Summer Essentials for Backyard Entertaining

With summer in full swing, I wanted to pop in and share my go-to essentials for summer backyard entertaining! You may remember this past spring when we recently completed our patio makeover, and since then we have been enjoying this space nonstop. I love entertaining to begin with, and getting together with friends and family in the summer is the perfect excuse to get outside and relax. So here are some of my summer essentials for easy backyard entertaining.

Get Comfy : 

To really make outdoor spaces inviting and comfortable I bring my inside necessities out. This means extra throw pillows, little side tables, nothing is off limits. I think sometimes we tell ourselves we can’t use items outside because they aren’t weather proof, but if we are just bringing them out temporarily, then there is no harm.

I load up our new all-weather wicker sofa and adirondack chairs with different sized plush throw pillows. This creates a welcoming place to plop down and relax, with all the comforts an indoor sofa would provide.

Light it Up! : 

It’s no secret, we all like twinkle lights!! What better way to help light up the summer night sky than by adding twinkle lights to your backyard? Their soft glow adds a magical feel to any outdoor space, along with much need light that assures the fun doesn’t have to stop once the stars come out.

Another great way to add light to you backyard entertaining area is filling large hurricane and jugs with candles. Placing the candles in glass jars casts a soft glow, while also blocking the flame from those summer breezes that might tend to blow candles out otherwise. It also keeps them safe from being knocked over if anyone bumps into it.

A fire pit is another great way to add light to your backyard entertaining, never mind how it creates an instant gathering place. Here we dry stacked patio pavers in a circle to create a fuss free fire pit that blends in with the rest of the space when it’s not being used. 

Go Casual : 

Make entertaining fuss free by using trays and buckets to transfer items outside, and keep things easily contained. A metal tub filled with ice is an easy way to allow guests to help themselves as the like to a cold beverage, and means less running around for you!

A garden stool not only provides additional seating when needed, when strategically placed, it also makes a perfect landing spot for beverages or plates full of food, so your guests can kick back and relax with ease. 

Add Plants :

This might go without saying, but don’t forget to layer different sized planters around your space. I know when entertaining outside you may think this isn’t needed, with trees and grass all around. However, look at adding planters as the “knick-knacks” you would use to decorate inside your home. It’s the little accessories that really fill in the space – or dead space rather – so don’t forget to add some plants!

I use a variety of different sizes and materials when bringing in planters, this helps add height and texture to my space, but also feels purposeful, because after all we are outside!

I hope you enjoyed these tips, and get out there and enjoy summer. And remember it’s supposed to be easy, laid back and fuss free is my kind of entertaining! 

Want to shop our post? Here are some of the items used to create our outdoor spaces :

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