How To Host A Dinner Outside.

Byline: INTERVIEWS BY CARA LITKE, EMILY HSIEH, SARAH VAN BOVEN, AND DANIELLE PERGAMENT

Expert advice on throwing a summer dinner party, sending flowers, and more.

An Interview With Katie Brown

Brown is the author of Katie Brown's Outdoor Entertaining (Little, Brown and Company) and the host of PBS's Katie Brown Workshop.

A lot of hosts are intimidated by the idea of an alfresco dinner party, but they shouldn't be. Not only does being in nature automatically put people in a good mood, it also lowers their expectations a little. No one is anticipating a five-course meal, so you can really impress your guests.

Lighten up. The flattering light at dusk is great for cocktails. Scatter plenty of candles around; I like putting them in old canning jars or other found objects, rather than hurricane lamps. Light them before people arrive, even if the sun hasn't set. The candlelight will change and evolve with the evening.

Keep it simple. When you are surrounded by greenery, decorating is easy. I like the simplest flower arrangements for the table, like a line of small vases, each containing a single bloom. Or skip flowers altogether--a bowl of lemons or even beautiful eggplants makes a nice centerpiece. Natural materials like seashells, an interesting branch, or even a bird's nest can add an unexpected note.