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.

 Photo: Houzz

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.

 Photo: Aqua

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.

 Photo: Pinterest

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. 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.

 Photo: Outdoor Light

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.

 Photo: Pinterest

Take all the amenities of your indoor kitchen and move them outside. Suddenly your favorite gathering place just got a little sweeter. Instead of the confines of walls, you are enjoying lush landscaped back drops, the muffled sounds of the indoors are replaced by wind in the trees, the sounds of birds, or if you’re lucky enough waves breaking in the distance.

Outdoor kitchen can be as simple, as a barbecue grill and cabinet for the utensils. Or more luxurious and lavish to contain a full bar, all your kitchen appliances and utility lines. Most commonly, you will find a half-wall countertop for prep work and cooking paired with a higher bar-top supported by hidden countertop support brackets, for a relaxing setting for both the cook and guest.

Outdoor Decor.

 Photo: Country Life

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.