Fun tools for carefree outdoor dining

Sun-starved Canadians just live for the return of summer. And one of the greatest summer pleasures is dining al fresco - either under the sun or under the stars - for a romantic, casual or elegant affair.

But making sure outdoor eating and entertaining run flawlessly isn't easy: bugs, wind, and melting drinks under the sun make outdoor dining a challenge... until now.  Whether you're planning simple hot dogs over a campfire, or a Champagne-toasted garden party, we've rounded up everything you'll need to make outdoor dining a breeze—a soft, cool, summer breeze.

Let there be light!
Lighting is more than just practical. Sure, you've got to see what you're doing while you try to keep the racoons and mosquitoes at bay, but the right lighting also sets the mood.

Hanging Lanterns with Stands
pier1.com
From Pier 1, a traditional choice for backyard lighting. Using a citronella tea light gives you the delicate flicker of candlelight and a mosquito-busting scent too.






Candle Lantern
candlelantern.com
Available in several styles and sizes, these clever lanterns are the answer to smoky tiki torches, candles that blow out again and again or dim solar powered lights. Made of rustproof aluminium and glass, they're lightweight and durable and cute to boot!




Innovage Outdoor LED Lantern
kitchenstuffplus.com
Brighter than most other torches, lanterns or candles, this power-saver will last up to 100,000 hours. With a dimmer switch and fold-down handle, it runs on either batteries or electricity.





Glass Oil Lamp Stakes
pier1.com
Torches by night, garden ornaments by day. Fill the red, clear and blue spheres with oil from the hardware store—look for scented oil for extra ambience.








Easy, breezy table settings
Generally speaking we don’t want to bring our Wedgwood out to the patio, unless of course the Queen is coming for tea! Instead, opt for durable plastic or acrylic. Look for brands that are recyclable, made from post-consumer material, or reusable. If plastic isn’t you’re thing, there’s also bamboo and paper, or go one step greener, and set a charmingly eclectic table with second hand dishes and glasses from thrift shops.

Recyclable Stemless Wine Tumblers
govinowine.com
From Go Vino, these wine tumblers feel great in the hand, are washable and reusable and in the end, recyclable.






Antique Pitcher and Tumblers
pier1.com
And from Pier 1, these lovely antique country style jugs, tumblers, and goblets come in green or blue. Made of acrylic, they are dishwasher safe.






Yokomari Melamine Outdoor Dishware
kitchenstuffplus.com
Partying outdoors? Don't forget the all-important chip and dip set! This colourfully-designed line also boasts matching plates, bowls, and platters. Lightweight, durable, and colourful.





Food umbrellas
kitchenstuffplus.com
Flies and other hungry insects can be a real pest, but these pretty food umbrellas do the trick without ugly-ing up the table.







Page 1 of 3 -- Get the right tools for the job with more fun outdoor cooking utensils on page 2!