Love Entertaining? 5 Things Your Backyard Must Have

Turn Your Backyard Into a Summer Entertainment Paradise

Summer is the perfect time to host fun events, and what better place to put on an entertaining get-together than your own backyard? Follow these simple tips and your outdoor space will go from ho-hum to awesome quicker than you can say, “Pass the potato salad!”

It’s All About the Lighting in the Backyard

During the day, you might not think too much about the lighting in your backyard. But as the day turns into evening, making sure your lighting sets the right mood is crucial. Great lighting turns a backyard into a wonderful space to spend time, whether you’re celebrating with friends, or curling up with your favorite book for some quiet time.

There are plenty of cool ways to bring the magic of lighting design to your outdoor space. String lights can be a wonderful addition, and they’re available in a wide array of aesthetically pleasing styles. Solar-powered path lights are an excellent choice for walkways, where they’ll add visual interest and keep you and your guests from falling prey to potential tripping hazards.

Solar spotlights are the smart choice for when you want to light up your backyard’s most attractive features. If you have an especially pretty tree or a cool sculpture, why not shed some light on it so you can enjoy it after dark?

You can also get crafty with your lighting choices. Create wall-mounted torches using old wine bottles, or hang an old chandelier from a tree and equip it with solar bulbs. Hang canning jars from your fence railings; drop votive candles inside, and voila! You’ll have appealing outdoor lanterns that are sure to add a warm glow to your next gathering.

Green Thumb

If the greenery in your backyard looks a little haphazard, maybe it’s time to do some landscaping. Start by getting rid of weeds and other unwanted plants. If you have a lawn that’s more dandelions and grass, consider laying fresh sod.

Then, it’s time to follow your muse. Raised garden beds, wine barrel planters, and hanging plants can all add a sense of panache to your backyard. Fruit and vegetable beds can help reduce your grocery bills, and your guests are sure to enjoy fresh strawberries or tomatoes. Plant trees in areas that could use a bit more shade, and you’ll create extra space for seating guests at your next event.

A Private Paradise

Privacy is one of the best features a backyard can have if it’s going to be used for entertaining. If your yard already has a privacy fence, then you’re set.

If a previous owner installed a chain-link fence to cut costs, consider buying some privacy slats or fence weave to give your space a more secluded feel.

Fire It Up

During a chilly evening, fire pits become natural focal points. There’s something mesmerizing about a crackling fire, and we all love chatting while basking in the warm glow. If you’d like, you can dig your own fire pit, but there are lots of cool ready-made outdoor fireplaces and chimineas on the market.

Have a Seat

In order to truly enjoy your backyard, you’ll need plenty of places for you and your guests to sit. Surround your fire pit with cozy fireproof chairs. Set up a hammock and a tire swing. Spray-paint some folding chairs with outdoor paint to keep them from rusting, while giving them a splash of extra color to brighten up the patio.

Enjoy Your Backyard

Once you’ve got your backyard set up for entertaining, make sure you take advantage of it. Invite over some friends to show off your great backyard hangout. They’re sure to be impressed with all the work you’ve done to create an amazing space just outside your home!