Outdoor Entertaining in Miami Al Fresco during the holidays

A few tips that will help make your outdoor event a success on every possible level.

Entertaining outdoors in Miami can be very tricky, especially if you’re not adequately prepared to host a comfortable, easy-going affair.

Coral Gables, Florida

Located Southwest of Miami, in the small town of Coral Gables, this Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen is a home chef’s dream. A Tuscan inspired stone structure was built to house the outdoor kitchen, providing shade, and shelter from the elements.

A small distance from the main home, the outdoor kitchen is fitted with every outdoor cooking feature imaginable. The focal point of the dine in kitchen is JANUS et Cie’s Mood Dining Collection that has a relaxed, natural elegance that feels warm and welcoming. Mood chairs and sofas have seats and legs fashioned of solid teak and curved backs made of electrostatic powder-coated aluminum. Weather-resistant polyolefin fabric in dark grey is woven across the aluminum frame to create a resilient and supportive sling that is comfortable even without the padding of cushions.

Along with Kalamazoo Hybrid Fire Built-in Grill, large enough to easily cook for parties of 50 or more. Powerful ventilation was mounted above the grill to capture smoke and protect the structure. The grill is flanked by an expanse of counter space, with plenty of room for prepping and serving. The gas-fired Artisan Fire Pizza Oven sits conveniently in the corner to the left of the grill, and four cooktop burners amp up the kitchens cooking capabilities.

Ample stainless steel cabinetry was incorporated into the design so that the homeowner’s can store cooking utensils, dishes and other items, outdoors all year round. Energy efficient refrigerator and freezer drawers keep groceries at food safe temperatures, even on scorching Florida summer days. Or during the holdiday festivities dining al fresco.

A glass door outdoor wine chiller offers full UV protection and keeps varietals at optimal temperatures. The outdoor dishwasher helps this outdoor kitchen function completely independently of the indoor kitchen. Dishes can be loaded straight from the dining table, cleaned, and then stored in the weather-tight cabinetry, for the ultimate convenience. An outdoor warming cabinet that uses steam heat was installed next to the grill, to keep food warm and moist – particularly useful when entertaining.

The homeowner’s created an outdoor oasis, that’s perfect for gourmet cooking, and entertaining family and friends.

Below are a few tips that will help make your outdoor event a success on every possible level:

Tip #1: Plan for Weather Adversity – The single most important factor that all of your guests will be concerned about is the weather, so make sure you’re prepared to mitigate the unpredictable circumstances that may arise. First, there’s the chance of rain, which here in Miami is not so sporadic, and second is the intense heat. Luckily, you can manage both issues with similar solutions. If you don’t have a covered patio that provides both dryness and shade, it may be a good idea to set up umbrellas, or better yet, a tent in the backyard. Worst case scenario, come up with a ‘Plan B’ to move the party indoors and be sure to think ahead of what you will be serving, as grilling may no longer be an option.

Tip #2: Keep The Bugs Out – While entertaining outdoors can be very enjoyable, it could quickly go south if your yard is also entertaining mosquitos. It’s very unpleasant to get bit by bugs and now it’s even a health hazard due to the Zika virus. Make sure your guests are safe and relaxed by lighting citronella candles and torches, providing them with bug spray (there are plenty of natural alternatives made with essential oils) and run a fan to keep the mosquitos out of the party while cooling your guests down. Also, avoid being outdoors at dusk which is the time of day with the highest prevalence of mosquitos.

Tip #3: Let There Be Light – A practical and aesthetic tip that can make a huge difference in any outdoor event is having adequate lighting. If your event is at nighttime, you can really outdo yourself by having beautiful lighting around your yard. I recommend hurricane lanterns that are wind resistant, candles scattered on tables, globe string lights or paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling, posts, or tree branches and torches planted in the grass. Opt for light from either candles or warm light bulbs to provide an enchanting, cheerful ambiance.

Tip #4: Stock a Bar Cart – As a host, you want to make things as effortless as possible for your guests. A great way to go about this is to set up a bar outside where your guests can help themselves to refreshments at their leisure. On a bar cart, place a container with a homemade craft cocktail, a few bottles of wine, champagne, or beer that should be chilled if needed, a couple clean glasses, a bucket of ice, napkins and some water or fresh lemonade to keep your guests hydrated. If you plan on having children, add some fresh juice in a separate container to the cart as well.

Tip #5: Set Up Different Tables – In order to avoid long lines from forming or general clutter, it’s a good idea to place certain things on different tables spread out throughout your yard. Having drinks, finger foods, main courses, and desserts on various tables encourages guests to roam freely and eat and drink as they please. Just don’t forget to be on the lookout and refill what gets consumed rather quickly as you don’t want to leave anyone feeling hungry or tables looking empty. Be mindful of hot food getting cold and raw food getting hot by having a proper plan of action such as utilizing food warmers and ice.

Tip #6: Comfortable Chair Cushions – This tip is for all of you that like to linger at the table after finishing a meal. Nothing will make your guests more inclined to leave the conversation than an uncomfortable seat, so be wise and choose comfy cushions. Being that your party is outdoors, be sure to buy appropriate furniture, cushions and pillows or remember to bring them indoors once the festivities have ended.

Tip #7: Supply Some Fun and Games – Last, and certainly not least, your event should be fun for everyone invited! This simple, yet far-to-often-complicated task, can be as easy as playing the right music for your audience and offering some games for people of all ages.Make a playlist in advance or use an app that makes one for you, so that you too have sit back, relax and enjoy the tunes. Popular games include horseshoe, croquet and the newest addition– Kan Jam, a game where you try to throw a Frisbee into a large can. Even adults will have a great time playing games at your party!

Janus Et Cie Mood collection is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. The barstool (shown) has premium teak legs and seat with the back and arms made of electrostatic powder coated aluminum wrapped with earth brown polyolefin fabric. Seat cushion is sold separately. An alternative bar table by Janues et Cie (not shown) is made of premium teak with slats, and measures 19 ¾ wide x 69 ¾ long x 41 ¾ high.

Learn more about Janus et Cie in Florida by contacting us and or visiting our showroom in Miami to experience these outdoor furniture lines in Coral Gables, Miami.

For this and for additional information contact us.