Summertime weather and bliss encourages outdoor parties all season long. With all of the graduations, weddings, holidays and more coming up, you’ll have ample opportunity to throw a soiree in your backyard.  It’s a time to spend time with family and friends, eat delicious grilled foods and enjoy the glorious warmth that comes with the sunshine season. But before you invite your loved ones over to kick back and roast some marshmallows, your backyard and patio space deserve some attention. A few adjustments can make this outdoor area more accessible, comfortable and stylish for any big get-together.

Summer will be over before you know it! Here are a few ways to prepare your patio for an outdoor gathering:

1. Install new outdoor lighting
If you plan on hosting until the the sun sets make sure you have outdoor lighting to adjust to the night sky. You can drape string lights around the balcony or install new fixtures against the house to light the patio for friends and family. For an added touch, place candles on the tables for a more cozy and inviting atmosphere.

2. Rearrange your patio furniture
Because your patio will be filled with more people than you’re used to, you need to think about the amount of space you have to offer. Adjusting the position of your outdoor furniture is an easy way to free up some room to keep your guests comfortable. Rearranging the chairs and tables also offers a refresh from the usual setup. Place the furniture in a way that allows your family and friends to engage in intimate conversation and also keeps the flow of foot traffic steady.

3. Refresh the greenery
There are so many reasons to embrace Mother Nature during the summer. Between the holidays, graduation parties and more, you’ll have plenty of reasons to sit back and relax outside. Show your love for the great outdoors this summer by taking the time to refresh your greenery before the big get-together. You can plant new flowers around the deck or place standing greenery and bouquets near the patio tables.

4. Create different areas for entertaining
If you’re throwing an all-ages party, keep all of your guests in mind when making arrangements for entertainment. You’ll need an area to place food and refreshments, but you may consider building an outdoor bar or setting up a table for adult beverages. Make things easy on yourself by using a tiered rolling cart and filling it with glasses, ice, liquors, mixers and garnishes. Encourage a self-serve system by letting your guests pour and mix their own cocktails throughout the party.

For the kids, set up a table for board games or have an area of the backyard ready for lawn games. If you have a pool, grab some new floats and toys for the get-together.

And don’t forget about the music! Play a variety of mixed tunes, or ask all of your guests to request a song ahead of the party by including it in the RSVP. Then, you can create a playlist that caters to everyone’s favorite song or genre.

Preparing your patio for a summertime soiree is simple, but it can seem overwhelming when you have so many other things to take care of before the party. If you need help getting ready for the gathering, contact a personal decorator from Decorating Den Interiors. He or she can come to your home to evaluate your backyard and provide insight based on the allotted space. From there, you can discuss your options and start working on the patio to prepare for the party.

Don’t let time slip away. Call a design consultant from Decorating Den Interiors before summer comes to an end!