Getting Your Backyard Ready for Summer Entertaining

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Imagine your perfect summer barbeque in your backyard. Friends, family, burgers,
hot dogs, corn on the cob, the smell of charcoal filling the air, a game of croquet or
volleyball in the yard, and lots of sunshine are probably some images that come to
mind. Now imagine all that in a barren, lifeless, and empty backyard. Doesn’t seem so
appealing does it? Having a nice backyard space is just as essential as the food, people,
and entertainment that make the summer months so special. Here are ways to prepare
your yard for summer entertaining!

Make sure there is a safe and fun place to keep the kids entertained. Sandboxes
are relatively easy to build and kids can let their imaginations go wild in the sandbox.
You can also have a jungle gym or play set installed if your kids are old enough to take
advantage. If you don’t want to spend a ton on these ideas, you could also just stock
your yard with plenty of yard games like frisbee, horseshoes, capture the flag, soccer, or
softball.

Decorate your yard by adding as much color as you can. Lush and full garden beds
not only create aesthetically pleasing visual elements, they’ll attract more life into your
backyard. From butterflies, to birds, to friends who enjoy relaxing amongst color and
flowers, you’ll have plenty of guests in the summer months. Perennials are the flowers
that will grow back each year and require less maintenance. These need to be planted

in the fall but if you’re looking for some quick bursts of color and instant gratification,
consider filling your beds with annuals. These flowers bloom quicker, grow faster, and
have to get replanted each year. Some annuals, like pansies, will reseed themselves so
you may not always to replant them.

Make sure there is plenty of space for friends and family to sit, relax, and converse
in your outdoor space. If you don’t already have a sectioned off deck, install one. Then
fill it with a table and chairs. Consider building benches along the edges of your deck to
provide plenty of sitting space and then cover it with pillows to welcome your guests. Fill
your deck with potted plants and maybe a hummingbird feeder or two. Hang colorful and
nonintrusive wind chimes and decorate your space just as you would an interior living or
sitting area.

If you plan to do a lot of cooking during your summer, make sure your grill is stocked
and working properly. To give your outdoor kitchen an edge, you could also install of
wood fired brick oven or fireplace to give guests a place around which to gather and
chat. Outdoor bars are another item that have become popular. Stocked with a mini
fridge and plenty of booze, you may never be able to get your guests to leave!

A product that would fit into most any backyard design is a fountain. They will
help reduce the noises outside of your backyard sanctuary, give your outdoor space
a focal point, and create the perfect place to unwind after a busy day. You could
place a fountain in the center of your yard as a “centerpiece,” tuck one away in your
garden among all the flowers, or even install of the many stylish wall fountains
available. A wall fountain will add a really nice pop to your outdoor living room or kitchen.
Everyone finds comfort in the sounds water makes so once again, you might have
trouble getting your outdoor space to yourself.

Any experienced party planner will tell you that the space will define the event. You
can design your backyard to hold summer parties and be a relaxing oasis for you and
your family.