Embracing the eating-outdoors season

A group of people standing by a row of chairs and small tables set for a party under a decorated pergola in a courtyard.

It’s summer – move activities out in the open air! Even if city living and work limit your choices, long evenings offer plenty of time to gather friends. Maybe an improvised crayfish party?

A row of chairs and small tables in the process of being set for a party under a decorated pergola in a courtyard.

Seek out a spot, set up a camp

Once you’ve decided on a place to meet up at, turning it into a party venue takes little effort. Each group of guests bring their share of seating, decorations and food, and suddenly you have a celebration at hand.

Hands holding a SAMLA box filled with tableware, glass bottles and food containers strapped to IKEA 365+ ice packs.

All the food and drink you can carry

With a bit of prepping, there’s little more than transportation left. Keep food containers close together to preserve the temperature from the fridge for longer. For delicate foods, serve standing on ice packs.

Sunlit table being set for a party, with a heap of KRÄFTOR crayfish on one SMULA tray, cheese and crackers on another.

A surprisingly picnic-friendly menu

A late-summer happening for Scandinavians is the yearly crayfish party. Served pre-cooked and chilled with few accompaniments, they make an ideal choice for a bring-along meal anywhere.

Playful dinner for a circle of soft-toys animals on a PLUFSIG mat by a patch of grass. A SOCKERBIT box with more toys nearby.

A party on the side for the VIPs

While grown-ups tend to enjoy lengthy dinners, not everyone does. To keep young guests happy, it may be useful to bring along a wider selection of activities and company than their parents can offer.

Courtyard setting with a decorated SOLIG net draped over plastic armchairs. A SNIDAD basket of textiles on the ground nearby.

Cosiness stays in, unwanted guests out

Nightfall may also attract less desirable crowds. Hang a mosquito net to keep them out. Add some mood lighting, and your bubble of cosy comfort will be complete.

Several SNIDAD rattan baskets standing on gravel, filled with INGABRITTA throws, GULLKLOCKA cushions and other textiles.

Staying warm into the night

The early evening may be pleasantly mild, but with a long session comes a likely temperature drop. With some warming textiles waiting in the wings, you can simply relax and look forward to a long night.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.