24 Tips for Easy Outdoor Entertaining

Thick, comfortable cushions on the chairs will encourage guests to linger at the table.

Set out crowd-pleasing snacks like Blue Diamond Crafted Gourmet Almonds at the beginning of the party, so guests can nibble when they get there—and all day long. 

Lay brown craft paper across a table for a casually finished look―and super-easy cleanup. 

Don’t get overly fussy with china: An eclectic mix feels more laid-back.

An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, it also helps define your outdoor dining room.

Keep food simple for a backyard picnic: salads, fresh fruit, cold drinks.

Make wind less of an issue by skipping a tablecloth. Weight dishes―and greet guests―with small bowls of fresh fruit.

Here, a cot covered with pillows becomes a settee.

Set up tables in separate areas―say, drinks in one spot, dessert in another―to encourage guests to roam.

Stock a bar cart with essentials: glasses, plates, ice, a cocktail shaker, and swizzle sticks. Wheel it back to the kitchen if you run low.

Floating peonies and gardenias make a pretty centerpiece. Just pour water into a large serving platter, and trim the stems off each flower.

To keep dairy-based dips chilled, fill a large bowl with ice, and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Place the dip bowl on top.

Keep bugs away from food with an upended wire-mesh colander. Use ice-pop sticks to distinguish the rare burgers from the well-done.

Not enough seating to go around? Even tree stumps will do just fine.

Set up a lemonade stand to keep guests hydrated on hot afternoons. Place glasses within easy reach on a dessert stand.

Seashells lend a seaside vibe Tie a starfish to a basic napkin ring for a beachy feel.

Fill colorful pails with straight-from-the-garden sunflowers.

Steamy night? Keep guests plied with simple fare like sparkling drinks and savory bites.

Paper lanterns draped from tree limbs are charmingly festive (use dark extension cords that blend in). Repurposed white Christmas lights also provide a magical twinkle effect.

Circle your party area with citronella candles or incense sticks to light when night falls.

Battery-operated flameless candles give off the same warm glow as traditional candles, with no fear of wind, fire hazard, or spilled wax.

Wrap a vintage chandelier with fairy lights for a romantic vibe. 

A fire pit is a must for s’mores and stories.

Pull out the sturdy wicker armchairs, perfect for lolling in on a lazy summer night.