1. Start with a clean slate. Give outdoor surfaces and furniture a good wash to start off the season and you’ll only need to touch up things later on. Power wash surfaces like decks or patios, or — to conserve water — sweep floors and use a bucket of water with a scrub brush to spot-treat where needed. If decks require refinishing, get it done now. Rake gravel patios smooth and pick up a few fresh bags of gravel to fill in bare spots. Wipe down outdoor furniture and make note of any pieces that need care. Tackle tasks such as oiling teak chairs or replacing cushions that need it.
2. Sort out additional seating now. To avoid scrambling for extra chairs on the day of a party, take an assessment of your seating options and fill in or borrow as necessary. Look for lightweight chairs that can easily be moved from the house, or consider low outdoor walls that can double as seats.
If you plan on entertaining more people than your seating can accommodate, purchase a stack of inexpensive folding chairs (that are easy to store) early in the season to have on hand. Alternatively, get a couple of bar tables to keep guests more mobile.
If you plan on entertaining more people than your seating can accommodate, purchase a stack of inexpensive folding chairs (that are easy to store) early in the season to have on hand. Alternatively, get a couple of bar tables to keep guests more mobile.
3. Throw some shade. Investing in a proper shade structure, shade sail or vine-covered trellis can up the comfort of your backyard entertaining area for summer gatherings. The sliding shade sail pictured here is great for controlling just how much sun or shade you’d like, as the shade fabric can slide across the wires to expose or cover certain areas.
Find an architect to design a shade structure to suit your house
Find an architect to design a shade structure to suit your house
If this isn’t the year to invest in a year-round setup, plan on picking up a few good-size umbrellas to cast pools of shade over a sunny patio. Consider moving outdoor dining furniture under the leafy canopy of an existing mature tree, if you have one, for a pop-up eating area.
4. String up twinkle lights. Instantly transform an outdoor space into one that feels ready for a party by hanging some cafe-style lights. Although the cheap string light kits can be used in a pinch, you’re better off investing in one or two strands of commercial-grade outdoor patio lights that are waterproof, much more durable and can be used year after year.
Bulbs and cords are often sold separately for commercial-grade lights. Pick up a few extra bulbs now and you’ll be set for summer.
Learn how to hang backyard string lights
Bulbs and cords are often sold separately for commercial-grade lights. Pick up a few extra bulbs now and you’ll be set for summer.
Learn how to hang backyard string lights
5. Try an outdoor rug. Outdoor rugs can make any outdoor eating area feel more finished, and they conveniently hide decks or outdoor flooring that you didn’t have time to clean. Plus, many outdoor rugs feel great under bare feet and make sitting on the ground with a few poufs a lot more inviting. Look for outdoor rugs made of recycled plastic, nylon or polyester that are water-resistant and easy to hose down for a quick cleanup.
6. Keep summer menus simple. With produce at its peak, simple ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes can quickly be elevated to dinner-party ready with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and torn basil leaves. Spend less time in the kitchen by centering menus around dishes that can be quickly prepared or thrown on the grill in the backyard.
Stock your pantry now with staples like crackers to serve with cheese, olives and chips for appetizers, and stash a few cartons of ice cream in the freezer for an easy dessert for a crowd.
Stock your pantry now with staples like crackers to serve with cheese, olives and chips for appetizers, and stash a few cartons of ice cream in the freezer for an easy dessert for a crowd.
7. Put together an outdoor drink cart. Get guests out of the kitchen and invite them to serve themselves by setting up a low-key outdoor bar cart. Get your ducks in a row now by picking up a proper cart or, even easier, by finding a small table you can repurpose for the season or for a specific event.
Leave room for a cooler nearby and sort out a jug to hold ice. If you’re prepping for a party, buy basics — like sparkling water, shelf-stable juices, soda and wine — or ask guests to bring something to share.
Bonus: Come up with a signature cocktail. Simplify your grocery list by offering one signature punch or cocktail and having other basics on hand for guests to help themselves. If you have fruits, herbs or other cocktail ingredients growing in the garden, consider centering around an ingredient you know you’ll have on hand all summer, like mint for mojitos or berries for a fruity punch.
Leave room for a cooler nearby and sort out a jug to hold ice. If you’re prepping for a party, buy basics — like sparkling water, shelf-stable juices, soda and wine — or ask guests to bring something to share.
Bonus: Come up with a signature cocktail. Simplify your grocery list by offering one signature punch or cocktail and having other basics on hand for guests to help themselves. If you have fruits, herbs or other cocktail ingredients growing in the garden, consider centering around an ingredient you know you’ll have on hand all summer, like mint for mojitos or berries for a fruity punch.
8. Recruit a helper or two. If you’re hosting an event, ask a few friends to come by early and help with setup or food prep. Tasks like harvesting salad greens, moving furniture outside, setting the table or hanging up a string of pennants can be quickly accomplished with a few extra hands.
9. Combat mosquitoes. Nobody wants to deal with summer’s less-than-welcome guests at an outdoor party. To decrease the number of mosquitoes on your property, eliminate their breeding grounds by overturning any containers with stagnant water in your backyard, such as flower pots, saucers or buckets. Change water in birdbaths frequently (at least twice a week) and make sure water in water features recirculates.
Beyond prevention, take steps to reduce the annoyance caused by mosquitoes by taking one or more of the following steps: Invest in an outdoor fan (mosquitoes don’t like moving air), screen in an outdoor porch or pergola, stock up on citronella candles and have some mosquito repellent on hand.
Learn more ways to get rid of mosquitoes
Beyond prevention, take steps to reduce the annoyance caused by mosquitoes by taking one or more of the following steps: Invest in an outdoor fan (mosquitoes don’t like moving air), screen in an outdoor porch or pergola, stock up on citronella candles and have some mosquito repellent on hand.
Learn more ways to get rid of mosquitoes
10. Plan for cool evenings. Keep it cozy outside after dark with sources of warmth and light. Have a couple of warm throw blankets on hand for draping over shoulders or invest in a movable fire pit or outdoor heaters.
There are a handful of lightweight movable fire pits on the market (like the one from Modfire shown here) that are available in wood-burning and more environmentally friendly smoke-free configurations.
There are a handful of lightweight movable fire pits on the market (like the one from Modfire shown here) that are available in wood-burning and more environmentally friendly smoke-free configurations.
Tell us: How are you getting ready for hosting outdoors? What are you already doing to enjoy eating outside? Share in the Comments below.
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10 Outdoor Updates for Summer That Won’t Break the Bank
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I will use all tips except for my fire pit. This time of year fire pits are transformed into occasional tables in Houston!!!
Many of our clients have loved using their tabletop fireplace as an outdoor centerpiece. Tabletop fireplaces are great for entertaining.
I think we can only have tabletop fireplaces to! Love the article!