Summer Entertaining: Easy Ways to Get Your Outdoor Space Ready!

Define Your Space

Before you start decorating or shopping for new pieces, think about how you plan to use your outdoor area. Are you hosting laid-back afternoon BBQs, elegant outdoor dinners, or casual evening hangouts? Larger backyards can be divided into zones for dining, lounging, and even space for games or a kids’ play area. If you’re working with a smaller patio or balcony, focus on maximizing what you have with multifunctional pieces like a bench that doubles as storage or a compact table and chair set. Once you know how you want to use the space, it’s much easier to choose furniture and decor that fits both your style and your lifestyle.

Invest in Comfortable, Purposeful Furniture

Your furniture sets the tone for the type of entertaining you’ll be doing. If sit-down dinners are on the agenda, you’ll want a dining table and chairs that are both comfortable and practical. For more casual gatherings, deep lounge seating or conversation sets might be more your speed. This year’s outdoor trends include contrast piping on upholstery, playful stripes, and earthy warm tones that bring a cozy, welcoming vibe to any space. Look for materials that are built to withstand the elements, like aluminum, teak, or weather-resistant wicker, so you can enjoy your pieces for years to come.

Light It Up

Good lighting can completely change the look and feel of your outdoor space, especially once the sun goes down. String lights are always a popular choice and add a warm, festive glow. Lanterns, solar-powered path lights, and even LED candles can help create the right mood. Want to make a bigger statement? Retro patio umbrellas with integrated lighting or a pergola wrapped in soft café bulbs can instantly elevate your space and keep the party going long after the sun goes down.

Add Personality with Decor

This is where you can really make your space feel like home. Outdoor rugs (this year’s stripes trend works beautifully here), pillows with floral or tropical prints, and cozy throw blankets add both style and comfort. A small basket with extra blankets or wraps is a thoughtful touch for guests when the evenings get cool. Look for opportunities to bring the comfort of your indoor decor outdoors to make your space feel like a natural extension of your home.

Create Shade for Sunny Days

Daytime entertaining means you’ll want some relief from the sun. There are plenty of stylish ways to add shade to your space, depending on your needs and budget. Classic patio umbrellas – especially those with fun scalloped edges or vintage-inspired prints – are a simple solution. Pergolas or shade sails offer more coverage and can even define different zones in a larger yard. Awnings can be a practical choice for patios that get a lot of direct sun throughout the day – and they can be neatly tucked away once you’re finished with them.

Elevate with Greenery

Plants are one of the easiest ways to add life and colour to your outdoor entertaining area. Planters with a mix of flowers, leafy greens, and even small shrubs can frame your space beautifully. Hanging baskets also work well if you’re short on floor space; they’re perfect for balconies and smaller yards/patio areas. Herbs are another great option – not only do they add greenery & smell wonderful, but you can also snip fresh sprigs for cooking or cocktails.

Fire It Up

As the sun sets and the air cools, a fire feature can keep the gathering going. Whether it’s a built-in fireplace, a freestanding fire pit, or even a tabletop fire bowl for smaller spaces, this addition creates a natural gathering spot. Toast marshmallows with the kids or sip a glass of wine with friends around the fire’s glow and enjoy our beautiful summer evenings. Just be sure to check your local bylaws before installing any fire features to ensure they meet safety regulations in your area.

Set Up an Outdoor Kitchen or Prep Area

If you love to cook and host, an outdoor prep area is a game changer. Larger spaces might allow for a full outdoor kitchen complete with a grill, sink, and even a fridge. But even in a smaller yard or patio, a rolling cart or prep table can make life easier. Keeping utensils, condiments, and other essentials close at hand means you won’t miss out on any of the fun while you’re getting the meal ready.

Embrace Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability is a big trend this year, and it’s easier than ever to add eco-friendly touches to your outdoor entertaining space. Choose furniture made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials, opt for solar lighting whenever possible, and consider upcycled or vintage decor pieces that add character while reducing waste. These small choices can help you create a beautiful space you can feel good about.

Prep Your Poolside Space

If your backyard includes a pool, it’s guaranteed to become the centrepiece of your summer entertaining. Start by making sure the water is clean and the equipment is working properly, but don’t stop there. Arrange comfortable loungers or chairs with soft cushions. Add a storage bench or rack for towels and pool toys to keep things tidy. And for those evening swims, consider waterproof LED lights or floating lanterns to add a bit of magic to your nighttime gatherings.

Keep It Flexible and Fun

No matter the size of your space, flexibility is key at the end of the day. Stackable chairs, foldable tables, or versatile poufs can give you plenty of options as your guest list grows or your plans change. Don’t forget to add a few fun extras to make your gatherings memorable – an outdoor speaker for music, some classic yard games, or even a signature cocktail (featuring your fresh herbs, perhaps?) that becomes your go-to for the season.

The May long weekend is just about here and a few simple updates now can set you up for a summer full of good company, great food, and lots of outdoor fun. No matter what your summer has in store, creating a beautiful and functional space will make every gathering a breeze. Start planning now, and by the time the warm weather arrives, you’ll be ready to open your doors – and your backyard – to family and friends to enjoy together.