Is your backyard ready for summer entertaining?

by Carolyn Kay 06/22/2025

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors, and what better way to make the most of the season than by hosting memorable backyard gatherings? With a little planning and preparation, you can transform your backyard into an inviting oasis for summer entertaining. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Spruce up your outdoor space

Before you start inviting guests over, take some time to spruce up your backyard. Begin by giving your lawn some attention—mow the grass, pull out any weeds, and trim overgrown shrubs. Add pops of color by planting vibrant flowers in pots or beds. Consider investing in comfortable outdoor furniture to create cozy seating areas. Clean and repair your patio or deck, and add some outdoor lighting for ambiance during evening gatherings.

Create shade and cooling options

As the sun shines brightly during summer, it's crucial to provide shade for your guests. Install umbrellas, retractable awnings, or pergolas to offer respite from the heat. Consider adding outdoor fans or misting systems to cool the air and create a more comfortable environment. If you have mature trees in your yard, strategically position seating areas beneath their natural shade. Enhancing the comfort of your outdoor space will make it more enjoyable for your guests, even on hot summer days.

Plan outdoor activities

Keep your guests entertained with outdoor activities. Set up games like cornhole, badminton, or croquet that everyone can enjoy. If you have a pool, ensure it's clean and safe for swimming, and provide floats or inflatables for added fun. Create a cozy outdoor movie night by setting up a projector and screen. Arrange seating with blankets and cushions, and serve popcorn and refreshing drinks. Engaging activities will keep your guests entertained and add a memorable touch to your summer gatherings.

Preparing your backyard for summer entertaining requires a combination of aesthetic appeal, comfort, and engaging activities. By sprucing up your outdoor space, creating shade and cooling options, and planning exciting activities, you can create an inviting oasis for your guests. With a well-prepared backyard, you'll be ready to host unforgettable summer gatherings that everyone will enjoy.

About the Author

Carolyn Kay

As a Real Estate professional, I specialize in helping my clients buy, rent or sell properties in Westchester County. I am passionate, dedicated and committed to my clients and my first priority is to provide them with first class service and guidance throughout the entire process. It has been said that I go above and beyond for my clients to get the deal closed! I have experience working with clients who have financed their purchases with either a conventional, VA or FHA loan and have a good understanding of how they work; no sale is too big or too small for me to take on. My family and I relocated to England for 2 ½ years, this was a wonderful experience but at the same time, it was overwhelming. I have first hand knowledge of the challenges as well as the positives in discovering a new community. I was born and raised in Scarsdale and once married, my husband and I decided to raise our two daughters here. Both of our daughters successfully graduated from the Scarsdale schools and are both married, living and working in Manhattan. After living in the same house for 30 years my husband and I took the leap, sold our home and bought and renovated a condo townhouse in another town. Once again we are discovering a new community and fully understand the highs and lows of selling a home we loved and buying and making a new home. I feel that my personal real estate experiences have made me more in tune with my client’s needs and therefore better able to help them navigate through the complex process. Please call me so that I can put my knowledge and experience to work for you.