Designing a Backyard Perfect for Summer Hosting

The backyard is an important area for homeowners to spend leisurely time. Some use it for gardening or relaxing, while others want a functional outdoor space for entertaining.

 

If you love hosting during the summer, you’ll need to design the ultimate oasis for dining and spending quality time with friends and family. Here’s how to prepare your property and turn it into the perfect hangout spot.

Before Creating the Ultimate Backyard Escape

Before setting up your backyard for summer hosting, there are a few things you should do. Nobody will want to sit outside if it’s in disarray. Clean your backyard by sweeping the patio and power washing, hosing down chairs and tables, wiping dirt and debris from all surfaces and preparing the grill.

 

It’s also a good idea to landscape so your yard looks presentable to guests. Clear dead shrubs and weeds and fill your garden beds with new flowers. If necessary, call a contractor to cut or plant large trees. Specialists can use heavy excavators to pull the tree from its root, removing rocks and other large-scale debris from your property.

 

Of course, you’ll also want to consider pest management. An exterminator can spray your backyard for ticks, fire ants and stinging insects, preventing infestations.

6 Backyard Designs for Summer Entertaining

Once you’ve completed the necessary yard work, you can focus on setting up your outdoor entertainment space. Here are six backyard designs to consider for summer hosting:

1.   Invest in Comfortable Furniture

Invest in quality outdoor furniture for guests to relax and enjoy the space. If there’s enough room, set up a sofa and accent chairs with a coffee table. An indoor-outdoor rug will ground the living area and make it more comfortable.

 

If you intend to dine al fresco, set up a patio table with chairs for people to sit at. Depending on how many guests you think you’ll entertain at once, you may want to purchase a round or rectangular table.

2.   Include Hostess Items

Some homeowners construct a complete outdoor kitchen for summer entertaining. Although convenient, there are hostess items you can include in your backyard design without spending a lot of money, such as:

 

• A rolling cart for beverages and glassware
• A drop-off table for serving food
• An ice bucket or cooler
• A drink dispenser for infused water, iced tea or sangria
• A cocktail napkin holder
• Melamine serving dishes
• Outdoor wine and beverage glasses
• Coasters
• A trash can

 

3.   Add Lighting for Ambience

Outdoor lighting will keep the backyard party going even when the sun goes down. Fortunately, you have many options, from string lights to torches.

 

You might get creative with solar walkway lights or spotlights against trees and unique plants. Meanwhile, a portable tabletop fire feature and citronella candles can help keep pesky mosquitoes away.

4.   Install an Entertainment System

What is summer hosting without an outdoor entertainment system? Sitting outside, listening to music and watching sports with friends is always nice.

 

Items you may need for an entertainment system in the backyard include:

 

• A TV or projector screen
• A sound system
• Outdoor-safe speakers
• HDMI and audio cables
• Extension cords

 

Remember to have surge protectors and outlet covers handy, too. Surge protectors protect your outdoor electronics from power surges brought on by lightning or grid outages, while outlet covers keep your electronics dry during summer weather.

5.   Cover the Patio

Protect your guests from the sun’s ultraviolet rays with a patio umbrella or awning. During the summer heat, everyone will be thankful for shade.

 

Umbrellas and awnings come in various colors and sizes — consider choosing one with vibrant hues or try to match your home’s aesthetic. You may even find a shade with netting to prevent bugs.

 

Likewise, a pergola or gazebo always creates a beautiful space to entertain. These projects may require hiring a professional to build them.

6.   Make It Private

Privacy features make your outdoor entertainment area more intimate and keep prying eyes away from you and your visitors. Some ideas for extra privacy in the backyard include:

 

• Tall hedges
• A Large garden trellis
• A Lattice screen
• Fencing
• Sheer curtains around the covered patio or pergola

Transform Your Backyard for Summer Enjoyment

Enthusiastic hosts will want to turn the backyard into everyone’s favorite spot. Fortunately, a few do-it-yourself changes, comfortable seating and creating the right ambience can make it ideal for summer entertaining.