Our Guide to a Dreamy Backyard Dinner Party

There’s nothing quite like a warm evening, good food, and the company of friends gathered in the backyard. These are the moments that feel truly special, not because they are complicated, but because they are simple and real.

At Evie, our philosophy is rooted in this kind of simple goodness. We believe that hosting a memorable backyard dinner party isn’t about perfection; it's about sharing something honest and joyful with the people you care about. This guide offers direct, simple ideas to help you host a beautiful and sustainable gathering with ease.

A great atmosphere comes from simple, thoughtful touches that make your guests feel welcome and relaxed.

Simple Lighting & Decor

Forget harsh overhead lights. The best way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere is with layered, gentle light. String simple café lights across the yard, and place a few candles in glass jars on the table. For a centerpiece, skip the elaborate floral arrangements. A few sprigs of herbs like rosemary or lavender, or some wildflowers from the garden, look beautiful and honest in simple glass jars.

The Evie Bottle: A Sustainable Centerpiece

Here’s a simple idea we love: incorporating your staples into your decor. Our Evie Olive Oil bottle is designed with a simple, pure aesthetic for a reason. You can always leave it out on the table for your guests to enjoy the highest quality extra virgin olive oil while they eat. Additionally, once you've enjoyed the deliciously fresh olive oil inside, the bottle finds a second life. Give it a quick rinse (maybe pull out the spout) and you have a minimalist, elegant vase, perfect for holding those wildflowers or herb sprigs. It’s a beautiful nod to sustainability and a reminder that goodness can be found in simplicity.

A successful backyard dinner party menu lets fresh, high-quality ingredients do the talking.

The Olive Oil & Bread Staple

Instead of a complex appetizer, make Evie Olive Oil itself a central part of the meal. Set up a simple "dipping station" on the table with a loaf of crusty bread, some small bowls, and a bottle or two of Evie. Letting guests pour and share from the bottle is interactive and communal. A tasting of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil is an experience in itself, and its pure, fresh flavor is the perfect, simple start to the meal.

Simple Recipes for the Grill

The grill is your best friend for an easy summer dinner party.

• The Main: A great marinade is all you need. For chicken, fish, or vegetables, combine a generous amount of the highest quality extra virgin olive oil, like Evie, with garlic, fresh herbs, dijon and a squeeze of lemon. The quality of the oil makes a real difference, helping everything to cook beautifully while infusing it with a fresh, vibrant flavor.

• The Salad:  A salad should be a showcase of what’s in season. Combine fresh greens with farmers' market vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers. The dressing is simple: more of your best olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. That’s it. It lets the pure flavor of the vegetables shine.

• The Finish:  For dessert, grill stone fruit like peaches or plums (or maybe some watermelon right now!) until they are warm and caramelized. Arrange them on a platter and finish with a light drizzle of honey and a final, surprising drizzle of Evie Smooth Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

A gathering that celebrates nature should be kind to it. These small habits make a big difference.

• Use Real Plates: Ditch the paper and plastic. Real plates, cloth napkins, and glassware instantly make the evening feel more special and create zero waste.

• Serve Batch Drinks: Instead of individual bottles, make a large pitcher of iced tea or water infused with mint and lemon. It's refreshing, easy, and cuts down on waste.

• Compost Scraps: Keep a small bowl in your kitchen for vegetable peels and food scraps to be composted later.

Beyond the big pieces, it’s often the small, thoughtful details that make a backyard dinner party truly memorable. These simple ideas don’t require much time or money, but they show a level of care that your guests will surely appreciate.

• Handwritten Details: You don’t need to be a calligrapher to add a wonderfully personal touch. Use simple pieces of card stock or recycled paper to write out the menu or create simple place cards. A handwritten menu, even in your simplest script, adds a personal warmth that can't be replicated. For place cards, you could even write names on large, clean leaves (like magnolia or lemon leaves) with a metallic pen for a beautiful, natural touch.
• The Perfect Playlist: Music sets the mood. Before your guests arrive, create a simple playlist of gentle, happy music that complements conversation instead of competing with it. Think of artists with a warm, acoustic feel—some classic folk, soulful Americana, or mellow indie rock. Having it ready to go means one less thing to think about, allowing you to be present with your friends.
• A Signature Welcome Drink: Greet your guests with a special, simple drink as they walk in. It’s a wonderful gesture of hospitality. This could be a sparkling lemonade with a sprig of rosemary from the garden, or an iced tea infused with fresh peaches. Serving it from a pitcher into lovely glasses makes it feel intentional and welcoming.
• A Thoughtful Parting Gift: Send your guests home with a small, simple token of your appreciation. This doesn’t have to be elaborate. A small bundle of fresh herbs from your garden tied with twine, a small bundle of homemade cookies, or even a couple of the beautiful peaches you bought at the farmers’ market are all wonderfully heartfelt gestures. It’s a way of extending the goodness of the evening just a little bit longer.

Ultimately, a backyard dinner party is about connection. Your role as a host is simply to create the space for that to happen.

Don't worry about a strict schedule or a flawless meal. The best moments often happen in the quiet spaces in between—the lingering conversations and shared laughter. Your relaxed and happy presence is the most important thing you can offer your guests.

By focusing on simple goodness, you can host a backyard dinner party that feels both special and effortless. It’s about sharing honest food and creating a warm, joyful space for the people you love—a philosophy we bottle in every drop of our highest quality extra virgin olive oil.

Bring a little joy to your table this summer 💫