Outdoor Entertaining Ideas

As the temperature outside begins to climb, there's only one thing on your mind: throwing the best outdoor party on the block! When the weather's great, there's nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than spending quality time outdoors with friends and family. Although all you need is the right company to have a great time, there are a few outdoor entertaining ideas to remember when planning your party.

With all the best outdoor entertainment setups, you won't have to wonder how to host an outdoor party any longer. From an outdoor pool table to a grill and full kitchen, there's the proper entertainment setup for all your party needs. 

Not sure how to get started?

In the guide below, you'll find several ways to plan and prepare for an outdoor party! Continue reading below to learn more. 

Provide a Variety of Seating Options

Seating options are a must if you plan to host an outdoor party for friends and family. Various seating options are ideal because guests can then pick and choose where they'd like to sit. For example, it's best to have a few chairs in the shade and others in the sun. 

If you have a pool, you can place some seats around the pool areas and others around your outdoor kitchen. Give guests the choice of where they'd like to hang out without forcing them to stand. It's also essential to provide a variety of seating types as well. 

You can choose to have individual chairs, a bench, a swing, or something else. Some guests might want to enjoy the swing, while others might enjoy sitting in their chairs. When you give them options, you provide a welcoming and comfortable environment. 

Set Up an Outdoor Pool Table

When planning your outdoor party, think about all the fun things you love doing when throwing an indoor party. Do you enjoy shooting some pool? Is foosball more your specialty?

You can do most of these things outside as well. Consider setting up an outdoor tennis table, foosball table, and an outdoor pool table. You and your guests will have countless fun competing against one another in all these different games. 

The best thing about this outdoor pool table is that it easily converts into an outdoor dining table. When you're done feeling competitive, you can transform the pool table into a comfortable place to enjoy a yummy meal. 

Create a Space Away From the Cold

You might come across a chilly night or two in the summer. When temperatures drop at night, you'll want a warm place to cuddle up to without moving the party inside. A large fire pit is a great starting point. 

Lay pavers down to create a path to the fire pit. You'll then want to provide lots of seating around the fire pit for everyone to get cozy. You can also use outdoor heaters, which are beneficial when heating different yard areas. 

You can set these heaters up near the dining table, different seating areas, and anywhere else you think makes sense. When things get chilly, you and your guests can continue to enjoy your time outside. 

Hang Lights for Evening Entertainment 

Another reason why your outdoor party might move indoors is that the sun is going down. Once the sun goes down, you and your guests must head inside unless you can keep the backyard lit. Luckily, there are many different ways to light up the night!

For example, you can hang string lights in and around the trees. You can also hang string lights around the top of your patio, awning, or other covering. Pathway lights are an excellent way to light up any paths in your yard, which also helps reduce injuries. 

Tiki lights can be placed anywhere you'd like and help keep the bugs away. If you have the structure, you can take it up a notch and hang a chandelier outdoors. Pendant lights are wonderful in an outdoor kitchen and can also make excellent task lighting. 

Be sure to mix things up and provide enough lighting throughout the yard so no one's forced to move the party indoors. 

Arrange a Grill With Outdoor Kitchen Equipment

Having an outdoor kitchen built into your yard is a wonderful addition. A full kitchen outside makes entertaining guests simple. The mess stays outside, and you won't have to go inside for anything. 

If you want a full kitchen, then be sure to add a refrigerator, a freezer, a trashcan, a stove, an oven, and of course, a grill. There's nothing like grilling in your backyard on a beautiful summer's day. You can store all your cooking essentials in your outdoor kitchen to prevent tracking dirt in your home. 

If the heat is too intense, place a large umbrella next to the grill and position it to create shade for you as you cook. Be sure not to put the umbrella directly above the grill, as you want the smoke to be able to escape. 

Lay Down an Outdoor Rug 

Outdoor tile or an outdoor concrete area for a patio is ideal. It helps provide a solid surface for tables, grills, and chairs. It also keeps the dirt and bugs away.

You can lay down an outdoor rug to make this outdoor patio area feel warm and welcoming. Outdoor rugs are easy to clean and require less maintenance than indoor rugs. You'll be able to find many different rugs in several designs, colors, and patterns. 

There's no denying you'll find one that matches perfectly with your outdoor space. 

Build an Outdoor Bar

If you love entertaining, you know just how important it is to provide the drinks! Building an outdoor bar is the perfect way to entertain your guests. They'll appreciate having an area to sit down and enjoy their drinks. 

You can build a bar in your outdoor kitchen or create one completely separate from the kitchen. You can also choose to have a small cart bar to place ice and drinks. Having a wine cooler outside will also be beneficial when you want to enjoy a sophisticated evening sipping wine with friends. 

Use Small Bistro Tables

Although you should have at least one large dining table for serving food, you should also consider using a few small bistro tables and chairs. 

Why do you need so many tables?

Some guests like to sit at the smaller tables for a more intimate setting. Maybe they're not as social and would like to enjoy their beverage or food with their partner or friend who came along with them. Having plenty of seating and tables is also never a bad idea. 

Play Your Favorite Tunes

No party is complete without all your favorite tunes. To ensure you and all guests can hear the music, be sure to bring out a speaker. You can go all out and purchase a large speaker or even install a surround-sound system on your patio. 

Otherwise, a small speaker with BlueTooth capabilities will also work. You don't need anything too extravagant. All you need is a speaker loud enough for everyone to hear. 

If you can, move some furniture around to create an open space for those who want to get up and dance! You won't regret it.

Don't Forget the Shade

As exciting as creating an outdoor space perfect for entertaining, you don't want to forget to add a few shaded areas as well. With the summer heat on its way, you don't want to make your guests uncomfortable by not providing them with a few spots to escape the sun. 

Structured areas, umbrellas, and even seating under a tree are all wonderful ways to provide shade. If you need to take it further to ensure optimal comfort for everyone, you can place a fan or two outside to keep the breeze going. 

Use These Outdoor Entertaining Ideas When Preparing for Guests

Beautiful weather is coming, so it's time for outdoor parties and entertaining. Are you prepared to entertain your guests in your backyard? Will you set up an outdoor pool table, hang beautiful lights, and grill yummy meals?

Use these entertaining outdoor ideas to prepare for guests and plan the best outdoor party in the neighborhood! 

Don't forget to browse through our outdoor NFL furniture items to complete your party. We also offer MLB, NHL, and NCAA products as well!