What better reason to throw a soirée than to celebrate the return of summer? Now that the dormant winter months have waned, your backyard is full of life again and presents itself as the picture-perfect backdrop for a party. Prepare for a season worth celebrating by arranging your own outdoor entertaining area. You’ll be ready to party in no time.
Positioning and Foundation. Start by assessing your outdoor space, deck, or patio to determine the best location for your setup. Although you can position furniture differently for each event, start with a spot that provides plenty of room and a sturdy foundation. If you don’t already have a patio, consider laying outdoor flooring made of natural stone, wood, concrete, brick, or tile. It’s important to consider positioning relative to other features in your backyard. If you have a swimming pool, make sure your entertaining space is close enough to communicate with pool guests but far enough away to be out of the splash zone.
Climate. There’s no way to get around the weather when throwing an outdoor shindig, but you can be prepared for the atmospheric possibilities. Consider incorporating a pergola, patio awning, or shade umbrellas to provide respite from the elements. If you live in a particularly humid region, an outdoor ceiling fan on a covered patio will make comfortable entertaining a breeze. If you live in an area where evenings turn chilly, opt for a mobile patio heater or a fire pit.
Seating. Keep climate and durability in mind when selecting outdoor seating. For benches, chairs, and tables that will stay outside all season, select materials such as teak, redwood, cedar, or stainless steel. Indoor/outdoor fabrics are now available in plenty of stylish patterns, so look for cushions from Sunbrella fabrics including Trina Turk’s fashionable prints for Schumacher. For additional seating, stash floor cushions in storage benches, set up retro lawn chairs around a fire pit, or introduce a few chaise lounges for complete comfort.
Lighting. Because outdoor events often start or transition into the evening, it’s important to have adequate and appropriate lighting. Make sure that pathways are well lit by garden stake lights. Pool lighting or backyard uplighting creates a beautiful aesthetic, as do string lights or solar lanterns. Tiki torches are a classic summer addition, and battery-operated candles are a worry-free alternative. Light citronella candles around the perimeter of the seating area; this way neither the scent nor the pesky bug bites are too overwhelming for guests.
Kitchen Considerations. To soak up the sun and the company of your guests, bring the kitchen essentials outside. If barbequing is at the forefront of your entertaining plans, position the barbeque so the grill master can still be part of the action.
Include a cabinet nearby to house utensils, aprons, seasonings, and lighters so everything is at your fingertips. Consider a wall-mounted cabinet for stashing supplies or a bar cart to stylishly display straws, drinks, and dishware for the evening. Don’t forget to add a smaller folding table or two for the food if you prefer a buffet scenario.
Outdoor Decor. While there’s plenty of natural decor outside, you may still want to personalize the style of your entertaining area. Think of this space as another room in your home and strive to make it equally as inviting. Although the permanent furniture should be durable, you can temporarily incorporate more delicate interior items such as mirrors, vases, accent rugs, and artwork to give the space more personality. Make colorful dishware part of the decor and it will help guide your gathering toward kitsch or chic. Decorate with playful melamine plates or thrift-store china, or dress up woven paper plate holders with flowers or place cards. Written by Maresa Giovannini.
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