Spring and summer are seasons for enjoying the outdoors. Outdoor gatherings with food is the perfect excuse to spend time with family, friends, and neighbors. Outdoor gatherings are also a tradition in the summer and for summer holidays.
Dessert is the highlight of any meal. Whether you are hosting a cookout, BBQ, or an outdoor family style picnic a dessert table will be a focal point. You can even host a gathering around the dessert table alone without a meal.
Some things to consider when planning your dessert table are the season and climate, and the intrusiveness of uninvited guests like insects. Given these factors, some desserts are much better suited to outdoors than others. Let’s take a look at the best desserts for warm weather outdoors and setting your dessert table as an outdoor focal point.
Best Desserts to Serve Outdoors in Warm Weather
Cream desserts whether it be custards, whipped creams, or pastry creams, do not hold up well in warm weather. These need to be kept chilled to maintain food safety and to maintain structure. No one wants a drippy, runny cake with layers sliding off.
Also anything outside of a chilled environment (greater than 40F) is a food safety hazard as bacteria grows rapidly and lead to food poisoning.
The Best Desserts to Serve Outdoors:
cakes, cookies, brownies, bars, pies, and tarts - without pastry cream.
Dessert Suggestions for Outdoor Gatherings
Apple Pie or Tarte Tatin
Peach Cobbler
Rhubarb Crumble
Cherry Pie
Blondies: Southern Pecan Chewies
Cherry Bars and Lemon Bars
Setting the Dessert Table: Fun & Festive Outdoor Dessert Tables
Just because your gathering is outdoors, don’t let it be too casual. The goal is attraction - a magnetic appeal that feels warm, welcoming, and comfortable.
Soft, thick textured linens go a long way to adding comfort that makes people want to linger.
Seasonal colors for spring and summer in floral or botanical patterns set the tone for the season and festivities. Solid color thick, textured cloth napkins complement the theme and grounding it instead of competing for attention.
Decorate your dessert table with vases filled with fresh flowers or botanicals. I often cut branches from shrubs in my garden and they look lovely. Choose your decor style and set it with pieces in that style showing up consistently in vases, dishes, chargers, and trays.
For a rustic vibe go with natural materials like wood and rattan. Stoneware mixes in well with a rustic aesthetic.
For a more provencal look combine ceramics with natural woods.
For a more polished look choose ceramics, sterling silver, stainless steel, brass, and gold.
For an urban chic look choose monotone shades of a single color layered in linens and pot holders.
Have Fun Entertaining with an Outdoor Dessert Table
Step up your socializing in the spring and summer by inviting people over for dessert outdoors. Dress up your cookouts and picnics with a stunning outdoor dessert table that will be much appreciated.