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Indoor-outdoor living is something many homeowners desire when building their family’s lifestyle. Entertaining with a side of nature can be fun year-round, as long as you take the proper steps to prepare. From inviting guests and planning the menu to setting the table and adding decorations, make your next outdoor party a breeze with these entertaining ideas.
Cover your chairs, sofas, and benches with cushions and pillows. If you like to entertain outdoor, consider weather-resistant materials that’ll last you through the year. If it’s warm, throw a few pillows or camp blankets on the grass, set up chairs in clusters, and make sure there’s plenty of seating available for guests to move around and mingle.
COMFY SEATING (AND LOTS OF IT!)
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Encourage conversation and mingling by setting up multiple tables on your patio or lawn. This will add extra real estate for food and drinks and enable your guests to walk around and socialize.
SET UP MULTIPLE TABLES
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There’s no need to impress your guests with your most expensive dishware for a backyard party. Use plastic or recyclable paper dishes and glasses that can be easily disposed of or washed.
STAY AWAY FROM YOUR FINE CHINA
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Don’t worry about serving up plates or passing food around the table––set up a buffet! This way, guests can serve their own desired portions and easily go back for seconds. Either set this up on a long outdoor table, or take the food setup indoors if there’s limited covered space.
SERVE BUFFET STYLE
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A potluck is the perfect way to have a ton of food without having to do all of the preparation on your own. Assign guests to different menu items to get an assortment of salads, entrees, and desserts!
MAKE IT A POTLUCK
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Keep your drinks cold all day long by storing your beverages in coolers and cocktail mixers on ice. If it’s a bit chillier outside or in your garage, you may not even need the cooler! You can even make your own picnic table coolers for a fun and convenient way to keep hydrated!
HAVE COOLERS AND ICE FOR DRINKS
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10 TIPS FOR EASY
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
If it’s warm outside, entertain your guests with outdoor lawn games. Try bocce ball, horseshoes, or cornhole for a fun DIY backyard game! If you’re entertaining when the weather is a bit cooler, consider renting a heat lamp and cozying up with s’mores or hot cocoa.
SET UP SEASONALLY-APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES
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Choose a theme for your soirée to make decorating easier. Whether nautical, holiday, tropical, or classic Americana, setting a theme will help you mix and match the right décor items.
CREATE A THEME
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Light up your backyard with decorative string lights. Wrap them around railings or hang them along the side of your roof to add a twinkle to the night.
STRING LIGHTS
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Maintain the mood of your backyard party by playing a mix of your favorite songs through a speaker. Choose songs with a beat for a lively group of people, or turn it down with background music for a quieter night.
MAKE A PLAYLIST LIKE A PRO
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