How to Host the Perfect Outdoor Soirée

A guide to creating beauty, warmth, and unforgettable moments under the stars.

There’s something truly magical about gathering loved ones outdoors for an evening of connection, good food, and gentle breezes. Whether you’re hosting close friends for dinner or celebrating a special occasion, an outdoor soirée is the perfect way to blend beauty with hospitality.

Here’s our step-by-step guide to curating an enchanting evening that feels straight from an English garden party dream.

 

Set the Scene: Create a Romantic Atmosphere

1. Choose the Right Spot:

Select a cozy corner of your garden, a tree-lined area in a park, or even a backyard space with dappled light. Soft evening light or golden hour glow will add natural charm.

2. Layer Your Table:

Start with a linen or gingham tablecloth for texture, then layer with our Somerset Cottage melamine plates in Pemberly green, Roseleigh blue, or Somerset pale blue for a vintage English countryside touch. Add mismatched antique silverware and pressed glassware for sparkle.

3. Add Height & Interest:

Incorporate tiered cake stands, floral centerpieces in pitchers or teapots, and tall taper candles in brass holders. Varying heights create visual richness.

4. Twinkle Lights & Bunting:

Drape fairy lights through trees and hang white bunting overhead. The lights will glow warmly as dusk settles in, adding a bit of whimsy.

5. Thoughtful Details:

Place handwritten name cards at each setting. Use dried lavender or rosemary sprigs tied with ribbon as favors or napkin accents.

 

The Menu: Simple, Elegant & Delicious

Aperitif: Elderflower Sparkler

A light and floral drink to begin.

Ingredients:

• Sparkling water or prosecco
• Elderflower cordial
• Lemon slices
• Fresh mint

To serve: Mix chilled sparkling water or prosecco with a splash of elderflower cordial. Garnish with lemon and mint.

 Starter: Herbed Goat Cheese & Cucumber Tartines

Light and refreshing finger food.

Ingredients:

• Crusty baguette, sliced
• Herbed goat cheese
• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Sea salt & cracked pepper
• Chopped dill or chives

To serve: Toast the bread, spread with goat cheese, top with cucumber slices, season, and sprinkle with herbs.

 

Main: Honey-Glazed Salmon with Dill & Citrus

Light, flavorful, and perfect for summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Sea salt & pepper
• Lemon and orange slices, for garnish

To prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F or prep your grill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, honey, citrus zest/juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet or grill pan. Brush generously with glaze.
4. Roast or grill for 12–15 minutes, or until flaky and just cooked through.
5. Garnish with fresh citrus slices and dill sprigs.

To serve: Plate on a large platter surrounded by lightly dressed greens or roasted asparagus for a fresh, elegant look.

 Dessert: Strawberries & Cream Pavlova

A show-stopping classic English dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1½ cups whipped cream
• Fresh strawberries and raspberries

To serve: Beat egg whites until stiff, gradually adding sugar. Fold in vinegar and vanilla. Bake at 250°F for 1.5 hours. Cool, then top with whipped cream and berries.

 

Extra Tips for a Memorable Evening

• Music Matters: Soft instrumental music or a vintage jazz playlist sets the tone.
• Comfort is Key: Provide cozy throws or shawls for guests in case the evening turns cool.
• Let Nature Shine: Incorporate seasonal flowers like peonies, roses, or foxgloves in your arrangements.
• Pace the Evening: Allow for slow moments — sipping tea, chatting as the candles flicker, or a spontaneous round of garden games.

A Touch of Cottage Charm

Using The Somerset Cottage plates elevates the entire experience. They’re not just beautiful—they’re practical for outdoor hosting, too. Lightweight and shatterproof, they let you bring elegance outdoors without worry. Because beauty and function should always go hand in hand.

Here’s to more evenings beneath the stars, filled with laughter, shared meals, and beauty in every detail. 

Until next time,

The Somerset Cottage