Easy Tips for Outdoor Entertaining
It’s summer and everyone wants to live outside. So I’ve put together some of my best tips for outdoor entertaining!
Dinner is el fresco at our house almost every single night in the summer. Unless it’s rained – we are eating on the backyard deck. Why? Why the heck not?! 🙂 Summers are beautiful in Colorado and we try to enjoy them to the fullest. So that means, we love to host all of our guests outdoors as well. So if you are like us, I’ve got some fabulous tips for outdoor entertaining!
The best part about entertaining outdoors is no matter the size, you can make any space a great location to lounge with family and friends. So start by creating several relaxing zones.
Front Porch
Take for instance our front porch area. It is super small but I searched and found furniture that fits into this tiny area perfectly. And now we have a great place to hang outside with the boys or guests on the front side of our home.
And you know what else is fantastic about this sitting area under our covered front porch? I now have a fabulous place to sit during any summer rain shower. 🙂
FRONT PORCH SOURCES: Striped Rug | Doormat | Baskets | Ferns (Live – from Lowe’s) | Faux White Poppy Flower | Lanterns (similar) | Seating Area Rug | Bench | Navy Pillows | Coffee Table | Black Planter | Side Chair | Column Fire Pit | White Water Can | White Planters |
Dining Area
The backyard deck is another great place to entertain. Since it is larger and can accommodate more people and activities, this is our main outdoor hosting area.
The thing we love to do most outdoors in the summer is eat (of course!). But we love to lounge in the backyard as well. So, in order to meet all our needs, I divided the deck into two zones. The first being an outdoor patio deck dining area.
This area can easily seat any party from 2-6. Maybe even seven if we squeeze together. 🙂 If there’s more people, we can easily stretch out into the lounge side of the deck.
PATIO DECK DINING AREA SOURCES: Table | Chairs | Striped Pillows | Bench | Umbrella (Similar Here) | Rattan Ceramic Planters | Lanterns | Outdoor Flameless Timer Candles | Striped Plates | Gray Rattan Placemats | Mini Ceramic Citronella Candles |
Lounging Area
On the other side of our backyard deck is the second zone. This is our best outdoor lounging area. It’s a go-to morning coffee spot or the evening unwind-from-the-day seat. 🙂
By creating two zones on this one deck, we can do more outdoor entertaining even in a small space. So outdoor zones really help you make the most of your homes outdoor offerings.
LOUNGE AREA SOURCES: Reversible Rug | Bench (similar) | Side Chairs (similar) | Coffee Table (similar) | Black Ottomans (similar) | Light Gray Pillows | Reversible Striped Pillows |Charcoal Gray Patterned Pillows | Black Pot | Striped Pot | Oversized Black Planters | Large Citronella Candle | Lanterns | Flameless Timer Candles | Wall Planters |
Hammock Area
Another zone I have for entertaining outdoors is our backyard hammock oasis. This is personally one of my absolute favorite outdoor spaces!
It’s a great place to tuck away for a hammock snuggle for two. Heck – even the boys love to chill here together in the early evening hours after dinner. Little outdoor zones like these are perfect for entertaining!
HAMMOCK AREA SOURCES: Hammock Stand | Hammock | String Lights | Black and White Pillows | Lanterns | Flameless Candles | Black Weaved Ottoman (similar)
Remember Guest Essentials for Outdoor Entertaining
Being prepared for whatever your guests may need outside is always a good idea. I like to start by placing lots of citronella candles throughout our outdoor entertaining areas.
But don’t stop there! Place baskets in your outdoor zones stocked with bug spray and sunscreen. An extra nice touch is to even include a few sweaters or sweatshirts so your friends and family can easily reach for them if they get chilly.
Keep The Menu Simple
When it comes to outdoor entertaining and the food, here’s something I don’t want you to do — try so hard!
Let’s just stop and think about it for a minute: Everybody loves a hot dog, everybody loves a hamburger, everyone loves tacos and everyone loves some delicious corn on the cob. Add some ice cream sandwiches for dessert. The meal is done and everyone is thrilled! Summer food should be simple and make us feel like we were six again, just out in the sun having fun.
Charcuterie boards are also an excellent option for outdoor entertaining. This epic charcuterie board you see here, took me all of about 10 minutes to put together!
Keep the drink options simple as well. This simple mojito is so refreshing and very easy to make. You’re guests will love it!
Bring Indoor Comforts Out
Now that you know where you’d like to set up your zones and have planned your menu, it’s time to bring the indoors out. I like to add soft, textured layers to really make the zone areas feel cozy and welcoming.
Some of my favorite ways to do this is by adding outdoor rugs, pillows and blankets. It’s those little extra touches that can really make your guests enjoy their outdoor experience.
I hope you found all these tips helpful. And that way your next outdoor gathering will be a huge success for both you and your guests!
Don’t forget to PIN this so you can easily find these tips for outdoor entertaining later!
And speaking of outdoor entertaining, I have even more helpful ideas below from my friends. Be sure to check them out!
Make Simple Pizzas On The Grill // Most Lovely Things
24 Outdoor Dining and Entertaining Tips For Your Backyard // Twelve On Main
Creating An Outdoor Dining Experience // My Sweet Savannah
Summer Outdoor Dining Ideas // My 100 Year Old Home
Outdoor Entertaining Ideas For Your Backyard // Modern Glam
Easy Tips For Outdoor Entertaining // Inspiration For Moms
Fruity Sangria Recipe // Happy Happy Nester
Poolside Happy Hour Entertaining Ideas // Life Is Better At Home
Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes & Summer Entertaining Ideas // The Happy Housie
Love all of your outdoor spaces and tips Laura!