Do you miss the joy of sharing meals with friends and family? Outdoor dining is a unique and meaningful method to enjoy food with your loved ones. Whether in the mountains, by the sea, or in a park, every outdoor dining location can provide a brand-new experience.
Firstly, outdoor dining provides people with the opportunity to temporarily escape from indoor dining environments and experience the sunshine, breeze, and natural beauty. Secondly, outdoor dining allows people to share delicious food with family and friends and enhance relationships.
So, if you are planning to dine outdoors, surrounded by serene environments, ensure you are fully prepared. For example, tableware, cooking utensils, refrigeration equipment, and seasonings are essential. Dining sets and first aid kits can enhance your experience. The portable power bank eliminates the anxiety of power consumption during meals.
Let's discuss more about outdoor dining, the best locations to explore, and tips on preparing an outdoor dining experience for everyone!
Environmental Selection for Outdoor Dining
If you are considering where to host your outdoor dining party, here's a list of natural spots you can try:
1. Parks and Gardens
The UK is home to plenty of parks and gardens, all ready to host your outdoor dining parties. [1] For instance, you can visit The New Forest in Hampshire or the Lake District National Park in Cumbria to experience breathtaking landscapes.
In addition, you can explore the Cairngorms and Brecon Beacons. These natural spots are filled with lush greenery and ample space to sit and relax. You can spread out your meal on a mat and enjoy your food while immersing yourself in the refreshing ambience of nature. Plus, using solar garden lights can help create a warm atmosphere.
Tips:
- Be aware of the opening hours and regulations of the parks in advance.
- Pay attention to keeping the environment clean and protecting public spaces.
- If you plan to dine on the grass, it's better to bring a moisture-proof mat for a picnic to avoid dirtying your clothes.
2. Beach and Lakeside
Beaches and lakeside can be your best companions for outdoor dining. You can visit beaches in the UK, like Brighton, Bournemouth, or Newquay. Bring along an eating mat and pack some fun items like a volleyball or badminton set. There is nothing beats the fun of a beachside volleyball game with friends.
If a beach seems too far, consider visiting lakeside spots such as Loch Ness, Windermere, or Loch Lomond. Enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning scenery, where serene waters and tranquil surroundings enhance your experience.
Tips:
- Pay attention to bringing a parasol, hat, and sunscreen.
- Ensure food safety and avoid carrying perishable food.
3. Forests and Grasslands
If you are a fan of greenery and find solace in the silence of forests, the ideal outdoor dining spots for you are forests and grasslands. For instance, you can go to Loch Ard Forest, Elibank, Traquair Forest, or Baluain Wood.
Simply find a shaded place or seek shelter under a tree. Explore the location with your friends and family to learn more about the forest. You can also play fun games like hide-and-seek and scavenger hunts to make your dining experience more fun.
Tips:
- Pay attention to bringing bug spray, especially in summer and autumn.
- Respect wild animals and do not feed or disturb them.
- When dining in the forest, avoid causing fires.
4. Terrace and Roof
If you don’t want to plan outdoor dining in the wild or public spaces, you can host the party on your terrace or roof. All you have to do is arrange comfy seating, set a food table, and solar garden lights to give the place a mesmerising look.
Moreover, as time passes and the weather gets cold, you can provide the guests with comforters and blankets to enhance the cosiness after dinner. You can also invite your guests to play some exciting games.
Tips:
- Ensure the safety of the terrace or roof.
- Find a sunny day to dine on the terrace or roof and avoid sudden rain.
- Arrange lighting and decorations as needed to create a warm atmosphere.
Types of Outdoor Dining
Now that you know the different locations to host your outdoor dining, you can look for some ideas or themes for the party. If yes, then here are a few things that you can try to fuel your celebration:
1. Barbecue
Who doesn't love barbecue? In the United Kingdom, 9 out of 10 households own a BBQ. [2] So you can also arrange a barbecue party and make everyone happy with this crowd-pleasing meal.
All you have to do is bring out your barbecue grill, some meat, and a few spicy sauces to make the grilled meat juicy. Gather your guests around the grill and take turns cooking, keeping everyone engaged and feeling included.
Some popular food options to try include marinated chicken, grilled burgers, sausages, and even some grilled vegetables. To complete the feast, don't forget to add sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and barbecue sauces. During the barbecue process, pay attention to avoid food being burnt or undercooked.
2. Mobile Kitchen
Versatility is key in everything, and hosting outdoor dining is no exception. Therefore, one of the best types of outdoor dining is to set up a mobile kitchen. Typically, it resembles a traditional kitchen but is present in a vehicle.
Mobile kitchens have built-in cooking equipment such as deep fryers and grills. They also contain refrigeration devices like mini refrigerators to keep desserts and cold drinks cool. There's some additional space to store utensils and other ingredients necessary to cook delicious meals.
Having a mobile kitchen for outdoor dining allows you to prepare various meals, from fries to burgers and more elaborate dishes like seafood, stir-fried vegetables, and freshly baked pizzas.
3. Picnic Basket
If you are not in the mood or feel troubled about a full-fledged meal, just pick up your picnic basket and head outdoors. Fill the basket with readymade or home-cooked food items like salmon, cucumber, homemade hummus, carrot sticks, crusty bread, salad, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Don't forget to add champagne to take the whole outdoor dining experience to the next level.
