Summer is in full-swing, which means it’s time to get ready for lots of outdoor entertaining! Especially nowadays when social gatherings are much more likely to take place outside, every outdoor area presents an opportunity to create a warm and inviting space.

Here are some fun and simple ideas on decorating your home for outdoor entertaining:

Choose & arrange furniture wisely: One of the best ways to create an open and inviting space is to select and arrange furniture in a way that does so. For instance, consider investing in storage ottomans, benches, and other two-for-one pieces that save space and serve dual purposes. Place your furniture in a way that maximizes open areas so that guests have plenty of room to move around.

Include pops of color: Utilizing color is a powerful way to evoke feelings and creativity. Make an outdoor space come alive by adding accents of color! Whether you choose to focus primarily on monochromatic or bright color palettes, any space can instantly become more fun by including pops of bright shades through fresh florals, throw pillows, and the like.

Add plants & flowers: In addition to the foliage that’s already outside, add plants and flowers strategically in your entertaining area. Doing so is one of the most natural ways to decorate an outdoor space! Create a captivating retreat for your guests by choosing flowers and plants that accentuate your overall theme and blur the line between indoors and outdoors.

Pay attention to the lighting: Lighting makes a tremendous difference in setting the right atmosphere. Besides illuminating an area, the right lighting can make even smaller, out-of-the-way spaces seem magical. There are also plenty of options to choose from; paper ball lights foster a more natural, beachy vibe, while modern brass string lights can add a touch of chic flair to an outdoor party. 

Keep your guests warm: Provide ways for your guests to stay warm when evening rolls around. A fire pit, for instance, creates an inviting and radiant gathering spot and adds ambiance to your outdoor space. Be sure to include comfortable seating nearby to encourage relaxation! Blankets can also be placed in unique and engaging ways for your guests to layer up when they need to.

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a petite seaside patio, we hope these ways help you transform your outdoor space into a bit of paradise. Cheers to plenty of outdoor fun with loved ones this summer!

Reach out to us at russellandtony@compass.com / 310.230.5771