Nothing’s better than a casual, relaxed backyard gathering for the perfect way to create memories that’ll last a lifetime with friends and family. Growing up in the Sunshine State, some of our best memories from our childhood take place outdoors with cousins, aunts and uncles, and, of course, our Mimi and Nana. Both of our grandmothers have taught us how to easily and effortlessly host loved ones outdoors, making a backyard celebration exactly what it should be: simple and relaxed (even for the hostess!). With that in mind, we’re thrilled to share with you our favorite Backyard Entertaining Hostful Hacks, paired with our top Backyard Entertaining Essentials, that’ll make outdoor entertaining a breeze!
Our Favorite Backyard Entertaining Hostful Hacks
#HostfulHack: Bring the indoors out.
Turn your outdoor space into an outdoor living room by layering rugs, decorative pillows, and throw blankets. Anything with a soft texture is going to instantly make any space cozy. We love to toss a few throw blankets or decorative pillows on outdoor seating because it creates an inviting feel, asking guests to get comfortable without saying a word. And, even during warmer summer months, nights can get chilly, and you’ll notice guests beginning to reach for those throws as the sun goes down. Additionally, you know we love to use throws as a base for our tablescapes, and this is still true with backyard entertaining! Just like when a throw blanket is tossed over a chair, adding a textural throw to a table will make your outdoor area feel extra cozy and inviting.
Featured Items: Essential Throw Collection in Steel, Dusty Rose & Sand
#HostfulHack: Transport with a tray.
Invest in a large decorative tray or two to help carry plates of food, drinkware, and whatever else you may need for entertaining outdoors. It will save you many trips going back and forth from the indoors out.
We have to admit, serving trays are a game changer when hosting and easily one of our favorite Hostful Hacks of all time. Not only does it save you time as mentioned above, your table outside will also automatically look more organized and put together, elevating any backyard gathering.
Featured Items: Galvanized Metal Tray with Gold Rim and Natural Paulownia Wood & Leather Tray
#HostfulHack: Lighting is key.
Incorporate lighting into your outdoor entertaining space, especially as the sun sets. Candles and a string or two of market lights provide both style and function.
What style of candle should you go for? If you’re aiming for elegance and a bit of sophistication, you can’t go wrong with taper candles. Choosing a color that matches your entertaining decor will also add another layer of interest to your gathering. However, tealights are an ideal option for backyard entertaining, too, as they offer a gentle glow in a casual, whimsical way.
Featured Items: Pure White Tealights in an Organic Edge Brass Tealight Holder and 12-Inch Taper Candles in French Rose, Honey, Ocean, Mocha, Moss, Blush & Cotton.
(We suggest pairing taper candles with our Marble Taper Holder.)
#HostfulHack: The Water Hack
Fill a carafe or pitcher with fresh drinking water and chill the night before. Then, set the ice-cold pitcher on your outdoor table top when guests arrive so no one has to get up for refills. We also love preparing a seasonal beverage, such as our Old-Fashioned Pink Lemonade, for a refreshing option to complement iced water.
Featured Items: Clear Colin Carafe on a Galvanized Metal Tray with Gold Rim
That’s it! Hosting outdoors is a great choice if you’re wanting to achieve a relaxed and intimate affair, and these Hostful Hacks will make sure you’re on your way to being a relaxed and present hostess. Be sure to check out our Backyard Entertaining Recipe Round Up that we’ll be publishing at the end of this week. It’s sure to inspire your outdoor entertaining menu so you can spend less time prepping and more time with the people who matter most.
Hap-Bee Hosting, Busy Bee!
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