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Are you, like me, not wanting the outdoor life to end with ‘back-to-school’, or the September 21st fall equinox which seems to signal an ‘official’ end to summer, despite continued warm days? Are you contemplating the sheer enjoyment of being out-of-doors, and continuing to share that joy with others? Dreaming of lovely autumn days, or evenings, with friends and family at outdoor parties or get-togethers? Let us offer some suggestions for hosting.
It is noted that in countries like Sweden, garden parties and outdoor lunches hold sway whenever the weather permits, with around 65% of people preferring an outdoor grill. Far from being limited to the summer, barbecues are celebrated on warm days in Autumn, and indeed, many would say that this season in Scandinavia is one of the most flavorful of the year. Since Scandinavians love a good barbecue, they don’t let any coolness in an autumn day stop them from enjoying an outdoor get-together, and indeed, many carry on barbecuing all through the winter as well! It's all about catching up with close friends and family al fresco!
If this Scandinavian approach resonates with you, then you may wish to ‘up the ante’ and consider hosting these gatherings in your own backyard, or patio! And you don’t have to worry about having sufficient of the same style of chairs to accommodate a large group!
Scandinavian design includes the eclecticism of mixing various pieces, something typical of Scandinavian style and a natural part of their ethos – that fabulous eclectic mix that is unexpected but perfectly designed. So, whether it’s chairs, dishes, glasses, cutlery or table linens, don’t worry about having all matching items sufficient to host a large party. Just bring together your various colours and styles, all-weather rattan, wood and aluminum dining chairs – even your indoor dining chairs on a dry day. Mix and match your dishes, glassware and table linens as well, as it’s all about the conviviality of getting together!
The good news is, the Scandinavians have been pros at this for years. Visit a café or restaurant in Sweden, Denmark and Norway, and you'll find every chair in the outdoor area has been prepped with a fleece blanket. And they don't stop there... sheepskins, outdoors rugs, string lights, lanterns, candles and fire pits are all pre-requisites to a cosy evening al fresco – that sense of Hygge – regardless of weather! We in North America are now catching on to this trend, as we see some restaurants and cafes bringing sheepskins, cozy blankets and portable patio heaters to their sidewalk cafes.
The Scandinavian concept of “Hygge” is a cozy feeling in your soul – a chair or group of chairs pulled up to a glowing fire in a fireplace or firepit, a softly flickering candle on a table set for dinner for two, a convivial moment between friends, or just a general feeling of contentment in a simple setting. Hygge can be all of these and more. It means comfort, joy and well being – more of a feeling and a concept than a specific thing. So, round up some soft and cozy pillows and fleecy throws, extra chunky blankets, and sheepskins - and put them within easy reach for you and your guests to grab. You can never have too many for your own cozy Hygge feeling!
Covelo Outdoor Dining Chairs Laurion Outdoor Dining Table
Midway Outdoor Floor Lamp Pamir Outdoor Hanging Lights
The Scandinavian culture has it right again! Applying this concept to your own space, early Autumn nights call for candles, lanterns, a beautiful set, or sets, of string lights and maybe even the warmth of an open flame (or a patio heater). All of this to not only illuminate your outdoor space, but also to create a relaxing ambience and the kind of comfort which all of us crave!
Scandinavian style is very much about adding and celebrating light, as Scandinavians traditionally try to interject as much light as possible into their lives. The Lucia festival, which happens on December 13th every year, is just one example of this, but light doesn’t just mean actual light, it also means comfort, joy and wellbeing. It is a philosophy and way of living that consistently lands the Scandinavian countries on the Top 10 list of the happiest people on earth, and something we perhaps might consider striving toward!
Organic and natural materials often take pride of place in Scandinavian design, reflecting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries relationship to nature. And you can easily take advantage of this whimsical, timeless décor aesthetic.
Have you, or do you know someone who has recently trimmed their shrubs, such as curly willow or red leaf dogwood? Collecting the branches for decoration allows you to create a natural bouquet of the branches, with curly willow providing textural interest or red leaf dogwood adding a pop of natural red colour.
You could also create a pretty wreath of found branches or create one using strands of grapevine, that you can find growing wild and which seem plentiful this year. Then whitewash your wreath for that natural Scandinavian feel. Use the wreath at your party, then hang it indoors or outdoors for an organic touch.
Another easy craft project using natural materials is to create twig name tag flags as place cards for guests at your table. Using homemade place cards at parties can make every guest feel extra special. These whimsical ones are made with twigs and branches, and they help bring the feel of an enchanted forest right to your party table.
Twig Name Tag Flags – Melissa Bahen
Materials and Tools:
Instructions:
Notes:
Tree branch slices are also available from the wood hobby aisle of your local craft store.
If you have a drill with a small-gauge drill bit, it will make holes in your branch slices much faster than a hammer and a nail. Just make sure you use a drill bit that is about the same size around as your twigs.
Scandinavian food is simple, easy
and has a deep respect for the ingredients!
Paul Lowe founder and EIC of Sweet Paul Magazine
Of the many Scandinavian cooking styles that appear in the fall, barbecue, grilled, and smoked foods appeal, thanks to the wonderful warm sensations they bring, along with the range of delicious sauces and sides that make for a perfect meal.
At a typical barbecue or grill party in Sweden in the Autumn, you could expect to find a host of different meat types—something for every taste(!) — including sausages, shellfish, salmon, calf liver, and lamb. Game is also big in the autumn in many Scandinavian countries. The Scandi marinades for meats are not as sweet as traditional sweet barbecue sauces in North America: a simple but well-loved recipe involves marinading meat in a blend of vegetable oil, beer, soy sauce, garlic cloves, onion, and smashed whole black pepper (and a little jalapeño chili if you like things spicy!).
Scandinavians also enjoy celebrating seasonal fruits and vegetables during their barbecue bashes. So skewer up your favourite autumn fruits – including apples, pears and the plentiful late strawberries in this area. And of course, vegetables make the perfect sides, so instead of serving mashed potatoes or fries, you could boost the antioxidant goodness of your meal with grilled root vegetables like squash carrots and parsnips. These ingredients can also form part of a warm soup or sautéed dish to accompany your grilled meats. In later fall, Swedish yellow pea soup will warm your guests up while they are waiting for meat to grill, while a lovely Vitkål sallader (featuring cabbage tossed in a warm vinaigrette) will be perfect once your meat dishes have been served.
Don’t forget to bring our local corn-on-the-cob while it’s available! It’s a staple at most Scandinavian barbecues, as are cherry tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms, and onions. If you love umami flavors, opt for chanterelle or porcini mushrooms. Pop them directly on the grill or in your favorite side soup.
With all these ideas, you are sure to find some you like, and ensure you are popular hosts for get-togethers that extend our precious outdoor days! Enjoy our beautiful days!!
