Backyard Ramadan Iftar

This was our outdoor Iftar summer of 2018. We love the way it all came together and the memories that came with it!

The morning of our gathering I decided to set up outdoors last minute. I’ve always wanted to host a Outdoor Ramadan Iftar Party.  Considering that Ramadan changes each year with the lunar moon, I wanted to take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy a backyard gathering.

I worked with what I had on hand and kept it simple with disposable plates and tableclothes. As Iftar takes place at sundown, I set the ambiance with lanterns and twinkle lights placed throughout the table and patio. Pretty napkins and simple touches of greenery elevated the table setting. As the sun was setting we began with an outdoor group prayer followed by our meal under the stars. It was honestly the perfect night and the memory makes me smile everytime!

When I have a large crowd I like to keep things simple. However, I have no chill and had to make everything pretty! Let these photos inspire you with how easy it is to make entertaining with disposables look good!

Here are some tips for easy and affordable entertaining:

-Generally, if I’m only hosting 1 to 2 families, I like to use my nice platters, glass dishes, and good tableware. Larger crowds, paper plates and foil containers for food all the way for quick and easy clean up!! I want to sit down and enjoy my guests instead of spending my evening in front of the sink!

-Next pick a theme. Here I was going for the cozy Ramadan nights feel. These glass lanterns filled with fairy lights instantly added an element of style to the table. Next I added a framed print from @bloomsandbubbles1 , some greenery, citronella candles, and a couple bowls of dates. Love these hammered bowls from @preschoice @realcanadiansuperstore 

I like to use the Square @royalchinet plates, they instantly make things look nicer. I added pretty napkins to each plate, as well as a bag of chocolate covered dates from @chocodate . The tags I used are my favorite from @inmystudio_

-Seating: Everyone should have a folding table. They come in handy and are easy to store. I rented chairs from a local company, and was surprised at how affordable they were at under $2 a chair. Matching chairs keep everything nice and streamlined. I had a couple little picnic tables on hand for the kids. Wrapping paper was used as a runner to jazz it up! No kids table no problem! Children love a picnic style meal on the ground. I love the flannel backed wipeable table clothes from the dollar store and always have some on hand.

And there you have it! Please let me know if you have any other tips or easy hacks to add in the comments

xo Sal