About Indianapolis
Indianapolis, the bustling capital of Indiana, is known as the Crossroads of America and can be found at the heart of the Midwest. Famous for its auto racing, the Indy 500, this great city also boasts a rich history in music and culture.
But Indianapolis is not only about the culture; it also offers delicious dining experiences! You can enjoy traditional Midwest fares like steak dinners and pork tenderloin sandwiches at local diners or sample international cuisine like Mexican street tacos or Middle Eastern hummus plates.
Of course, you do not have to stay inside for dinner; for a more romantic setting, there are plenty of outdoor venues to explore for your dinner party needs. From riverside BBQs to candlelit dinners on rooftop patios overlooking downtown buildings and savory dishes to stunning sunsets, Indianapolis does not disappoint!
Outdoor Dinner Party Options in Indianapolis
- Personal Chef
A personal chef is perfect for those who want high-end cuisine prepared especially for their guests without using a traditional catering service. A personal chef creates custom menus tailored to your preferences and prepares everything onsite to provide freshly made meals.
- Barbecue Grill
Having an outdoor barbecue grill adds an exciting element to any dinner party, as guests can watch the food being cooked right before their eyes! It keeps everyone entertained while waiting for their meals and adds flavor to any dish.
- Bar Services
Bar services add an extra element of fun and luxury to any outdoor dinner party. Professional bartenders mix drinks based on requests from guests or work off of prearranged menus with specially chosen cocktails that pair nicely with any cuisine served at your gathering.
- Rentals
Renting is an excellent option for outdoor dinner parties, as it provides the necessary equipment for hosting a successful event. Options include renting tables, chairs, and decorations, such as canopies, string lights, or tents.
Outdoor Dinner Party Vendors in Indianapolis
- Dining with Jason
Dining with Jason is a premium food service that offers a wide range of custom dinner options to cater to all your event needs. The owner, Chef Jason, has extensive experience in the food industry and has learned techniques from some of the best chefs and restaurateurs during his 18 years of experience. From private dining at home to catering special events, his appreciation for elegant meals and quality ingredients will exceed your expectations and create lasting memories.
- Just Call Kate
Just Call Kate is revolutionizing the way we enjoy drinks on special occasions. Kate, the owner of this exceptional service, is an Indiana native who enjoys traveling the world. Her vintage Italian Piaggio Ape, from Italy to Poland for a complete renovation, is equipped with top-of-the-line equipment to ensure your drink stays chilled and refreshing. Whether you prefer beer, wine, craft cocktails, kombucha, or cold brew, Kate and her team of licensed bartenders will have you covered.
- Uncommonly Styled
Uncommonly Styled is a rental service that provides beautifully styled table designs for special occasions. Uncommonly Styled offers a wide selection of unique place settings, glassware, flatware, and stunning decor delivered to your doorstep. With their full-service approach, they take care of everything from the delivery and set up to the cleaning up afterward.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Dinner Party Venues in Indianapolis
Outdoor dinner parties are an increasingly popular summer activity in Indianapolis, as the warm weather and beautiful outdoor settings provide the perfect backdrop for these celebrations. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to hosting an outdoor dinner party.
Advantages
- With its picturesque landscapes and lush greenery, Indianapolis provides the ideal backdrop for a lovely outdoor dinner party.
- Planning an outdoor dinner party in Indianapolis allows guests to enjoy the beauty of nature while gathering with their loved ones.
- An outdoor dinner party allows guests to make the most of the summer sun and enjoy light breezes without feeling too hot or uncomfortable.
Disadvantages
- Rain and other inclement weather can dampen an outdoor event, especially without a backup plan.
- When dining outside in Indiana, there is potential for unwanted pests such as mosquitoes or flies to join your guests at the table, which can be bothersome during meals!
- Depending on where you host your event, noise restrictions that limit how sound levels could affect the occasion.
Tips on How to Organize Outdoor Dinner Parties in Indianapolis
Hosting an outdoor dinner party in Indianapolis can be exciting and engaging. With the fresh air and stunning scenery, there are plenty of possibilities to make the evening memorable. To help ensure your next outdoor dinner party in Indy is a success, here are some tips to ensure all your guests have a great time.
- Choose the Right Location: Think about conducive spaces, like parks with benches, gazebos, other outdoor structures, public gardens, or even backyards. Make sure to research any rules about hosting gatherings at these locations beforehand.
- Make Your Setting Cozy: Bring some blankets for guests to sit on and maybe even string up fun lights or hang decorations. You can also bring candles for table settings and portable heaters, if necessary, depending on the time of year.
- Consider Catering Options: Get a food truck that caters to events like yours! Not only do they provide delicious food, but they often come with additional services like linens and silverware rentals, so you do not have to worry about those details.
- Use Fun Decorations: Whether wildflowers from a garden center, balloons, or even art pieces from local artists, add small touches that make the atmosphere stand out and give it an extra layer of visual interest!
- Bring Music & Games: Have speakers ready so you can play whatever music fits your fancy while gathering around after dinner for a little lively competition (if desired). Have board games available, especially those that bring everyone together around one table.
Famous Locations in Indianapolis
- Funky Bones
Funky Bones, a sculpture at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, is a human skeleton representation featuring 20 fiberglass benches shaped like bones. Artist Joep Van Lieshout drew inspiration from his interest in pre-history and the human body to create this site-specific artwork for the public to enjoy. The design invites visitors to rest and picnic among the bone-shaped benches that emerge from the ground like archeological specimens. They form a cohesive, stylized skeleton from an aerial view, making this sculpture a must-see for art lovers visiting the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
- Newfields
Newfields is a vast 152-acre campus in Indianapolis that houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Visitors can explore a marvelous collection of European art, African tribal art, South Pacific art, Chinese works, and a grand gallery dedicated to contemporary and modern design in the US. The campus also features Oldfields Lilly House & Gardens, the historic mansion and flowery grounds of the Lilly pharmaceutical family, comprising 22 rooms. Besides, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park boasts modern sculptures amid 100 acres of woodlands and provides a free and open art experience every day from sunrise to sunset.
- Old Northside
Nestled in the heart of Indianapolis is the Old Northside, a neighborhood steeped in history and character. The charming streets are lined with historic homes and new construction, creating a winning mix of old and new. For those with a passion for culture and history, there are two fascinating attractions located within the neighborhood: the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site and the Morris-Butler House Museum. For anyone who desires a taste of culture and an appreciation for history, this neighborhood is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings.