Moonlight Entertaining
Whether it is Autumn or Spring where you live, entertaining by moonlight is an experience worth having. My ideas will be geared toward Autumn moonlight entertaining, because it's Autumn where I live.
October, here in Northeastern America, is filled with beauty and, often, finicky weather. Indian summer can last for two days or a week or so. When it hits, it's time to enjoy the chill in the air, and the shorter days.
Just because it is no longer Summer, doesn't mean you can't still use your barbecue. All you need to do is break out the sweaters and the charcoal. Cooking, and eating, outdoors in Autumn is invigorating, and makes the food taste even better.
The first thing you want to concentrate on is the lighting. Don't worry, you're not going to have to hire an electrician. Hurricane lamps work great outdoors. They last a long time and won't get blown out by any stiff breezes. If you're going the casual rout, use your camping lanterns. If you are blessed with a full moon and no clouds, one lamp or lantern should do just fine. If you have access to an electrical outlet outside, a string of clear Christmas lights makes a nice alternative.
You may want to forego a tablecloth, because Autumn tends to be quite breezy. You want every one to enjoy their experience, not spend their time chasing the tablecloth around in the dark.
Even if you're planning a casual get together, use your real dinnerware. Don't use paper plates and plastic cutlery. It's not summer any more. Autumn calls for more sturdy fare.
For your food, you'll want to plan something hearty. Remember, it will be chilly. Serve stick-to-your ribs foods, such as Chili, or even hot bowls of homemade soup. One-bowl or dish meals are easier and more fun. See below for the recipes, which can be cooked ahead inside, and just served outside. Or for our friends way up north, Moose burgers cooked on the grill.
Beverages can be cold and/or hot. A nice imported beer goes nicely with these dishes. You could opt for hot mulled cider, or hot cocoa, if you want to go alcohol free. And it goes without saying that a nice hot cup of coffee after dinner would just hit the spot.
OK, we've discussed the lighting, the cooking, and now it's time to talk music. A simple portable stereo is all you really need. You don't want to bother the neighbors, or any nocturnal critters that might be near by. It might make a good story for the future, but you don't want to anger the neighborhood skunks.
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