Are you looking for backyard entertaining ideas for an upcoming party?
Great! You’re in the right spot.
Entertaining outdoors is one of my favorite things to do!
In this post we’re going to cover delicious food ideas, outdoor decor, backyard serveware and more!
You’ll find everything you need to make sure your party is a success, along with a handful of practical hosting and entertaining advice.
Let’s get to it!
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#1) Backyard Food Ideas For Entertaining
When planning any party, I always like to start with the food! 🙂
This helps me establish the logistics of the event, and lets me know what I need to do ahead of time to make sure it’s a success.
If you’re not sure what to serve at your backyard gathering, you are going to love the links below!
This burger bar idea above is genius! All of the delicious topping and add ons go way beyond your classic grilled burger.
You’ll find ideas like this, and many others at this post about 10 Food Bar Ideas For A Party!
Everything from budget friendly main dishes to help yourself food bars all that you can prepare ahead of time.
Oh, and don’t forget dessert!
Sure you could always have a guest bring a pan of brownies, but how about this epic smores’ board that I found on Etsy?!?
This is a great help yourself dessert station and a wonderful alternative if you don’t have a firepit!
If you want to dig a little further for food ideas you might like this roundup post of 20 insanely good Summer Grilling Recipes.
All recipes in this post are very highly reviewed, and range from everything from appetizers, main dishes, and even grilled desserts.
#2) Outdoor Decor Ideas For Backyard Entertaining
Even if it’s very minimal, backyard entertaining needs a little decor!
I love the look of these white string lights from Redbook Mag as a way to create a little atmosphere during evening backyard entertaining.
If you don’t have large trees like this, consider lining a fence, bushes, or flower beds.
How cute are these DIY mason jar hanging lanterns from 17 Apart?
These are a great way to add ambiance to a privacy fence.
Rope lighting along sidewalks and berms are a simple way to add aesthetics and also light walk ways.
If you like these outdoor decor ideas you’ll find many more at this post on DIY Outdoor Decor Ideas For Patios, Porches, & Backyards!
Backyard entertaining is the perfect time to add something extra.
#3) Backyard Landscaping Ideas That Will Look Amazing At Your Party
Sometimes an upcoming event is the perfect motivator to spruce up neglected areas!
If you’re wanting to update your backyard before hosting an event you are going to love the collection of ideas below.
Ranging from simple to complex, these Flower Bed Ideas can completely transform you outdoor living spaces!
If you have time to really go for a DIY project there is nothing better than creating an outdoor fire pit entertaining area like the one above from Best OF DIY ideas!
#4) Creative Ways To Serve Drinks At Your Backyard Party
Is this idea awesome or what?
This farmhouse chic drink server is not only cute and whimsical it’s really practical!
If you like this idea you will find a whole lot more creative Entertaining Ideas Using Ice here!
Pinterest is full of wonderful inspiration and design ideas.
This tiered drink station with wooden crates and galvanized tin buckets is the perfect backyard entertaining idea!
#5) Gadgets That Make Backyard Entertaining A Breeze
While you can pull off a successful gathering without anything fancy, these gadgets below will make your backyard entertaining a dream!
This Utensil Caddy keeps everything handy, and also frees up room on your buffet line!
Appetizers On Ice will keep your foods chilled if you are entertaining during the warm weather months!
This Inflatable Ice Serving Bars may be one of my personal favorites! It’s inexpensive, holds it’s shape and stores easily.
It has maximum capacity and allows you plenty of room to store food and drinks.
What is backyard entertaining without a few tunes?!
This Blue Tooth Wireless Speaker is perfect for any backyard party or outdoor gathering.
#6) Best Backyard Party Games
One of the best parts of entertaining outdoors is that you have room to roam and play!
Take advantage with some fun outdoor party games guests can jump into at their leisure.
This Life Sized Jenga Game is SO MUCH fun.
Kids and adults alike enjoy playing this large backyard party game.
But be sure to keep babies clear! When this tower tumbles it can come down with a crash!
Cornhole might be the most popular outdoor party and tailgate game!
This set above has collapsable lets for easy storage.
Croquet is a classic outdoor party game that never dies.
It’s so much fun for every age and keeps backyard party guests having a great time!
#7) Backyard Entertaining Prep Ideas To Keep You Stress Free At Your Party
Before hosting any kind of gathering, I like to plan way ahead. This helps me stay ahead of the party prep and keep my stress levels low when guests arrive!
This post on Hostess With The Mostess How To covers some of those tips and tricks! 😉
Happy Backyard Entertaining!
I hope you found some entertaining ideas that you can use at your next backyard gathering.
Cheers to warm nights, grilled foods, and a fun loving good time! 😉
~Ang
