If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to spruce up the outdoors for your Outdoor Holiday Entertaining in Arizona!
We are lucky enough to still have warm, sunny weather, so serve lots of finger foods and beverages outside…better still if you have a fire pit or outdoor heaters. Add some festive candles, linens (yes, the cloth kind!), ornaments in a bowl or vase, and you’re all set!
Spruce Up the Entryway
Plant cool weather annuals! Add some poinsettias or geraniums in white and/or red near your entrance. I’ve seen lots of petunias lately, too!! Too cool at night at your home? Faux poinsettias look pretty good these days – and are easy to find! Pop some red bows on other plants near the walkway, turn on the outdoor lights, and you have an outdoor holiday display!
My #1 outdoor holiday décor rule of thumb…
Your decorations must look equally terrific in the day time AND at night! Add ribbons, bows, and color – these will look great all during the day! And when the lights come on at night, the colors enhance the display! If you want, add some ground level outdoor flood lights to highlight special displays (also easy to find at the local hardware store)…put those on a timer and your display will be lit without any thought!
Outdoor Holiday Entertaining in Arizona…the Check List
Holiday decorations – There’s still time to pick up great outdoor items everywhere – from the corner drug store chain, the hardware store, the craft stores, and the big box stores.
Finger foods, appetizers and beverages – Keep these one or two bite size – easy for guests and easy for you! It’s ok to buy frozen or catered items – serve those on pretty plates and you’re good to go!
Festive linens and other tableware – Use dishwasher safe items to save on clean up time later! For outside near the pool, you may want to invest in the “good” plastic ware.
Music! Got outdoor speakers? Keep the music a little on the low side for easy conversation (and not to annoy the neighbors).
