Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels
As the temperatures start cooling down some, it is the perfect time to host friends and family outdoors. This can be an easy task once you have your yard set up properly. Creating a great gathering space will make your home a hub for gatherings and an area you enjoy spending time. There is nothing more enjoyable than quality time with the ones you love!
1. Lawn Care
The first step to perfecting your outdoor hosting area is to get your lawn in shape. There are many fall lawn care tips to help beautify your yard. As the leaves change colors and begin to fall, you will need to rake the leaves regularly. On top of mowing and watering the lawn, this can seem like a lot of extra work. However, it will help keep your grass healthy and growing.
2. Patio
If you don’t already have a patio area, you may want to consider adding one. This gives you level ground for tables and chairs. It is also an area where guests won’t have to worry about mud if it has rained before the gathering. Patios can be as simple or as grand as you would like. You can include an outdoor kitchen and grill area if you know you will be cooking outside a lot. You could add a patio covering which provides shade and protection from the rain. You’ll want to have enough seating for all of the guests you invite, too.
3. Lighting
Outdoor lighting is essential if you will be hosting evening parties. Once you lose the sunlight, you’ll need functional lighting for your guests. Check your outdoor lights to ensure they create enough light for your needs. Map out areas where you could use more light and then decide the best approach based on your yard layout, budget and current lighting situation. Alternative options include hanging outdoor string lights throughout your yard, using solar-powered yard lights, placing spotlights or adding additional lighting fixtures.
4. Pest Control
Mosquitoes can be quite bothersome at outdoor events. There are many ways to limit bugs during your outdoor parties. There are yard sprays to keep bugs at bay for a month or so at a time can be a great option if you host parties frequently. Purchasing and installing bug lights and mosquito traps is another fantastic way to help reduce pesky bug bites. These lights often cover up to a half-acre of land. You may need more than one and you will want to strategically place them to draw the bugs away from where your guests will be gathering. Citronella candles lit throughout the yard can make a big difference, as can planting lavender in your flower beds. Fans can double as a refreshing breeze of cool air and a bug deterrent. Consider placing fans near food to keep the bugs away.
5. Entertainment
Sometimes, all you need for a successful party are the right guests, food and beverages. The conversation is the only entertainment the group needs. Other times, you may want to have entertainment options. This can be especially true for a larger crowd or mixed age groups. Cornhole boards, giant Jenga, darts and ring toss are all fun options to have available.
6. Accessories
Many accessories compliment yard designs, layouts and your intended hosting purposes. For example, you could opt to have a projector and a screen if you plan on having gatherings for football games. You could build or purchase a fire pit if that is more your style. Propane heater lamps are a great option for extra warmth during cooler fall nights without the smell of smoke. Bluetooth speakers are excellent for playing background music during parties.
Perfecting your backyard for hosting outdoor events may seem time-consuming, but once you get your layout set up and lighting in place, you won’t need to spend much time preparing your yard for gatherings. Taking care of your lawn regularly helps keep it in prime condition for outdoor parties. Outdoor lighting and speakers can stay in place once set up initially, saving you time in the future. Don’t stress too much. Hosting friends is supposed to be enjoyable, not stressful!