Not much can top a gathering outdoors with good company, whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch on the patio or cocktail hour in the garden. If you’re having some family over or are prepping for a giant celebration for the entire neighborhood, these helpful tips will ensure everyone has a good time at your next outdoor function.
Party on the Patio: How to Entertain Guests in Your Outdoor Space
Keep Seating Dry
If you have the space to store outdoor pillows indoors, do so — especially if there’s a chance of rain soaking everything before your party! Sitting among fresh, dry cushions will get your outdoor shindig off on the right note. You can still remedy the wet seat situation if there is ample rainfall before your gathering. Dry off seats by hand using towels first, then toss thick woolen blankets or sheepskins over damp benches before guests take a seat.
Provide Shade
A sunny day seems like the ideal time to host a party outdoors — until people start getting sunburned! Keep your guests (and yourself) cool and comfortable by providing ample shade during daytime events. A shade sail is a good option for covering a patio, while free-standing umbrellas make a great flexible shade cover in a larger yard. And if you have a pergola, you can make a DIY shade cover by draping canvas drop cloths from the hardware store over the top. Use tablecloth weights to keep the cloths from lifting off in a breeze.
Create Conversation Zones
If you’re expecting a big crowd, having several small seating areas will help your guests flow more comfortably through the space. If you’re short on outdoor seating, you can always bring out a few dining chairs or benches from inside and supplement with folding or camping chairs, ottomans, stools, and poufs.
Keep Bugs at Bay
Be sure to dump any standing water around your property in the weeks following up to your party to prevent mosquitoes and other pests from breeding in it. If possible, set out a few fans on the evening of the party to help keep the pests away from your guests (mosquitoes tend to stay out of the wind). Otherwise, you can still provide your guests with mosquito-repellant wipes.
Keep Guests Cozy with Pillows and Throws
When the sun dips, the temperature can, too — even in summer. Make sure your guests are comfortable into the night by draping a cozy throw blanket over each chair.
Spring, summer, and fall, sunny days signal it’s time to take entertaining outdoors. Whether you prefer to keep your get-togethers casual or opt for sophisticated soirées, there’s no denying that sips and snacks enjoyed outdoors always taste best. Cushion Connection’s wide array of patio cushions, shady umbrellas, and outdoor accessories make for a perfect night of fun, entertainment, and comfort for everyone in attendance.