4. Desserts and Beverages
Another type of outdoor dining is having a menu filled with different desserts and beverages. It's perfect for those who have a sweet tooth and just want to keep it simple. In this, you can set up a small dessert station outdoors featuring treats like cupcakes, brownies, and fruit tarts.
You can also add other items like lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water. If you are feeling fancy, include mini cheesecakes and macarons in the menu. Overall, this type of dining is perfect for cosy afternoon gatherings with friends and birthday parties.
Preparation for Outdoor Dining
So, what do we need to prepare for outdoor dining? Let's now discuss the things you need to have a perfect dining experience:
1. Outdoor Dining Sets
Invest in high-quality outdoor dining sets to match the theme of your gathering. For example, if you’re going for a casual brunch, a sturdy wooden table and chairs with a simple tablecloth will do.
However, for a more formal gathering, it's advisable to opt for weather-resistant and elegant rattan patio dining sets that are durable and enhance the overall beauty of the dining set-up. If the budget is sufficient, choose dining tables and chairs with sunshades or rain covers to cope with different weather conditions.
2. Appropriate Food
It’s also important to serve food that aligns with the time of day and the occasion. If you’re hosting an outdoor breakfast, you can prepare scrambled eggs, pancakes, and croissants.
However, if you are arranging a dinner, go for heartier options like grilled meat and pasta. Keeping in mind the outdoor settings, pick food that's easy to eat and won't spoil quickly in the sun.
3. Tableware
Also, invest in high-quality tableware that suits your outdoor setting. Choose tableware that is easy to disinfect and clean, such as stainless steel, ceramics, or glass. They can withstand outdoor settings' wear and tear. Moreover, you can go for bamboo sets, which look chic while also being sanitary.
4. Cooking Equipment
Make sure you have all the necessary cooking equipment to provide your guests with freshly cooked meals. An induction cooker is good for stir-fries and warming water, while barbecue grills are essential for grilling meat and vegetables.
Also, have microwave ovens, as they are handy for reheating pre-cooked meals. But be careful not to put stainless steel tableware in the microwave, as it may cause an explosion.
5. Portable Power Generator
When dining outdoors, a portable power generator can provide continuous power support for your electronic devices, such as mobile phones, cameras, and speakers, allowing you to capture beautiful moments or play music to add atmosphere while enjoying food. A small electric generator can also support the operation of induction cookers, electric grills, and microwaves, allowing you to enjoy food better.
Solar generators are an eco-friendly option in this regard, as they provide you with continuous power to keep your cooking, entertainment, and lighting systems running smoothly, ensuring unlimited fun.
Jackery Portable Generators for Powering Outdoor Dining Equipment
Jackery offers reliable and affordable solar products, including solar generators and portable power stations. Here are two of our top generators that are ideal for powering your outdoor dining:
1. Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is an exceptional small electric generator for outdoor dining. It can be expanded from a 1.26 kWh capacity to an impressive 5 kWh by adding up to three additional battery packs. Offering a maximum output of 2000W, it provides 20% higher output than typical 1kWh LFP power stations, catering to all your outdoor needs.
The best part about this solar generator is that even after 4,000 charge cycles, the battery retains 70% of its capacity, providing a lifespan of up to 10 years for a high return on investment. Moreover, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus supports smart app control, allowing you to monitor charging and battery usage in real time.
Other Key Features:
- Fast Charging: Advanced MPPT technology that delivers 99% solar charging efficiency. It can be charged in 2 hours using 4 Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels. The generator can also be fully charged in just 100 minutes via wall charging.
- Durable Battery System:LiFePO4 battery with a self-developed Battery Management System (BMS) for enhanced safety.
- ChargeShield Technology:Fast charging with the stepped variable-speed algorithm, fully charged in about 5.5 hours at 45℃.
- User-Friendly Design:Solar panel connections in just 60 seconds, simpler than traditional generators.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus offers a larger capacity of 2 kWh, expandable up to 12 kWh by adding 5 battery packs, making it perfect for outdoor dining and off-grid living. With a 30% increase in rated power of 3000 W, it outperforms other 2 kWh products on the market.
When using six Jackery SolarSaga 200W solar panels, you can easily charge this solar generator fully in 2 hours. Moreover, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus also features a durable LiFePO4 battery that lasts for 10 years. It is compatible with the Jackery smart app for remote control, making it an efficient and smart power solution.
Other Key Features:
- Efficient Solar Energy Conversion: Industry-leading solar conversion efficiency of 25%, ensuring more energy is produced over time.
- Enhanced Low-Light Performance: Generates 50% more power in low-light conditions compared to conventional solar panels, making it ideal for different environments.
- Excellent Protection: The ChargeShield technology offers 62 protective mechanisms for secure and fast charging.
- Quiet Operation:Operates at a whisper-quiet 30 dB, perfect for maintaining a peaceful outdoor dining environment.
Conclusion
Hosting an outdoor dining party once in a while is great to let go of all your daily life worries and connect better with nature. If you are organising outdoor dining with your friends and family, it's a must to have a reliable power station.
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus are good options in this regard. They are eco-friendly and help you take a step towards a cleaner and greener UK. Visit our website today to take on the road to reliable and sustainable event planning!
References
[1] Top 10 national parks in the UK. Available at: https://www.naturevalley.co.uk/inspirations/top-10-national-parks-in-the-uk/ (Accessed: 18 September 2024)
[2] UK BBQ facts and figures. Available at: https://www.bedsbbq.co.uk/barbecue-shop/UK-BBQ-facts-and-figures.html (Accessed: 18 September 2024)
