guests with an outdoor rug and pillows.

Celebrate any type of occasion from a birthday dinner party, backyard bridal shower, or wedding with this elegant outdoor dinner party.

Scroll down below to find more backyard dinner party decorating ideas for your next outdoor celebration.

Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to host a backyard dinner party? 

1.Pick A Color Palette 

Before you hit send on your online invitations, select a theme and color palette for your outdoor dinner party. For this outdoor dinner party table setting, I choose a bohemian theme and a  light pink color palette with pops of magenta, white, and gold. 

2.Backyard Dinner Setup 

2A. Seating Area 

Before you set up your table, create a comfortable seating area for your guests with an outdoor rug. Lay 3 to 4 outdoor rugs or blankets on the grass. Next, add pink and white pillows around the table for additional seating for your guests. Place a basket filled with blankets next to the table to keep your guests warm throughout the night. 

2B.Boho Picnic Table 

Create a DIY backyard dinner party with a boho picnic table. I made my boho picnic table using a wooden pallet. I followed this Youtube Tutorial on how to create a DIY pallet table. The tutorial was very easy to follow and I stained my wood using American Walnut Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain. If you are not DIY friendly, then order this wooden folding boho picnic table. This wooden table is easy to set up and it’s very affordable! Plus, this wooden boho folding table is easy to transport to a park or a local venue for party.

3.Table Setting 

3A.Place Settings

Set your backyard dinner party table with elegant white and gold place settings. I decided to go with a simple place setting to balance the colorful pink flower arrangements. 

Start with gold chargers then add white dinner plates, gold-rimmed salad plates, and appetizer plates. Complete your table setting with gold utensils and clear glassware. Bring a hint of color into your place setting with pink napkins.

3B.Table Runner 

I love cheesecloth table runners because they can be styled in a variety of ways. Instead of draping this pink cheesecloth table runner across the entire table, place it in the center of the table and fluff up the sides to create a unique design. Plus, it shows off the beautiful table. 

4. Flower Centerpieces

I made one extravagant flower arrangement accented by two small color-coordinated flower arrangements and placed them along the center of the table. The bright pink flower arrangements bring the entire tablescape to life. 

Make a one-of-a-kind flower arrangement for your tablescape with this white flower pot. The opening of this vase is wide which allows you to create an artfully arranged centerpiece. Place floral foam inside the pot to hold the flowers in place. Start your flower arrangement with white dried palm leaves, and then add pink leaves to create a base for your flower arrangement. Once your base is completed, add texture and color to your arrangement with a variety of pink flowers.  

I balanced the middle flower arrangement with two complementary small flower arrangements. Each small bud vase is filled with pink leaves, pink pampas grass, and flowers. 

5.Lightening 

Once the sun goes down, keep the party going with backyard party lights. Decorate your tablescape with lanterns, tea lights, gold candlesticks, and white candles. Create an intimate atmosphere around your table with additional lanterns and string lights. 

6. Party Food 

The best part of any dinner party is the food. Serve your guests delicious appetizers on these mini wooden cheese boards. I love these mini wooden charcuterie boards! I styled two on my table, but they could serve as personalized mini charcuterie boards for each guest. Create an appetizing charcuterie board filled with fruits, cheese, crackers, and cold cuts.

Plan a simple dinner menu with easy make-ahead recipes your guests will love. Fill your dinner menu with appetizers, an entree with a couple of side dishes and desserts. 

7. Drinks

Place a few bottles of wine, or water on a white side table for easy access during the party. Then store the rest of the drinks in an ice bucket to stay cool during the dinner party. Decorate the ice bucket with a few fresh flowers. 

8. Enjoy Your Dinner Party

Remember to have fun during your dinner party. Play games, laugh, eat and enjoy your guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you entertain guests at a dinner party?

1. Games
2. Music
3. Ice Breaker Questions 
4. Karaoke 
5. Crafts 
6. Host a cookoff contest 
7. Serve a DIY cocktail bar 

How can I decorate my backyard for a party?

1. String lights- Hang string lights in your backyard on a tree or create a canopy of string lights. 
2. Colorful flower arrangements 
3. Paper Lanterns
4. S’mores Station – Setup a s’mores station in your backyard for your guests with a firepit. 
5. Create a DIY photo booth- Make a DIY streamer backdrop for your photo booth station with streamers and balloons.
6. Create a lounge area- Keep your guests cool during the party under a white tent or a tree. Pull out your living room furniture and create a cozy seating area.  
7. Balloons garland 
8. Setup a picnic 
9. Plants
10. Flower garlands 
11. Candles 

Popular Party Blog Posts!

• Bohemian Tablescape and DIY Dried Floral Arrangement
• 20 Birthday Party Ideas For Adults
• 30 Backyard Wedding Ideas On A Budget

Share on Pinterest