Party Planning for Patio Season
As sunny weather returns, get planning your outdoor event and celebrate en plein air!
If there’s anything Torontonians know how to celebrate, it’s patio season. Short-lived but ultra-loved, our favourite time of year has returned — finally! With longer days and warmer weather also comes the opportunity to host special events outdoors, allowing guests to soak in that sweet, sweet sun. With plenty of options across the city, we offer an array of restaurants and venues of all sizes to celebrate a wide variety of events en plein air. To kickstart your planning, we’re highlighting a few tips and tricks to keep in mind, along with several patios that are perfect for summer entertaining!
Set the Mood
As with any event, when planning a patio party, consider the vibe you are hoping to convey. Are you going for casual backyard barbecue? British garden party? Western wonderland? If you’re aiming for intimate and elevated, consider Biff’s Bistro, whose colourful Parisian-inspired patio is reminiscent of France’s streetside cafés, perfect for al fresco dining and stylish summer events. Their modern French cuisine and wide selection of perfectly paired wines offer an elegant escape in the heart of Toronto. Rosé on the terrace? Sounds delightful!
Stay Shaded and Hydrated
After a few hours in the sun, those rays can get too powerful! Don’t forget to have a few shady areas nearby where guests can escape when they need to cool off. You can easily arrange for a self-serve hydration station with fruit and herb infused waters, allowing guests to help themselves throughout your event. You might also want to consider having a sunscreen station or simply keeping a few bottles handy for easy re-application.
Game-ify for Big Events
One of the city’s most sought-after venues in the city, Cabana Pool Bar’s massive waterfront patio spans 50,000 square feet and features an octagonal swimming pool, 12 full-size cabanas, patio space, a dining area, a DJ booth, and expansive views of Toronto’s iconic skyline. Perfect for large corporate events, it has everything you need for the ultimate summer celebration. If you’re hosting a big blowout, consider offering a few lawn games for guests to play while they mix and mingle. From cornhole (which can conveniently be played with a drink in hand) to giant Jenga and even volleyball, it’s an easy and fun way to keep things interactive!
Bug-free Entertaining
While bright days and warm summer evenings offer incredible ambiance, pesky bugs can often show up uninvited. To help fend off mosquitos and other hungry bugs, light some citronella candles or torches to ward off buzzing biters. Table fans can also help keep flies away when it comes to outdoor dining or food displays. As for those mosquito-heavy summer nights, consider having bug spray available to guests and ensure it is kid-friendly if there are children attending.
Keep It Convenient
A busy scene in the summer months, it’s not an easy task to find a sunny space in downtown Toronto that can accomodate a crowd! Why not keep things convenient and host your summer office event midday or after work in the heart of the Financial District? The Rabbit Hole’s full three-level patio or partial patio, The Warren, are both available for booking throughout the summer months. British-inspired cooking meets Canadian hospitality at this wild and whimsical gastropub serving up hearty pub food, exceptional cocktails, craft beer, and more inside the Scotiabank building.
Seasonal Signature Drinks
Speaking of exceptional cocktails and beer, outdoor events are a great opportunity to make big batch cocktails or offer guests a seasonal signature drink. Not only does it save on time, it can also be tied to your theme. Sangrias, wine spritzers, sweet teas, and rum punch can be a great way to welcome guests right off the bat. Don’t forget about the non-drinkers or those driving! Be sure to have a non-alcoholic option that is just as refreshing, beautiful, and delicious.
Chef-driven Fare, Delivered!
Possibly the best tip when hosting in your own backyard…let us do the cooking! With Gather by O&B, enjoy a restaurant-quality experience at home with the simple click of a button. Choose from a wide selection of seasonal dishes and time-saving delights like bright and zesty sides, colourful summer salads, protein-packed platters and more, all delivered right to your door. Simply build your cart, select your delivery or pickup date, and we’ll take care of the rest. Stress-free patio entertaining has never been easier!
While winter in the city tends to drone on, the warmer months often whiz by in the blink of an eye! Don’t wait any longer, get in touch with an O&B event specialist today and allow us to help you plan the perfect patio party this summer!
