Summer Outdoor Dinner Party Decorating: A Shopping Guide

Summer is a time for friends, food and lots of fun. Do you enjoy planning outdoor dinner parties for all your favorite people? Make these times memorable for your guests with good food, outdoor games -- and summer decor. Use this shopping guide to help plan your summer outdoor dinner party decorating.

Patio furniture. Make sure your guests have a comfortable place to sit down, with a nearby table where they can set their food and drinks. There is a wide variety of great-looking outdoor furniture available that will be able to weather the elements.

Sun protection. While it may be nice to soak up some rays on a sunny day, it is always a good idea to offer your guests some escape from the sun so they can avoid overheating. A tent or several umbrellas usually work well in these cases.

Table cover. If you have picnic tables or a table that spends all of its time outside, a pretty tablecloth can cover up ugly fading or peeling, while dressing it up for an outdoor dinner party.

Decorative dinnerware. Dishes can be considered part of your decor, too. Coordinate your plates with the tablecloth, napkins and glasses. If you don't have nice, matching dinnerware that you want to use outside, opt for disposable dishes instead.

Tiki torches. These torches will give your gathering a festive atmosphere, especially when the sun goes down in the evening. Surround the party area with tiki torches to help keep bugs away from the food -- and away from your guests.

Citronella candles. If bugs are a problem where you live, invest in a few citronella candles to help keep them away. You will find these bug-repelling candles in many different sizes and colors. Place them in cute little metal buckets and use as centerpieces, or surround the party area with the candles.

Paper lanterns. They are an affordable way to add a touch of color to the yard. These lanterns are available in red, green, yellow and various other colors to suit your taste.

Party favors. The little things count, too. Flower leis, little umbrellas in the drinks...you can even use candy as part of your decor. Place colorful candy in jars to use as your table centerpiece, or scatter flower petals over the tablecloth.