Create a Memorable Outdoor Summer Gathering

It’s been a great summer so far, especially those summer nights. Asfall approaches, why not gather some friends and food this month and make magic happen in your backyard with these summer outdoor entertainment tips.

1. Create Comfortable Seating: You want your guests to stick around, right? Provide them with plenty of comfortable seating – outdoor sofas, chairs, and cushions to help them relax and mingle. Provide blankets if you live in a climate with cool nights.

2. Lighting is Key: Set the stage with ambient lighting using string lights, lanterns, and battery-operated candles to create a warm and inviting gathering spot as the sun sets, and long after.

3. Offer Plenty of Drinks: It’s been a hot day. Be sure to keep chilled beverages like lemonade, icedtea, cold sodas, seltzers, and fruity cocktails to keep your guests cool and refreshed throughout your gathering.

4. Offer a Variety of Foods: Thegreat outdoors increases everyone’s appetite, and your backyard isno exception. Provide a variety of nibbles such as grilled dishes, chips, dips, salads, and desserts to caterto different tastes and varied dietary preferences.

5. Keep Bugs at Bay: Nothing spoils a good time like unwanted guests – especially the six-legged variety. Keep bugs away from your outdoor gathering as much as possible with citronella candles, torches, or bug zappers.

6. Provide Plenty of Shade: If your back yard is full of trees, then lucky you. If not, get creative when it comes to providing shade for your guests. Open patio umbrellas, use canopies, or a pergola to provide shade and shelter from the sun. Your guests will appreciate it.

7. Add Some Music: Nothing keeps a party rocking like great music. Create a playlist of upbeat tunes to add tothe atmosphere and keep the party lively. Keep the volume low enough to encourage conversation.

8. Plan Fun Activities: Most of us don’t have a pool in our backyard, but you want to be able to entertain your guests. Get creative if your backyard has the space; set up lawn games like cornhole, horseshoes, badminton, or bocce ball to keep guests entertained. Horseshoes are great for a smaller yard.

We all know that feeling of trying to balance a paper plate with one hand and a cup with the other, when someone asks you to pass the salt. Ensure your guests have plenty of tabletop space to sit and eat. The idea is to keep your guests happily fed and entertained while they enjoy one of your favorite spots.