Outdoor Entertaining Tips for the Design Savvy
We’ve finally surpassed the winter gloom around here and are heating up to warmer temps, meaning summer is only a few short weeks away. And as most of you know, that’s what we live for here in the Flathead Valley. The summers here are truly unbeatable. Pristine waters, glorious weather, and unforgettable views means outside time is in abundance as is all the outdoor entertaining.
Read on for our 5 designer must know décor and hosting tips to throw the perfect patio bash this upcoming summer. Get those party planning engines ready as we prepare for the most glorious season ahead.
Comfortable Seating
As with interiors, the more comfortable an atmosphere, the more likely guests will linger. Choose plush outdoor sofas and armchairs for a relaxed evening on the patio and include a multitude of outdoor, weather resistant throw pillows. If you have the space, incorporate sectional seating and lounge chairs to create a more intimate setting and encourage communication among guests. While prepping, also set out a couple colorful throw blankets or place a basket of them by the patio entrance if having a larger gathering so guests can stay warm under the setting sun.
Outdoor Lighting
Let there be light at your soiree. Decorate the patio with string lighting encircling the umbrella and wrap around nearby trees or wrap strands around wire and hang above guests in a crisscrossed pattern. For a more romantic atmosphere, suspend outdoor lanterns above party-goers’ heads and in groupings of threes in the patio corners and on table tops. To ensure guests stay into the early evening, prepare a backyard firepit and invite guests to sip merrily while enjoying the light from the fire and the stars.
Area Rugs
Like their usage indoors, area rugs warm up a patio environment and make a space feel more intimate. Choose an outdoor one that compliments the already used colors in the area – the house siding and paint colors, outdoor rock and floral hues, and/or your patio furniture and accessories. Follow the similar rules of thumb for choosing an outdoor rug as you would an interior one. Ensure that your area rug extends past the furniture that sits on it to create more of an “extended living room” space and helps direct guests to the area around a center coffee table.
Follow a Theme
Regardless of how many guests you plan to have, create and follow an overall “party” theme for the evening. Refer to this in your choice of passed appetizers, party décor and a signature party cocktail. Even extend the theme into the events’ music and any party games. Around here, we love a simple lake/boat party by the water. A few other fun ideas we have seen perfect for summer evenings are a Havana Nights theme where the food and decor are most notably Cuban, Jazz inspired, or Jungle Fever themed.
Flower Arrangements
A necessity for all parties indoors or out, floral arrangements, shrubs and greenery will liven up any backyard soiree. Like the lanterns in outdoor lighting, group flower arrangements in clusters of 3’s on the tables and edges of the patio. For a budget friendly option, use fresh cuts from your own garden and blooming bushes or opt for the new, booming succulent trend where a few cacti can be placed on the tables as centerpieces.
If needing some more inspiration or are ready to update your outdoor furniture, some of our favorite entertaining and outdoor home furnishing companies are:
Fermob USA – Known for their colorful French outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories.
Holly Hunt – A leader in the luxury home furnishings industry, Holly Hunt is mainstream modern.
Jensen Leisure Furniture – Commonly one of our go to for outdoor patio furniture, Jensen Leisure manufactures durable, longevity, generational pieces.
Lloyd Flanders – Heirloom fine furniture, Lloyd Flanders manufactures pieces in loom, woven vinyl or teak for long lasting durability.
New Growth Designs – A favorite for interiors and exteriors alike, New Growth Designs creates stunning faux flowers and greenery for everyday living.
Tropitone – From fireplaces to outdoor benches and accessories, Tropitone is a versatile company known for their comfortable luxury quality furniture.