Set up your backyard for hosting friends and family using these helpful tips.

Set-Up

See that you have enough seats to comfortably fit everyone you plan on inviting. Use a variety of outdoor sofas and lounge chairs to create a comfortable area for your guests to hang out and relax. Set up the chairs surrounding a central table or fire pit where everyone can gather around. Prepare party platters with an assortment of snacks you can put out on the table. Arrange a separate drink station where guests can mix their drinks as needed. Stock up on ice to keep drinks cold and consider using a cooler to store extra items. While you can’t control the weather, you can install a retractable canopy to shield your guests from the sun or rain.

Prepare Food

You’ll probably want to serve more than snacks at your backyard gathering. Plan a meal that is easy to prepare and fits the dietary needs of everyone you invite. Avoid having to pull away from your guests to prepare and replenish the food by using an outdoor kitchen or barbeque. Your outdoor kitchen should be designed to withstand the elements of the outdoors. You may even incorporate speakers to play music or other entertainment systems into your outdoor kitchen area.

Add Lighting

To complete your backyard, you will need to add lighting and decorations. Use string lights or outdoor lanterns to create ambient lighting and illuminate paths for walking around. As the sun sets, you can gather everyone around a cozy fire pit to roast marshmallows and enjoy the warm light from the fire. Place tiki torches around to light the perimeters of your yard and help keep bugs away. If mosquitos continue to bother you and your guests, add citronella candles to repel bugs from your immediate area.

Remember these creative tips for your next backyard gathering.