6 Ways to Enhance Your Yard & Patio for Outdoor Summer Entertaining

Jun 4th 2024

wicker furniture with hot pink throw pillows on a patio featuring a bright pink flowering vine

Summer is finally here — time to take the party outdoors! For many people, outdoor entertaining is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer.

All summer long, friends and family will gather on patios and decks, in screened porches and under pergolas to enjoy a good meal, a friendly chat, cocktails, games and any number of summer barbecues.

If you enjoy outdoor entertaining, you may already have a dedicated entertainment area. But how can you enhance your outdoor space to make it even more welcoming for your guests? Here are six ways to prepare your yard and patio for memorable summer mixers.

patio at night lit by overhead patio lights

1. Light it Up

Nothing sets the mood better than the right lighting. From the driveway to the back patio, you use outdoor lighting for convenience and safety. But did you ever consider that outdoor lights make your home appear more inviting?

You can enhance your outdoor space with a variety of string lights and solar lighting options to create a mood and help define your pool area, patio, deck or walkway.

The Spruce recommends using outdoor lights to highlight a particular architectural feature or garden focal point. Consider uplighting or silhouette lighting for unexpected drama.

Hang outdoor string lights, globe lights or Edison lights for a magical glow. Many people suspend their patio lights from tree branches, poles or patio eaves, a method that provides effective lighting but keeps them out of the way. You’ll also see creative uses of patio lights around pergolas and over dining tables.

As a finishing touch, layer on the charm with lanterns and candles on tables and railings. Solar-powered pathway lights are an easy way to light up walkways and garden borders. Solar lights are especially useful in parts of the garden without access to electricity.

If you’re handy, check out Pinterest and Instagram for DIY patio and garden lighting projects. You’ll find many charming and crafty ways to use mini lights and fairy lights to add interest around your exterior spaces.

Choosing the right lighting for your location will help create a warm and inviting outdoor space after dark. Just make sure you use lights and bulbs that are approved for outdoor use.

hanging chairs suspended on a patio with a desert scene in the background

2. Cozy Seating

Every good host wants to create an inviting area in which to entertain, so comfortable seating is essential for any outdoor gathering. Cozy patio furniture helps make guests feel welcome and at ease.

Before making a purchase, identify your outdoor space and define its purpose. The type of furniture you buy will depend on how you intend to use your outdoor living space.

For instance, comfort is key to creating a relaxing conversation area. Bar stools are the obvious choice for a bar area, while rocking chairs and loveseats fit right in on the front porch. And of course, you can’t create a dining area without a dining table and chairs.

Think about style and scale to ensure your outdoor furniture adequately meets your needs. When choosing poolside furniture, it’s best to go with weatherproof and chlorine-proof fabrics, notes Better Homes & Gardens.

If your outdoor area is multipurpose, consider adding a mix of seating options. There are so many choices, including lounge chairs, Adirondack chairs, hammocks and hammock chairs.

Don’t forget to accessorize with coffee and end tables for snacks and drinks, as well as outdoor cushions and pillows for extra comfort.

neutral wicker furniture accented with pillows in neutral, black and white and pale green

3. Colorful Accents

Give your outdoor space a pop of personality. When it comes to adding vibrant colors, patterns and textures, textiles can’t be beat. Think bold outdoor pillows and seat cushions and trendy outdoor rugs. Not only do outdoor accents enhance the comfort level of your outdoor space, they help define your style.

Use outdoor throw pillows and rugs to extend a color theme or design scheme. A few graphic throw pillows can rejuvenate the look of outdoor furniture that has seen a few seasons. Toss in a few throw blankets to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere and to keep guests comfortable if the night turns chilly.

Patio rugs not only help make “barefoot season” more bearable, they also enhance and define seating areas and dining areas. Outdoor area rugs contain your seating area and unite your design theme. A bold patterned rug is an economical and more comfortable option than painted or tiled flooring, notes Good Housekeeping.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different textiles patterns and colors to infuse your space with a playful and lively vibe.

Finish off the look by incorporating personal touches such as unique garden art, porch signs and wall decor.

bright yellow umbrellas against a vivid blue sky

4. Shade and Shelter

While soaking up the sun is delightful, it's important to provide shelter to ensure your guests stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. Invest in a stylish patio umbrella, a retractable awning, or a pergola with climbing vines for a touch of natural shade.

A canopy can offer extra protection from the sun's rays. Canopies with side panels that close extend your outdoor time, even when the weather is less cooperative.

Buy a patio umbrella with lights, or add your own string lights or an umbrella light and your umbrella can provide light after dark!

closeup of a fountain emitting a spout of water

5. Relaxing Sounds

Incorporating a water feature in your outdoor space can add a serene and soothing element to your summer entertaining. Consider installing a small fountain or pond. Many studies support the concept that the gentle sound of flowing water can create a calming atmosphere. For example, a study by the National Institutes of Health reinforced the idea that water sounds can contribute to stress relief.

Plus, the sound of trickling water helps mask undesirable background noise from traffic or loud neighbors.

Not only will a backyard fountain provide a tranquil backdrop for your gatherings, but it will also attract birds and other wildlife, adding to the natural ambiance of your outdoor space.

Look for a water feature with solar or electric lighting for an additional layer of ambience that brings dimension to your yard or patio at night.

Equally relaxing and more budget friendly, wind chimes are a classic garden decor element whose musical notes provide a serene backdrop in gardens and porches.

cozy outdoor entertainment zone with a firepit and overhead patio lights

6. Entertainment Zone

Don't forget to provide entertainment options for your guests. Set up an outdoor sound system to play your favorite tunes. Consider adding games like cornhole and bocce ball, or set up a projector for outdoor movie nights. Creating an outdoor entertainment area will give your guests even more reasons to enjoy your fabulous outdoor space.

Home improvement expert Mike Holmes suggests that you consider the complexity of your project ahead of time. Carefully design your entertainment area, plotting out needs like plumbing, electrical lines or additional privacy fencing. Permanent elements such as these should be in place before your project moves forward.

Fire pits are another way to add a cozy atmosphere to your outdoor spot. Part entertainment, part ambience, a tabletop fireplace adds light and helps create a warm sense of intimacy. And few things draw people to one spot like a cherrily burning fire pit. Who can resist gathering round the fire for drinks, laughs and S’mores?

Make it Yours

Remember, enhancing your outdoor space is all about personalizing it to suit your style and preferences. So, feel free to mix and match these ideas and make them your own. With a little creativity and effort, your yard or patio can become the go-to destination for summer entertaining.

With the right lighting, accessories and artistic touches, you'll be well on your way to hosting unforgettable summer gatherings.

Find hundreds of outdoor furniture, lighting and decor options in the Patio, Lawn & Garden store at Christmas Central.

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