English Preparing for outdoor events
Are you preparing for outdoor events this summer? There is no better time than summer to use gardens and patios around your hotel or event venue to provide outdoor functions.
Summer is a popular time for outdoor weddings. Both the ceremony and the wedding meal can be served outdoors in a suitable area of a garden or courtyard. Summertime is also good for promotional events and corporate days out. Outdoor events can include more formal occasions like garden parties and casual events like BBQs for family birthdays.
Serving buffet food outdoors
Serving buffet food outdoors needs careful planning. The food service zone needs to be planned so that guests can make their way to the tables, help themselves from the buffet and then return to their tables to eat.
Buffet tables need to be both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Surfaces need to cope with layered dishes or hot food containers. Choosing the right kind of buffet table will ensure a successful event.
The Buffet-Rite tabletop converts a standard trestle table into a food service surface. The table is covered in a stretch elastic table cover and the tabletop is added over this. The Buffet-Rite is available in a range of colours and can be wiped down after service. Buffet-Rite can be placed end to end to form a long serving table.
Nesting Buffet Tables can be used without linens and arranged to make it easier for guests to see and help themselves with food during outdoor events. They are made in an attractive range of colours and finishes and are manoeuvrable on their wheels into position. Matching action stations and mobile bars are available in the same finishes.
If live food stations are planned for outdoor buffets, then an action station is preferable. These custom-built mobile food prep and service stations can be designed with your required number of hot food warmers or ceramic hobs for cooking. They can also house cold stations for ice for summer salads, fish or desserts.
Canapés and cocktails
Garden parties and evening receptions may only serve canapés and cocktails. If the food for an event consists of hors d’oeuvre or appetisers or canapés, a cocktail table or poseur table, on which the guests can place their glass or plate while they are networking is ideal.
Cocktail tables are the perfect height for guests who are standing and chatting. They can be used without linen, or they can be covered in stretch covers. Stretch covers can be made up in brand colours, practical black and a range of shimmer fabrics.
Mobile bars are useful at cocktail events as they can be located or relocated to suit the style of event that is happening. Mobile bars range in size and finish, with sinks, glass holders and speed rails. Both front and back bars can be wheeled into position for drinks service.
Entertainment for outdoor events
Outdoor parties held in the evening wouldn’t be complete without some form of entertainment. This can be dancing to a band or disco, or an entertainer providing a show. If a show is planned, it requires some forethought to ensure all the guests can see the show from their table.
Outdoor portable dance floors are supplied in modular form so that a dance floor can be set up at the size required on-site. The dance floors are hard-wearing and weatherproof and are supplied with the edging required. They also come with a trolley to assist with moving them from storage to the assembly position.
Portable staging ensures that guests can see the entertainer or band on stage. They are supplied in units that are bolted together to form the size stage required. Stairs, handrails, chair guards, and stage skirting are also available. Stage curtain systems and backdrops can complete a theatre setup for outdoor theatrical productions.
Planning for outdoor events
There is a lot to think about when planning for outdoor events in the summer, from food service to entertainment. Practical and flexible furniture makes the advance set-up easier. Mobile tables and bars are easy to use and reduce staff set-up times. Portable dance floors and stages mean any venue can transform itself for a live event. Talk to our expert sales team about which products will improve your next outdoor event.