If the weather gurus are on our side (crossing fingers and toes, hard), we’re hoping for an outdoor-worthy Thanksgiving. What a joy it would be to gather round an outdoor fireplace,at least for part of our giving thanks meal, toasting to family, friends and mother nature. This year, we plan to step outside straight into our most favourite season. We’re ready to eat, drink and be grateful on Thanksgiving Day. Here are a few design tips to get your warm and cozy party started.
Quick Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner Outside
1. Stick with a nature-based scheme of red, orange, green, gold and silver to make the feel of your decor festive but seasonal. You can add these touches with pumpkins, flowers, pillows or any other accents. 
2. Hopefully you haven’t stored your outdoor seating for the winter yet. You’ll need that fabulous table and chairs, like these from Andrew Richard Designs, to settle in all your family and friends comfortably. 3. Scatter candles around every surface, in lanterns and on the table. They will give your celebration a lovely fall glow and your guests that much-needed shot of heat. 4. Have throws at the ready for your guests to pull onto their laps just in case. Until they’re needed, you can drape them over the back of each chair or pile them in baskets near your sitting area. 5. Think about the locale for setting your table. If you create your entertaining space in your gazebo or under your umbrella or canopy, your guests will feel cozy and enveloped. 
6. Don’t forget to haul out your space heaters to extend the time guests will want to sit and sip outdoors. 7. Flame up your fire pit or fireplace, like this one from Paloform. This is the ideal time to cuddle up around it. 
8. Consider your traffic flow in advance. Set up drinks at one end of your deck or yard and a buffet on the other so guests will feel free to mix and mingle. Lots of places to sit and chat will ensure everyone gets caught up before turkey fatigue sets in. 9. Plan your menu, starting with this list of quick and easy appetizers you can whip up last minute. Choose the ones that really complement your cocktails. 
10. For the freshest take on centrepieces, gather seasonal flowers like gerbera daisies, hydrangeas, mums and carnations or use pumpkins or squash to spruce up your table and delight in the colours of autumn. Now go get your turkey on – with this recipe for the best holiday turkey anywhere!
