Tips for Summer Outdoor Entertaining

Make sure you have enough seating, whether it is chairs, benches or sofas. A garden stool works as seating for some as well. If you have raised beds or planters that are 18 inches high and deep enough, they can also double as seating.

Give your seating extra oomph with a pillowrefresh this summer. Look for new patterns and statement pillows for a fresh look in easy-to-clean fabrics that resist fading.

Keep the sun’s heat at bay with a patio umbrella, especially a cantilever umbrella. Your icy drinks will last longer and taste cooler when the sun is on the other side of the umbrella. 

Light up your outdoor party with string lights for a soft ambience. String lights are perfect for backyard parties and add a level of fun and elegance all at the same time. Choose outdoor string lights that use G30, G40 or G50 bulbs or energy-saving LED bulbs. Drape multiple string light sets over your deck to create a well-lit area for guests. Remember to light the pathways around your home with LED landscape lighting.

• Add paper lanterns to your overhead lighting to enhance the festive mood.
• Try inexpensive tea lights set in glass jars to help with the ambience.

A fire pit creates a cozy environment on cool summer nights. Fire pits are popular with homeowners that want a well-lit atmosphere that doesn’t take up a lot of patio space. All you’ll need is s’mores and someone to tell stories.

Music is essential for an outdoor party. It creates the mood and keeps your guests entertained. Create a playlist appropriate to the gathering in advance, then place water-resistant Bluetooth speakers outside to create a backdrop to conversation and fun.

Do not put up with uninvited guests like mosquitoes, flies and gnats. Keep pests away from your friends and your feast with a collection of insect repellent products. You can keep a basket of insect repellent sprays near the door and place citronella candles and insect zapper lanterns throughout your space. Tiki torches bring party flair and the scent of citronella to protect the perimeter of your party.

Place a cart outside to make sure everyone has a drink close to hand. Stock a portable bar cart with glasses, plates and buckets of ice to create a drink station that can be wheeled to wherever your guests are on your patio or deck.

Show off your green thumb when you cook fresh edibles like herbs and vegetables from your garden. “Garden” can mean the pot of basil by the front door or your own vine-ripened tomatoes or watermelon.

Keep pots of rosemary and thyme by the grill, and if you have a sunny patio, try growing jalapenos and other chilies. Check out the Garden Club recipe for homemade herb butter to flavor grilled steak.

Encourage guests to serve themselves. Install a kitchen island as a buffet station near the patio grill or bring out one with wheels on it. Everyone can grab what they want, which leaves more time for you to be a host to your guests.