There’s something magical about celebrating life’s sweetest moments under the open sky. Natural lighting, open space for guests to mingle, and a relaxed atmosphere make outdoor gatherings truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning an outdoor wedding, birthday party, baby shower, bridal brunch, or another special event, read on to discover everything you need to know about hosting an outdoor event.
In this post, you’ll find outdoor Atlanta venues, sample menus, tips and tricks for outdoor events, rain plan ideas, and more!
Photo by Mary Hannah Harte.
Atlanta Outdoor
From lush backyard gardens to scenic parks and stylish patio venues, Atlanta offers countless options for an outdoor gathering that feels fresh, relaxed, and joyful. Below are just a few of the venues with outdoor spaces that we have the pleasure of partnering with to create stunning events.
Photo by Eastcreek Photography.
Trees Atlanta
Pictured above, this eco-focused nonprofit rents its Kendeda Center for weddings, social events, and other get-togethers. As a bonus, rental proceeds benefit Trees Atlanta and its programs!
Historic Oakland Cemetery
Standing as Atlanta’s oldest public park, Oakland Cemetery is nestled amidst historic beauty and lush landscapes in the Grant Park neighborhood, near Downtown Atlanta.
Stone Ridge Event Center
This event space in Stone Mountain features beautifully landscaped grounds, an outdoor gazebo, waterfall, vineyard, and relaxing patio.
Westside Warehouse
An industrial-style venue in West Midtown, this spot is perfect for large celebrations. Your group will enjoy plenty of indoor space and 5,000+ square feet of outdoor space and covered patios!
Outdoor Catering
Each outdoor event is unique, and so is our approach to planning it. Whether you’re toasting the married couple-to-be or welcoming a new baby, Avalon Catering offers customizable menus that match your style, dietary preferences, and budget.
Below are just a few outdoor catering ideas to inspire your planning!
Fresh blueberry muffins from our kitchen!
Sample Menu: Outdoor Brunch
- Zeigler’s honey yogurt with housemade gluten-free granola.
- Freshly-sliced seasonal fruit and berries.
- Grits Bar: Anson Mills heirloom grits simmered in Southern Swiss dairy cream, served warm with topping choices of chopped scallions, grated cheddar, crumbled bacon + more.
- Assorted Avalon breakfast scones and muffins + whipped butter.
- Sweet and unsweet iced tea, raspberry lemonade + iced water.
Sample Menu: Elegant Garden Luncheon
- Passed appetizers: petite crab cake + pickled remoulade with fried capers; classic hummus + smoked paprika on a crisp cucumber round.
- French cut Springer Mountain chicken breasts, pan-seared with herbs and sliced, served warm with caramelized onion jus.
- Sides: smashed Yukon Gold potatoes with Southern Swiss dairy cream + whole butter; seasonal vegetables grilled with citrus vinaigrette.
- Tiny Tarts: key lime pie; fruit tart + gluten-free chocolate truffle tart.
- Assorted soft drinks, cucumber mint infused water, still and San Pellegrino sparkling water.
Photo by Amy Arrington Photography
Sample Menu: Outdoor BBQ Buffet
- Pimento cheese + crisp celery sticks with grape tomato garnish.
- BBQ sandwich station: Springer Mountain smoky pulled chicken thighs tossed in pawpaw’s BBQ sauce + Painted Hills beef brisket (spiced, rubbed, smoked and slow-roasted) on organic wheat buns with housemade sauces + pickles.
- Sides: mac ‘n’ cheese, cabbage slaw in tangy vinaigrette, vegan BBQ baked beans with ancho chiles, and sea salt chips.
- Buttery peach crisp with brown sugar cinnamon oat streusel.
- Sweetened and unsweetened iced tea, lemonade, and water.
Sample Menu: Open-Air Wedding
- Chef’s selection of local cheeses with house preserves, roasted nuts, dried fruits, locally baked baguette, rosemary croccantini + crisp crackers.
- Salad: local lettuces, shaved farmer veggies, parmesan crisps + Southern Swiss Dairy buttermilk vinaigrette.
- Choice of grilled sirloin with roasted pepper salad + romesco or slow-roasted salmon with lemon + parsley gremolata.
- Sides: scalloped potatoes simmered in a bay leaf + thyme cream sauced, topped with gruyere cheese; roasted seasonal vegetables with citrus vinaigrette.
- Italian cream wedding cake, filled with raspberry bakery jam and Italian merengue buttercream.
- Full bar + mocktails, assorted soft drinks, sweet and unsweet tea, and water.
Photo by Mary Hannah Harte
Tips &
Planning an outdoor event comes with its own set of perks and a few unique challenges. From weather prep to guest comfort, these tips and tricks will help you create a smooth, stylish celebration under the open sky.
Choose a Menu that Matches Your Setting
Outdoor events call for food that can hold up well in varying temperatures and be served gracefully in an open-air environment. Think: fresh, seasonal ingredients and foods that are easy to eat while mingling outdoors.
At Avalon Catering, we specialize in creating menus that are sustainable, delicious, and event-ready – perfect for everything from brunch in the garden to a wedding reception under the stars! Explore our menus here.
Photo by Kayley Mewbourne
Have a Backup Plan for Rain
Weather can be unpredictable, no matter the season – so it’s always wise to have a backup plan. Whether its’ a sudden rain shower, strong wind, or unexpected heat wave, preparing ahead can bring peace of mind on event day.
From tent rentals to indoor backup options, our full-service event planning team can help you explore options and ensure everything runs smoothly, no matter the forecast.
Think Ahead About Guest Comfort
Offer thoughtful touches like fold-up fans and a water bottle at each seat during hot summer months, cozy blankets for cooler evenings, and plenty of seating options for guests of all ages.
A welcome drink and/or snack upon arrival can also help guests feel welcome and refreshed from the moment they arrive.
Light Things Up After Dark
If your event will spill into dusk or evening hours, think ahead about your lighting options. String lights, lanterns, and candles can add warmth and ambiance while also helping guests navigate uneven terrain safely.
Don’t forget about lighting for key areas like seating assignments, menu details, and food and drink stations!
End on a Thoughtful Note
Thoughtful touches can elevate your gathering and make it even more special.
Consider offering to-go desserts with custom toppers—perfect for guests to enjoy on the ride home or the next morning with a cup of coffee. Handwritten thank-you notes, personalized place cards, or small party favors can also leave a lasting impression. These little details show your guests they’re appreciated and add an extra layer of care to your celebration.
After all, it’s the personal touches and shared memories that turn a beautiful event into an unforgettable one.
Rest Easy & Let Our Team Handle the Details!
With over 30 years of experience and a passion for seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, Avalon Catering brings the perfect balance of flavor, hospitality, and elegance to every event.
Our full-service offerings mean you can relax and be fully present while we take care of the logistics. Whether you’re hosting a sunny spring shower, a sophisticated luncheon, or an afternoon garden party, we’re here to help make it unforgettable.
Ready to start planning your event? Let’s make it fresh, flavorful, and flawlessly executed. Reach out below and a member of our team will be in touch!
