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. Furthermore, 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  and insect control . And don't forget to decorate! This season is a great time to use all of the bright hues that are too bold for your indoor palette, so get some colorful accents like paper lanterns  or colorful lights . Have fun!

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 absolutely have to have, and then start to think about how you can make it happen; some people 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 deck or patio, and depending on your wallet, you are given a wide variety of options to choose from! 

Deck  If you have a large backyard, decks create an outdoor atmosphere that's great for parties.	Pavers  Pavers take a little time to install but are a popular choice for patios.	Tile  Tile is cheap and easy to lay down. However, choose something that's quick to clean for the outdoors!	Rug  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!   

Pergola  Pergolas give you a little shelter and a country look; they are typically more decorative than utilitarian.	Gazebo  Gazebos are excellent for entertaining large groups. You can often rent them from party supply stores.	Umbrella  If you already have an umbrella, make sure you have an stand  durable enough for entertaining.	Canopy  Canopies  are great, but if you need something a little more portable, check out a folding version.

The Bar Scene

When hosting outdoors, keep in mind that guests need a place to hang out for a few minutes. What better place for your friends and family to chat and enjoy a few drinks than with an outdoor bar? These bars are usually set up a couple of feet from the patio, gazebo, or pool, and are easily customized with bar stools . Now, not every stool is weatherproof, but if your bar is located under some kind of shelter, then you will be able to leave the stools outdoors  in various conditions. You can choose to have stools with back rests , which add to the lounge look, or swivel stools  that allow guests to move around. If your outdoor area has a more upscale feel, you may want to add your finishing touches with upholstered  or detailed stools , or stools  that impart much-needed flair to your backyard.

Outdoor Lighting

Lighting is vital to your new outdoor area, as it is very likely that you will be spending many evening hours in your space.  A good lighting scheme not only will help your guests find their way around the garden, but also can be used to create an outdoor ambiance.  Be sure that you have properly lit your walkways and your main entertaining area. 

Pathway Lights  For more permanent fixtures, pathway lights add a nice touch.	Swimming Pool Lights  Swimming pool lights add a romantic touch.	String Lights  String lights are easy to hang on decks or around gazebos.	Tiki Torches  Tiki torches are a fun decoration, and you can also get citronella ones 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, so you'll be able to stay outside even longer! 

Outdoor Fireplace  Outdoor fireplaces are a beautiful addition to any sitting area.	Patio Heater  For cold climates, these are the most effective way to beat the cold.	Chiminea  Chimineas provide a space for a live fire without the hassle of an open pit.	Brazier  Braziers or fire pits are a safe way to have open flames 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 tables, chairs, and maybe even some folding trays 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! 

Patio Set  Add a bird feeder  and you have an outdoor paradise.	Adirondack Chairs The Hampton Adirondack chair  is a good place to start.	Hammock  Hammocks are perfect for relaxing in the summertime.	Outdoor Bar  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 will allow for greater cooking versatility; remember that you can always cover them when they are not being used so you'll have more space!

Check out our Guide to Grills to find out all that there is to know about making this big grilling purchase .

Outdoor Refrigerator  Keep food cold in any weather.	Grills  You can always grab a smaller grill  if you don't have the space for a full-sized grill model .	Outdoor Pressure Cooker  For cooking stews and meat when camping or entertaining.	Barbecue Tool Set  Every true barbecuer needs a heavy-duty set.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Any party needs snacks, beverages, and fun.  Serve them up in style with some of these choices! 

Outdoor Dishware	Vinyl Tablecloth	Ice Cream Makers	Servingware	Placemats

Frisbee	Kiddie Pools	Lawn Games	Outdoor Speakers	Water Toys

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, your garden will need to be up to par.
• Outdoor Dining: A good resource for outdoor dinner parties.
• Outdoor Furniture: Find out which furniture is best for your outdoor area.
• Water Sports: If you have a pool, you'll want these items.