Outdoor Entertaining Tips for Victoria Day Weekend

Ahhhh…there is nothing like the anticipation of a long weekend. An extra day to sleep in, lounge around with family and friends or to just simply chill out in your backyard enjoying the warm spring breeze.

Victoria Day is not just a holiday in honour of Queen Victoria’s birthday - for Canadians, Victoria Day weekend or ‘May 2-4’ is the kick off to summer baby!
Here are 4 tips for your entertaining needs.

Photo Credit: Canadian Tire

Photo Credit: Andrew Richard Designs

Comfort is king…For those of you entertaining in your backyard this weekend, create an urban oasis with some sleek patio furniture. Canadian Tire is now offering the UMBRA Loft collection with many rattan pieces sure to compliment your outdoor space. If you’re tight on space they have a very functional folding woven table that seats 4-6 when in the open position and 2-4 while in the folded position. Don’t be shy with color – allow your guests to feel extra comfy while also adding some punch by accessorizing with cushions of different texture, colors and patterns.  

Andrew Richard Designs sets the bar for outdoor entertaining and has some stunning outdoor pieces. They’ve provided furniture for Ritz Carlton, TIFF, and Lake Rosseau to name a few.

Make clean up a breeze… by using vinyl tablecloths, disposable plates and utensils. Disposables have come a looong way since those white plates with the blue flowers dotting the edge of the plate!!  They now come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. You can grab these pretty pink plates from Party City.



Photo Credit: Best Heath Magazine

Light is right…serve simple light foods. Burgers, dogs and sandwiches are a give in. Any of these would pair nicely with a light refreshing salad such as this Chickpea Pecan Salad courtesy of Best Health Magazine.

Photo Credit: Starbucks

Serve refreshing beverages such as iced tea. Starbucks has a great tumbler that allows you to brew both loose tea leaves or bagged tea.
For dessert, serve some fresh fruit. There’s no shame in taking a short cut and serving some fruit trays from your local supermarket. Just try to buy them the day of your get together so that they’re guaranteed to be fresh.






Ice Cream is always a hit. Haagen-Dazs has introduced their 2 newest bars – Salted Caramel and Chocolate Peanut Butter.  The Salted Caramel bar is pure heaven… Thank YOU Haagen-Dazs!

Ambiance…set the mood.  Choose a color theme that will tie all of your elements together. This could be reflected in your tableware and décor. Love this idea from Hostess with the Mostess that uses decorative paper to wrap vases.

Photo Credit: Hostess with the Mostess

Make sure to also add some small cheerful bouquets to your patio table. After the sun goes down, place votives in mason jars. Empty pasta or jelly jars work equally well.

Photo Credit: Urban Mode

On those crisp evenings make your guests feel warm and cozy by adding some fire! I love love love these modern fire pits from Urban Mode. They come in a variety of colours and fuel burning options. This fire is certain to be desired!

However you choose to celebrate – whether inside or out – be safe and have fun!