Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and lots of food! If you want to celebrate the holiday outdoors this year, a few useful tips will help you make it an unforgettable event. From picking the perfect location to planning the ideal menu, there’s much you can do to have a great time with loved ones in nature’s dining room.
Light Up Your Yard
Nothing says “celebration” like outdoor LED Lighting. Whether you opt for lanterns, uplights, path lights, string lights, or light-up centerpiece decorations, a little extra light goes a long way to set the perfect mood.
LED landscape lighting is perfect for adding a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration and setting the mood for a relaxing evening outdoors. Some tips to add ambiance to your outdoor Thanksgiving celebration include:
- Choosing light colors such as yellow, beige, or peach to create a warm atmosphere
- Positioning uplights near plants and trees to cast a natural glow on the surroundings
- Wrapping string lights around trees or hanging them on nearby branches
- Placing lanterns at different heights around the yard for an enchanting display
Not only does exterior LED lighting make your yard look great, but it also keeps guests safe as they move around after dark. Test your lights before the big day to better avoid last-minute challenges.
Choose the Right Location
Where you host your Thanksgiving feast makes all the difference. Do you want a picnic feel or more of a sit-down dinner? Will kids be running around, or will everyone stay seated? Once you know what kind of atmosphere you want to create, you can narrow your location options.
Some factors to consider when choosing the perfect outdoor spot for Thanksgiving include:
- The size of your guest list: You’ll need enough space for everyone to sit comfortably and have room to move.
- The time of day: If you’re planning a daytime feast, ensure your chosen location has plenty of shade to keep everyone comfortable. If you’re planning an evening meal, be sure there’s enough light for people to see their food.
- The type of food: If you’re planning on serving a lot of heavy dishes, you may want to choose a location with easy access to chairs and tables. A more rustic setting, such as an open patch of grass, may be perfect if you’re planning a light meal or picnic.
No matter what type of Thanksgiving celebration you’re planning, choosing the right location is key to making it successful.
Serve Warm Drinks and Dishes
There’s nothing worse than eating a cold dish on a chilly day. So while planning your Thanksgiving menu, include warm drinks and dishes to help everyone feel nice and cozy. Some great options include:
- Hot cider or chocolate
- Soup or chili
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes
- Sweet potato casserole
- Pumpkin pie
If you’re serving a lot of dishes that need to be kept warm, consider renting a chafing dish or two. That way, you can serve food properly without worrying about it getting cold.
Decorate With Fall Colors
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to decorate with all the colors of fall. From orange pumpkins to red leaves, there are several ways to add a festive touch to your outdoor space. Some great decorating ideas include:
- Stringing white lights around trees and bushes
- Hanging banners or garlands made of fall leaves
- Decorating tables with pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves
- Making a centerpiece out of seasonal fruits and vegetables
No matter how you choose to decorate, adding some fall flair makes your Thanksgiving celebration that much more special.
Just because the weather is cooling off doesn’t mean you have to put your outdoor entertaining plans on hold until next spring. With some creativity and planning, you can enjoy all the best parts of Thanksgiving outdoors with friends and family.
