Outdoor entertaining makes your home life complete. Unfortunately, entertaining guests outdoors without stress isn’t always easy.
Typically, outdoor spaces aren’t very functional. They lack sufficient lighting and cozy areas to hang out. But outdoor entertaining spaces don’t have to be this way.
With upgrades to lighting and a few other elements, your yard will become the place to be.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Updating Your Outdoor Space Is Important
- Outdoor Lighting Must-Haves
- Zones You Should Define In Your Outdoor Space
- Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves
- How To Design The Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
Why Updating Your Outdoor Space Is Important
Outdoor living areas aren’t just the newest trend…
Outdoor entertaining is essential.
98% of home remodeling professionals say that updating your outdoor living space is what matters most when it comes to adding home value.
Homeowners have also realized the importance of outdoor entertaining spaces. In fact, remodeling to enhance your entertainment options is one of the top reasons people renovate outdoor spaces.
When guests pull up to your home, what’s the first thing they see? Most of the time, it’s your landscaping and exterior. First impressions matter, and you want to make sure your home looks welcoming from the driveway.
One of the easiest ways to do this? Take a look at your outdoor lighting. Stylish lamp post globes along pathways create an immediate impression of warmth and sophistication.
Proper lighting makes your outdoor space feel warm and inviting. It not only makes guests feel welcome but creates functional spaces for day and night use.
Outdoor Lighting Must-Haves
Here’s the single most underrated home upgrade…
Lighting.
Did you know that as soon as the sun goes down your backyard is basically useless? Don’t panic. By adding the right lighting, you can entertain guests past sundown.
Outdoor lighting makes patio entertaining possible. Dinner parties, weekend get-togethers, and time spent with family enjoying your outdoor space doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down.
There are four main lighting zones you should focus on.
- Pathway Lighting
- Ambient Lighting
- Task Lighting
- Accent Lighting
Your outdoor lighting should layer these four elements. Relying on one overhead light just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Another thing to remember? Post lights.
Posts along your driveway and walkways create a warm glow that makes guests feel at home once they arrive.
Zones You Should Define In Your Outdoor Space
Outdoor lighting is important but there’s more to it than that. If you want to entertain outdoors with ease, there are a few essentials you should include.
Create Distinct Zones
The number one mistake homeowners make when designing outdoor entertainment areas is making your yard feel like one big open space. When creating your outdoor entertaining area, you should try to create zones for specific activities.
Ideally, you should have a space dedicated to dining. A space dedicated to lounging. A cooking/prep area close to your grill or outdoor kitchen. And an area with a fire feature guests can gather around.
Dividing your backyard into zones will allow guests to move throughout your outdoor space without overcrowding one particular area.
Include Weather Protection
Unless you live in an area that never experiences inclement weather, you should always include some sort of weather protection.
Having the option of a covered patio, pergola, or even an umbrella can save your outdoor entertaining chances if Mother Nature decides to ruin your day. There’s nothing worse than attempting to enjoy your new backyard oasis only to get stormed out by bad weather.
Covered areas also help to protect your furniture and lighting from the outdoor elements all year round. This means they’ll last longer, and you’ll have to do less maintenance.
Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves
While you don’t need an entire kitchen setup in your backyard, there are a few things that can make outdoor entertaining easier.
Include some sort of prep counter next to your grill. You should also have easily accessible utensil storage and lighting if you’ll be spending time cooking in the outdoors after dark.
In recent years, the market for outdoor kitchens has grown exponentially. And for good reason, having all your cooking needs in one spot means less running back and forth inside.
READ ALSO: Create Stunning Outdoor Retreats with Versatile WPC Decking Solutions
How To Design The Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining Space
If you want your guests to enjoy your outdoor space as much as you do, start by assessing your yard.
Walk through your outdoor living areas during the day and night. Take note of any dark areas and pay attention to how you naturally flow through your space.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Where do people tend to gather?
- Are there any areas that aren’t welcoming after dark?
- Do you have enough seating for the average amount of guests you have?
- Is it easy to access your outdoor space from your kitchen?
By answering these questions, you’ll be able to pinpoint areas you should focus on when updating your outdoor space.
Start With Lighting
As mentioned before, lighting is the foundation of a great outdoor entertaining space.
If you don’t have proper lighting, none of the furniture, landscaping, and features you add will matter when the sun goes down. Focus on these three areas first.
- The Pathway To Your Entertaining Area
- Your Main Entertaining Space
- Any Transition Areas Between Zones
Don’t worry about watering down your lighting options just yet. There are tons of light fixtures out there that can make your space shine.
Comfort Is Key
Now that you have sufficient lighting setup, it’s time to focus on your guests.
Weather-resistant furniture with comfortable cushions are a must. Not only will guests want to hang out, but they’ll want to stay for hours.
If you can, add a fire pit or outdoor heater to your space as well. This will allow you to utilize your outdoor entertaining space during cooler months.
Don’t forget sun coverage either. Ensure your guests have access to shade if your entertaining during the day.
Final Touches
You’re almost done. To make your outdoor entertaining space feel like your own, add finishing touches.
Decorative elements such as planters, outdoor rugs, and other accents allow you to personalize your outdoor spaces. These final touches are what make a space feel warm and welcome.
Don’t stress about making your outdoor entertaining space perfect. Simple upgrades that fit your lifestyle are all you need to create an area worth gathering in.
Wrapping It Up
Outdoor entertaining is meant to be enjoyed, not stressful. By focusing on the right upgrades, you can ensure your guests will have a great time any time of day.
Make your outdoor lighting waterproof hubs. Define zones for entertainment, cooking, and relaxing. Add comfort elements guests will love, and you’re good to go.
Your guests will notice the effort you put into your outdoor spaces…
…and so will your stress levels when trying to entertain them.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Top Outdoor Living Trends for 2025: Elevate Your Backyard Experience
