The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your backyard is calling out for some summer entertainment! With warm weather on its way, it’s time to get your outdoor space ready for hosting guests. But where do you start? We’ve got you covered! We’ll go over how to prepare your outdoor space so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy summer gatherings. From creating cozy seating areas to adding a few simple touches of decor, let’s make summer entertaining easy and stress-free!
Entertaining Essentials
When hosting guests during the summer months, there are a few key elements that will make your outdoor space more enjoyable for everyone. By taking some time to prep your space before guests arrive, you can ensure that everyone has a good time.
Here are a few entertaining essentials for your summer gatherings:
- Comfortable seating: Make sure you have enough seating for all of your guests. If you’re using lawn chairs or folding chairs, be sure to provide cushions or blankets for added comfort. For an ultra-stylish touch, these outdoor egg chairs could make a wonderful focal point.
- Shade: The sun can be brutal during the summer months, so it’s important to provide shade for your guests. Set up umbrellas or tents over seating areas so people can stay cool and avoid getting sunburned.
- Cool drinks: Have a cooler filled with ice-cold beverages for your guests to enjoy. Water, iced tea, and lemonade are always welcome on a hot day. For the alcohol drinkers, consider making a batch of Sangria or Moscow Mules ahead of time so people can serve themselves throughout the gathering.
- Light snacks: No one wants to eat a big meal in the heat, but having some light snacks on hand will tide people over until dinner is ready. Chips and dip, fruits and veggies, and finger sandwiches are all great options.
- Good music: Summer gatherings are more fun when there’s good music playing in the background. Whether you create a playlist beforehand or let the mood of the day and guests dictate what you play, make sure that it’s not too loud so that people can still hold their conversations.
Outdoor Cooking And Dining Tips
Assuming you have a basic setup for outdoor cooking and dining (a grill, table, etc.), there are a few simple preparations that can make your summer grilling more enjoyable for both you and your guests.
To start, always make sure your grill is clean before use. This will help ensure food cooks evenly and tastes great. Also, be sure to check the propane level in your grill before firing it up – you don’t want to run out of gas in the middle of cooking!
When prepping food for the grill, try to do as much as possible ahead of time. This way you can enjoy socializing with your guests rather than being stuck at the grill all night. Marinating meats or vegetables beforehand is a great way to infuse flavor without spending a lot of time at the grill.
Don’t forget about dessert! Grilled fruit is always a hit in the summertime. Simply cut up some fresh fruit, toss with a little sugar and cinnamon, and place on the grill for a few minutes. You’ll have perfectly grilled fruit that’s perfect for topping off any meal.
Landscaping Tips
In summer, your outdoor space becomes just as important as your indoor space – if not more! After all, that’s where your guests will be spending most of their time! There are a lot of tools you can use to tidy the space up before your guests come around: a weed whacker, lawn mower, blower, or even just shears to prune the deadheads on your plants. Basic lawn care steps can make your space look much more friendly and inviting. Then, there are some more complex tips for making sure your outdoor space is ready for entertaining:
- Make sure the temperature is comfortable. The temperature in your outdoor space should be comfortable for your guests, whether it’s hot or cold outside. If it’s too hot, provide shady areas and fans; if it’s too cold, provide heaters and cozy blankets.
- Add some greenery. Greenery adds life to any space, so add some potted plants or flowers around your seating area to create a more inviting atmosphere.
- Keep the bugs at bay. Nothing ruins a good time faster than pesky mosquitoes! Keep them at bay by using citronella candles or torches, or invest in an electric mosquito zapper.
- Keep surfaces clean and level. If you want to keep your guests safe while they admire your outdoor space, make sure that surfaces are clean and level – no one should trip over your landscaping efforts!
Creating Ambience With Lights
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, pool party, or just having a few people over for drinks, preparing your outdoor space ahead of time will make entertaining a breeze.
One of the most important things to consider when prepping your outdoor area for guests is ambiance. You want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed, so creating the right atmosphere is key.
Outdoor lighting plays a role in ambiance. String lights around your patio or deck for a warm and inviting glow. If things are going to be going on late into the evening, you could even consider adding a fire pit or chimenea into the space. These will add an extra level of coziness and atmosphere. Just be sure to keep them far away from any flammable materials and never leave burning fires unattended.
Conclusion
Summer entertaining can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience with the right amount of preparation. We hope that our article has provided you with useful tips to make your outdoor space perfect for your guests. With a few tweaks, you’ll be ready to throw the best summer party ever! So get creative, have fun decorating, and don’t forget to invite us!
