Outdoors Entertaining – Given To Hospitality-Home or Church

Create table runners with leftover wallpaper, wrapping paper, or cheap fabric.
Windproof the tables by weighing down paper plates and napkins with different painted rocks or sea shells. You can wrap plastic utensils with ribbon, yarn, or even rubber bands and place them in a basket.
Buy small craft magnets and place them around the bottom of the tablecloth. Attach the magnets by aligning them together (front and back of tablecloth). This is the same concept as using weighters on baptismal robes to hold robes down in the water. The magnets connect together to produce weights around the bottom of the tablecloth.
If you need a quick centerpiece, use fresh fruit with herbs or flowers placed here and there.
Set up a beverage area. Have sodas, waters, and juices on ice in galvanized tubs on a table. Glasses can also be placed on the table with a small clean ice chest full of ice. Be sure to put an ice scooper near it.
For an afternoon or evening gathering , set up a convenience basket for your guests. Your basket could include: bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, wipes, disposable diapers, or paper towels.
Freeze mint leaves, pieces of lemons or oranges, or strawberries in ice cubes. Add them to punch, lemonade, or water.
To provide lighting for an evening party, light citronella candles and torches. This not only repels the insects, but it also give nice lights for food and drink tables.
Using luminaries is another way to create atmosphere for outside entertaining. Luminaries can line walkways or driveways or placed on porches for special effects. A luminary can be made by placing a votive candle in a jar filled a quarter of the way with cat litter. Place jars in paper bags and position bags along pathways or on porches. Light luminaries just before guests arrive.
For outside entertaining, use candle sconces and candle chandeliers. (Check yard sales for old electric chandelier; cut cords off, place candles in sockets, and hang it on tree.)
For a dramatic look on outside patios, fences, and trees, string tiny Christmas lights.
Check out solar outdoor lighting on the internet. There are many new options for outdoor lighting.