Outdoor entertaining spaces have always been popular. However, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the desire for bringing the indoors outside, especially as a way to entertain family and friends. Post-pandemic (fingers crossed) homeowners continue to look for outdoor living spaces that combine style and functionality.

For example, the Houzz Emerging Summer Design Trends Report reveals that searches for backyard sauna are up 30% from last year, and searches for Boccecourt are up 23%.

Meanwhile, Thumbtack has declared 2024 as the year of the backyard, and according to Morgan Olsen, design expert at Thumbtack, 29% of homeowners plan to spend up to $5,000 to improve their outdoor spaces this summer.

When asked about their dream backyard, Thumbtack survey respondents said these were the top features:

But even if you don’t plan on installing a pool or outdoor kitchen, keep reading for some expert tips on creating a backyard that’s perfect for entertaining.

Focus On What’s Most Important

Leigh Spicher, Orlando, Florida-based national director of design studios for Ashton Woods, recommends staying focused on why you are entertaining and the moments that matter most while entertaining. For years, Spicher tells me that she put off entertaining in her own backyard because she didn’t feel that it was entertainment worthy. “But guess what? My guests are not concerned about whether we have a large pool or built-in-grill — they are most excited about enjoying the weather, and time together.”

According to Spicher, outdoor entertainment doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. “Invest in simple pleasures like a water feature (she says sprinklers count), Adirondack chairs, and good lemonade.” And she notes that you can’t go wrong with fresh grass and a large basket of an accoutrement of balls nearby. “Don’t overthink the space since simple outdoor areas are often the most playful and welcoming,” Spicher says.

Pick A Color Scheme

When trying to create a great entertaining space in your backyard, Christopher Grubb, an interior designer and founder of Beverly Hills-based Arch-Interiors Design Group, recommends finding at least two colors that you love — and these colors will form the foundation that you’ll build on.

“I usually start with a couple of all-weather throw pillows for inspiration to build from,” he tells me. “Patterns, stripes, and I love how many look woven or crocheted or with special details like straps and fringe.” Then, he recommends picking colorful ceramic planters and pots based on your scheme. “Forget about trends: this is for your enjoyment and what makes you happy,” Grubb says.

Build A Circle Of Connection

Next, Spicher suggests building a circle of connection. “Add a fire pit or coffee table, then build a circle of seating around it,” she says. When you sit in a circle, as opposed to sitting side-by-side, Spicher says it psychologically creates an inviting, and more casual environment. “This makes spaces flexible and versatile because you can easily expand and add more seating.”

Grubb loves fire tables, noting that they provide another seating area when entertaining. “Also, during cooler evenings in the fall and winter, they provide warmth – and there’s plenty of variety since some fire tables are movable, and some have built-in tables.”

He also likes ceramic garden stools. “Especially for larger events, they’re great because you have more portable seating opportunities, they come in lots of styles, add color, pattern, and texture to a space, and are a great accessory.

Add Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor area rugs are another opportunity to make a statement with colors and patterns, and Grubb says this category of home furnishings has really expanded over the last few years. “There are great materials that are just as stylish and soft as your living room rug, but durable and easy to maintain.” Grubb says some can merely be hosed down and then you can use some soap and a push broom to bring them back to life.

Include Large Scale Items

“Large-scale found objects—such as iron or wood architectural elements—look great when hung on an exterior stucco wall and function as art,” Grubb says. He notes that his firm has also had more requests for outdoor mirrors for projects with a smaller yard area.

Light It Up

Lights are among the easiest and least-expensive ways to enliven an outdoor space. “Evening hours offer a chance to create a mood and romance with lighting,” Grubb says, and he recommends adding string lights around the yard. “Or, one of my favorites is lanterns hanging from your trees or sitting on steps to provide ambiance.” Also, Grubb says hurricane style candles are great to add to a coffee or side table for evenings outside.

Hang Drapes

If you have a patio or other protected area with enough room, Grubb recommends adding drapes that can be tied-back on the corners or close the area off all the way. “This will create a sense of privacy, warmth, and coziness —and it’s also an opportunity to make a big statement with color or pattern,” he explains.

