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Outdoor Entertaining Buying Guide
Nothing says summer quite like an outdoor party. Except for the parts of the country that are warm year-round (southern California, I'm looking at you), summer is a time to move your gatherings outside after being stuck indoors for months of long, dark winter days. It doesn't matter if you're barbecuing for your extended family, throwing a pool party for the neighborhood kids, or just enjoying your breakfast and newspaper on the porch on a Sunday; you'll need a few things to make the experience more enjoyable. After all, if you're lugging lots of things back and forth to your outdoor space, you don't want them to be heavy. Likewise, if you spend a lot of your outdoor time in sandals or barefoot, breakable glassware can be dangerous.
Make sure you have everything you need to make your guests comfortable, like pest
Create a Space
The best part about creating an outdoor space is that your options are almost endless! You can use your imagination to create something extraordinary and unique to your lifestyle. You will want to begin by brainstorming what is it that you want to have in your space, and then thinking about how you can make it happen; some folks find this process to be a little bit overwhelming, in which case hiring a landscape architect may be worthwhile.
Outdoor Flooring
This is the most basic part of your outdoor space, and depending on your wallet, you are given a wide variety of options to choose from!
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If you have a large backyard, decks create an outdoor atmosphere that's great for parties. |
Pavers take a little time to install but are a popular choice for patios. |
Tile is cheap and easy to lay down. However, choose something that's quick to clean for the outdoors! |
Rugs are good for warm climates where you have some sort of enclosure. |
Outdoor Shelter
Having a space to hide from the sun will be important to your guests. This is also a great way to protect yourself from those unexpected sun showers!
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Pergolas give you that old Greek look; they are as much a decoration as anything. |
Gazebos are excellent for entertaining large groups. You can often rent them from party supply stores. |
If you already have an umbrella, make sure you have an umbrella stand |
Canopies are great, but if you need something a little more portable, check out a cantilever |
Outdoor Lighting
Lighting is vital to your new outdoor area, as it is very like that you will be spending many evening hours in your space. Not only will lighting help your guests find their way around the garden, but it can also be used to create an outdoor ambiance. Be sure that you have properly lit your walkways and your main entertaining area.
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For more permanent fixtures, pathway lights add a nice touch. |
Swimming pool lights add a romantic touch to the pool. |
String lights are easy to hang on decks or around gazebos. |
Tiki torches are a fun decoration, but you can also get citronella tiki torches to keep the bugs away. |
Outdoor Heating
It is ideal for you to incorporate an element of heat into your outdoor living space. It will keep you feeling warm and cozy on those chilly nights, as well as extend your time outside!
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Outdoor fireplaces are a beautiful addition to an outdoor sitting area. |
For cold climates, these are the most effective way to beat the cold. |
Chimineas provide a space for a live fire without the hassle of an open pit. |
Braziers are a great way to have an open fire outdoors. |
Outdoor Furniture
Your choice in furniture will largely depend upon the number of people that you plan on entertaining, as well as your budget. At a minimum, you will need some tables, chairs, and maybe even some folding tables to put food and drinks on.
- You will want to check out our Guide to Outdoor Furniture for even more details, but here are some recommendations to get you started!
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Add a bird feeder |
The Hampton Adirondack chair |
Hammocks are perfect for relaxation in the summertime. |
For a wild and crazy night, make sure your bar is fully stocked. |
Outdoor Cooking
If you are planning on using your outdoor area for cooking you will want to have ample space for organization, and meal preparation. And, of course, it is absolutely worth taking the time to research and find a quality grill. One that has side burners is a great idea because it allows for greater cooking versatility. Remember that you can always cover the burners when they are not being used for more space!
- You will certainly want to check out our Guide to Grills to find out all that there is to know about making this big purchase.
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Keep food cold in any weather. |
Or grab a small, portable four in one grill |
For cooking stews and meat when camping or entertaining. |
Every true barbecuer needs a heavy duty set for the perfect barbecue. |
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry
Any party needs snacks, beverages, and fun. Serve them up in style with some of these choices!
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Related Guides
Check out some of our other buying guides for some more inspiration!
- Barbecue Tools: For the perfect barbecue, every time.
- Labor Day Guide: Labor Day is a huge day for outdoor entertainment; make sure you're prepared.
- Memorial Day: Memorial Day is also spent outside, so check out these tips before the big party!
- Outdoor and Gardens: If you're entertaining outside, make sure your garden is up to par.
- Outdoor Dining: For outdoor dinner parties, this is a good resource.
- Outdoor Furniture: Find out which furniture is best for your outdoor area.
- Water Sports: If you have a pool, you'll want these items.
External Links
- Chiff.com: Outdoor party ideas, barbecue tips, and the know-how for beach, pool, garden, and tailgate parties.
- iVillage.com: Backyard party and outdoor entertaining ideas.