Gathering Outdoors As The Season Turns

September. The start of the autumn season. We brace ourselves for cold and wet, but secretly hope for cold and crisp. And sometimes, September surprises us. That elusive Indian summer, with golden evenings and warmth that lingers just a little longer.

Gwilym’s birthday falls in the middle of the month, and we always try to gather friends and family to celebrate. And being part of a big family, that usually means heading outside. I don’t believe autumn and winter are seasons where we have to abandon outdoor entertaining. Think of Bonfire Night - we happily stay out for hours, wrapped up warm and gathered around a fire.

So here, I’m sharing a few of my go-to tips to help you make the most of entertaining outdoors this season.

 

Create Warmth: Fire Is Your Friend

One of the biggest reasons people head indoors is simply the cold. A fire pit - or a bonfire if you're rural - creates both actual and psychological warmth. Just seeing the flames helps people feel more comfortable.

 

Layer Up: Throws, Ponchos and Blankets

 

When we ran our glamping site, we’d cut neck holes into budget fleece throws to turn them into makeshift ponchos - perfect for popping over jumpers. One-size-fits-all and a real crowd-pleaser.

Don’t underestimate the power of a warm seat, either. Cushions stop the cold from seeping in - folded towels, seat pads or spare blankets all work well.

Keep a basket of mismatched throws nearby for wrapping around shoulders and knees. Car boot sales and charity shops are great places to find inexpensive ones. Store them in the garage, so you’re not using your best. After the event, hang them out on the line the next day with a spritz of Febreze, and they’re good to go again.

 

Light the Way: Candles and Fairy Lights

Autumn evenings disappear quickly, so make sure you’ve got enough light to see by - and to create that warm, welcoming glow.

Cluster fairy lights in trees, string them along fences, or drape them around pergolas. Use candles in jam jars or lanterns on tables to cast soft light. Your Christmas lights will work just fine - no need for special outdoor versions. Just bring battery-powered ones inside after use so they don’t get damaged.

 

Keep It Simple: Comfort Food

Go for hearty, warming food. Baked potatoes wrapped in foil can sit in the embers, with tins of beans and hotdog sausages heated on a fire grill or skewers. Add onions in a foil tray or cast iron pan.

Put butter, ketchup, brown sauce and mustard in a basket so it’s easy to carry in and out. Add bowls of toppings like grated cheese. And don’t stress about salads - people want warm, filling food, and less waste is always a bonus.

Finish with marshmallows on skewers and a pot of melted chocolate for dipping - either shared or poured into individual cups.

If you’ve got flies hanging about (hopefully fewer in autumn), food nets work a treat and are inexpensive to buy in all sizes.

 

Keep It Casual: Lap Dining & Disposable Serve-ware

There’s no need for tables with this relaxed style of outdoor entertaining. Sitting around the fire and eating from your lap is all part of the charm.

Make clean-up easier by using disposable plates and cutlery. There are plenty of sustainable options available now - we use them in the pumpkin patch café, and they’re affordable and eco-conscious.

Don’t forget napkins - eating without a table is messy business!

Have bins or recycling tubs close by so people can tidy up after themselves, or at least make your clean-up easier. I pop cutlery into a terracotta flower pot so it’s easy to grab and seems to stay cleaner.

 

Set Up a Drinks Station

The cooler air means you don’t need to worry about drinks getting warm. Set up a table a little away from the fire, with some fairy lights overhead so guests can see what they’re pouring. Add disposable glasses and let people help themselves.

Skip the candles here - alcohol and naked flames don’t mix!

 

Be Flexible With Seating

Seating can be tricky, but you don’t need to rely on chairs. We’ve used straw bales, logs, large beanbags, coffee tables, even stacked pallets. If you can perch on it, it’ll do! Add a cushion or folded blanket on top, and people will instinctively find a spot.

 

Add Atmosphere: Music and a Little Magic

Music adds such a lovely vibe to an evening. If you’ve got a friend who plays acoustic guitar - brilliant! Don’t be shy about asking; performers often love the chance.

Otherwise, pop on a Spotify playlist and play it quietly in the background. If you’ve got neighbours, either keep the volume low - or better yet, invite them!

And for a little extra sparkle, pull out a tube of mini sparklers. They’re safe to use outside, even on non-bonfire nights, and they always feel a little bit special.

 

Have a Wet Weather Back-Up Plan

This is the UK, after all. It’s wise to have a backup plan. Do you have umbrellas, parasols, or even a tarpaulin you can string up? Could you move into a garage or shed if needed?

Keep accessories in baskets rather than laid out on tables so they’re easy to grab and relocate under cover. And hopefully, it’ll just be a passing shower and you’ll be back out before long.

Entertaining Outside

...in autumn is not without its challenges - but it can be such a memorable, cosy, joy-filled experience. There’s something magical about gathering around a fire, sharing simple food, and laughing under fairy lights and stars.

Have you tried outdoor entertaining in the cooler months? Let me know your favourite tricks or which of these tips you’ll try next.