Final Thoughts

When creating the perfect backyard for entertaining, Spicher says a pool is optional, but seating is required. “Many communities today have a community pool, which means we don’t have to worry about the expense of building and maintaining our own.” She recommends leveraging your outdoor space for good, and says it can contribute to your well-being while also being affordable and simple.

“I love the application of simple flagstone or pavers, with a trellis as a focal point, then add a dining table for ‘wow’ outdoor entertaining spaces,” Spicher says. Certainly, you want a space that looks good, but entertaining is also about the experience.

These are some of the items that can help you create the perfect backyard for entertaining.

Artificial Olive Tree and Planter

If you don’t have a green thumb, but you do have a patio or other covered area, the CG Hunter Artificial Olive 7’ Tree with Planter looks realistic enough to pass for the real McCoy. The tree has lifelike leaves and comes in an artisan Mediterranean plant.

Adirondack Chair

The Company Store’s Adirondack Chair is an eco-friendly wood alternative with an ergonomic design. It’s weather resistant, and also resists rotting and splintering. The chair has a 400 pound weight limit and comes in nine colors, including bark, black, brown, and blue.

AI-Powered WiFi Grill

No ordinary grill, just press a button and the Brisk It Origin 580 AI Powered and WiFi Grill will generate recipes and the cook them. It can prep, change temperatures, and provide notifications and probe alerts. The grill can smoke, grill, BBQ, bake, roast, sear, grill, braise, char-grill, and slow cook. It also uses adaptive PID algorithms to ensure the right temperature.

Dinnerware and Glasses

Stylish dinnerware is essential when entertaining outdoors. Material’s The Place Setting includes an 11” full plate, 8” half plate, and 8.5” open bowl. The ceramic set is hand-finished and available in grotto, dune, and a combination of both colors.

The Glasses Set is made of borosilicate glass, and is stackable, resists thermal shock, and can be washed in the dishwasher. Color choices include malachite, clear, and haze, as well as a combination of colors.

YETI Gear

YETI makes a variety of items that make it easy to entertain in your backyard. The 10 ounce stackable mugs have an easy grip handle as magslider lid. They’re available in several colors, ranging from rescue red and tropical pink to navy and stainless. The beverage bucket, which is also stackable, has a rubber grip handle and non-slip rubber bottom. The wine chiller uses double-wall vacuum insulation, and has a silicone landing pan. The beverage bucket and wine chiller are also available in various colors.

Rug And Pouf

This hand-crafted Quince rug is reversible, with a darker pattern on one side and a lighter pattern on the other side. It’s hand-crafted and made of recycled plastic bottles. The durable rug is also stain-resistant, and available in several sizes. The indoor/outdoor knit pouf is made of handwoven synthetic fibers and can be used as a stool, seat, or table.

Teak Dining Table

Made of weather-ready wood, this sustainably-sourced Burrow Dunes Teak Dining Set includes a table and 2 benches. It’s designed to be durable, while providing a mid-century style that looks good in both formal and casual areas. The table also has a center cut-out for umbrellas.

Wine Cooler

Keep wine – and also water and other beverages – at the right temperature with the Whynter Wine Fridge. It can hold 34 bottles of wine, and has double pane glass to protect the contects from UV light. The wine cooler also has a touch screen control and the temperature range is 39 to 65 degrees F. It also includes safety locks, and an optional handle.

Hormone-Free, Pasture-Raised Meat

Treat your guests to pasture-raised meat that is free from hormones and antibiotics. The Porter Road Butcher’s Choice Box includes dry aged steaks, sirloin filets, pock chops, ground beef, and bacon. The company also sells short ribs, brats, chicken, and more.

Refrigerator

Although it’s not an item you’ll keep outside, if you’re entertaining a lot, an organized and hard-working refrigerator will come in handy. The Whirlpool 36” 4 Door Refrigerator with Prep and Store Bins has in-door-ice storage, small items bin, tuck shelf for tall items, and a dispenser that let’s you select the precise amount of filtered water desired. The fingerprint resistant refrigerator also has a refrigerated exterior drawer, triple crisper, and triple-tier freezer storage. The display screen has user-friendly touch controls.