5 Essentials for Outdoor Entertaining

This summer, impress your friends and family with your beautiful patio and other outdoor areas.  Host the summer get-together to remember by simply including these five essential items in your outdoor areas.

1. Plenty of Seating

Benches, rocking chairs, lounge chairs, and even pillows are all great options for outdoor seating.  Keep some seating in the sun and some in the shade, like this outdoor patio designed by Paul Semkuley.  This way, your guests will be able to relax comfortably.

2. Outdoor Speakers

Photo Credit Clockwise from Left: ThisOldHouse.com, Brit.co, and CanadaHifi.com

Keep your company entertained with your favorite summer songs.  There are all kinds of speakers that are outdoor-proof.  From floating speakers for the pool to speakers disguised as rocks or décor, there is an outdoor speaker to match your lifestyle.

3. Carpeted Patio

Splinters and hard, hot flooring won’t be issues you’ll need to worry about with a carpet or area rug outside.  Not only does an area rug make your area softer and safer, but it also makes it feel like home.

4. Insect Repellent

Photo Credit from Left to Right: Gardeners.com, Matterest.com

Mosquitoes are not invited to your outdoor get-together.  Keep them away with décor that also repels insects.  From a beautiful citronella planter and lantern to small oil candles, you and your guests won’t be bothered by mosquitoes.

5. Lighting

Don’t forget to consider lighting your outdoor patio for those warm summer nights spent outside.  Use candles, lanterns, or even hanging lights to set the mood of your outdoor space.