Summer is the season of outdoor living, and there’s nothing quite like hosting friends and family in the comfort of your own backyard. Creating the perfect outdoor entertaining space lets you soak up the warm weather with friends and family. Here’s how you can blend useful elements with stylish touches to make your backyard a welcoming hangout spot.
Set the Mood
Start by setting a fun, relaxing vibe with the right lighting and music. It makes such a big difference in creating an inviting outdoor atmosphere. Hanging string lights are an absolute must — they cast the coziest glow once the sun starts to set. You can drape them overhead, wrap them around trees or pergolas, or even run them along fences and railings.
As the main event after dark, scatter some decorative lanterns throughout the space too. Go for a mix of sizes and styles, like classic lanterns with patterned cutouts or more modern forms in sleek metallic finishes. Group a few together on tables or stagger them along pathways. Their flickering candlelight is so warm and welcoming.
No outdoor lounge setup is complete without some lively tunes so invest in a quality Bluetooth speaker or wire an outdoor sound system into your space. That way, you can effortlessly stream your favorite playlists and get the party vibes going. Make sure to choose something with great bass for those breezy summer nights filled with singing and dancing under the stars.
Prioritize Comfortable Seating
Comfortable seating is a must for any outdoor lounge area. Load up on plush, weather-resistant patio furniture with durable cushions. You want pieces that feel super cozy yet can stand up to the elements. Look for sturdy frames crafted from materials like aluminum or wicker that won’t rust or rot when left outside. The cushions should also have removable covers made from solution-dyed fabrics that resist fading from sun exposure.
Scatter some small side tables around the lounge area too for holding drinks and snacks. Look for weather-resistant tables crafted from high-quality aluminum or materials like ceramic and wicker that can withstand moisture. They’ll give guests a handy surface to rest their beverage or plate without juggling. Side tables with a lower shelf or interior storage are also super useful for stashing outdoor entertaining essentials.
Shade and Privacy
To balance sun and shade, add adjustable awnings, pergolas, or large patio umbrellas. They’ll give you some relief on scorching days when you need a break from catching rays. Retractable awnings are super versatile — you can adjust them to provide filtered shade or full coverage depending on your needs.
Pergolas add architectural interest too and give you the option to hang curtains or grow vines for extra ambiance. As for umbrellas, go big or go home. An oversized cantilever umbrella keeps a prime outdoor lounging or dining area nicely shaded.
Lush Greenery and Vibrant Accents
No outdoor oasis is complete without lush greenery. Fill planters with low-maintenance flowers, succulents, or leafy greens to add a vibrant, fresh touch. It gives such an inviting, natural vibe to your space.
Potted plants and hanging baskets overflowing with colorful blooms can brighten up any seating area too. For an even bigger impact, you could install a vertical garden wall. It’s a showstopping way to incorporate tons of lovely greenery.
Another idea is to hang some decorative pieces like metal sun sculptures, brightly painted terra cotta pots, or funky wind chimes. Eclectic outdoor accents add a big dose of personality. And making space for fun accessories like oversized outdoor games (think: jumbo Connect Four or Jenga) keeps things playful and whimsical too.
Relax and Recharge
With some smart planning and stylish touches, you can craft the ultimate outdoor space for entertaining. From casual cookouts to festive soirees, your revamped backyard setup will be the envy of all your guests.