Summertime is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of backyard entertaining. There are endless possibilities when it comes to planning an outdoor party, but we’ve put together a few ideas that we think will make your event one remember. From classic backyard bars to festive games, keep reading for inspiration on how to create an unforgettable backyard bash!

Movie Night

outdoor movie night

Image credit: Evgeny Atamanenko via shutterstock

Backyard entertaining doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, movie night might just be the perfect backyard entertainment solution for you! Here are a few tips to get you started:

Choose Your Movie

This is obviously the most important step! Pick a classic flick or something brand new – it's up to you. Just make sure it's something everyone will enjoy.

Set Up Your Outdoor Theater

You'll need a projector, screen, and speakers to make the ideal backyard movie experience. Don't have a projector? No problem – you can always rent one or purchase this best-selling Bluetooth projector from Amazon.

Invite Your Friends and Family

Movie night is more fun with friends! Send out some invitations or just give a shout-out on social media to let everyone know about your backyard entertainment plans.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy the Show

Once everything is set up, all that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the movie. Don't forget to have some snacks on hand in case anyone gets hungry during the show.

It's easy to turn your backyard into an outdoor cinema for the evening. All you need is some comfy lawn chairs, blankets, and of course, popcorn. Don't forget the bug spray!

BBQ

Meat on a gas grill

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No backyard is complete without a grill, and no summer is complete without plenty of backyard BBQs! If you're looking to up your backyard entertaining game this summer, read on for our tips on how to make your backyard the best BBQ destination around.

Your BBQ Of Choice

First things first: you need a great grill. Gas or charcoal? That's entirely up to you, but we recommend doing some research to find the grill that will work best for your needs. Once you've got your perfect grill picked out, it's time to start planning your menu.

Everyone's Fav Protein 

If you're grilling for a crowd, it's always a good idea to have a few different protein options available. Chicken, steak, and burgers are always crowd-pleasers but don't be afraid to get a little creative with your grill. Grilled fruit and vegetables are a great way to add some variety to your menu, and they're sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Delicious Sides

Of course, no backyard BBQ is complete without some delicious sides. Potato salad, coleslaw, and grilled corn on the cob are all classics for a reason. But if you're looking to mix things up a bit, why not try grilling your sides? Grilled potatoes or sweet potatoes make a great alternative to traditional potato salad, and grilled veggies can liven up any side dish.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to throwing the best backyard BBQ of the summer. So, fire up that grill and get cooking!

Fire Pit

outdoor seating with thick chair cushions surrounding a stone fire pit on a stone patio

Image Credit: TimAbramowitz on Canva

When it comes to backyard entertaining, there is nothing quite like gathering around a fire pit. Not only does it provide a natural focal point for your outdoor space, but it also gives guests a place to warm up on cool evenings or roast marshmallows under the stars.

If you're thinking about adding a fire pit to your backyard, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you'll need to decide on the size and shape of your fire pit. It should be large enough to accommodate your needs but not so large that it takes over your entire backyard.

Second, you'll need to choose a material that will withstand the elements and heat of the flames. Common materials include concrete, stone, and metal.

Third, you'll need to determine the best location for your fire pit. Place it away from any structures or trees and at a safe distance from your home.

Once you've taken care of the practical considerations, it's time to have some fun! There are endless ways to customize your fire pit to suit your unique style. Add cozy seating around the perimeter, string up some twinkling lights, or decorate with colorful pillows and throws. No matter how you choose to personalize it, a fire pit is sure to be the perfect gathering spot for all your backyard gatherings.

Fun Games

backyard cornhole

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When the weather is nice, there's nothing better than backyard games! They're the perfect way to get some exercise while spending time with family and friends. But with so many different options out there, it can be tough to decide which ones to play.

Here are a few of our favorite backyard games that are sure to get everyone moving and laughing:

Cornhole

A classic game that's perfect for all ages, cornhole is a great way to get people interacting. All you need is a set of cornhole boards and some bean bags (or other small balls).

Water Balloon Toss

This one is a bit messier, but it's always a hit with kids (and adults!). Simply fill up water balloons and divide them into teams. Then, take turns tossing the balloon back and forth between team members. If the balloon pops, that team loses!

Frisbee Golf

For those looking for a more challenging game, frisbee golf is a great option. You'll need a set of frisbees and a few targets (could be anything from hula hoops to buckets). Players take turns throwing the frisbees at the targets, with each target being worth different points.

Whether it's a friendly game of cornhole or something more intense like giant Jenga, backyard games are always a good time. And if you want to step things up, you can always set up a backyard obstacle course.

Backyard Bar

Backyard bar

Image Credits: Austin Distel on Unsplash

Your backyard should be your oasis, a place where you can relax and entertain in style. But if your backyard is more like a blank canvas, it might be time to consider adding a bar area.

Creating a backyard bar is the perfect way to take your entertaining to the next level. Not only will you have a dedicated space for mixing drinks and serving food, but a backyard bar can also be a great conversation starter.

Here are some tips for creating the ultimate backyard bar:

Choose the Right Location

The first step in creating your backyard bar is to choose the perfect location. You’ll want to pick a spot that’s close to your house so you can easily access everything you need, but you’ll also want to make sure it’s in a shady spot so you and your guests can stay cool.

Pick the Right Furniture

Once you have the perfect location picked out, it’s time to start thinking about furniture. You’ll need a few key pieces, like a bar table or counter, bar stools or chairs, and shelves or cabinets to store all of your bar supplies. When choosing furniture for your backyard bar, be sure to opt for weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements.

Stock Up on Supplies

No backyard bar is complete without all the necessary supplies. Be sure to stock up on things like glassware, liquor, mixers, garnishes, and bar tools. And don’t forget the all-important cooler to keep everything chilled.

Add Some Finishing Touches

Once you have all of your supplies and furniture in place, it’s time to add some finishing touches to make your backyard bar shine. Consider adding some fun décor items like string lights or lanterns, as well as some greenery or flowers to brighten up the space.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate backyard bar for all your entertaining needs. Cheers!

In Summary

So, what are you waiting for? Get started planning your perfect backyard party today! And once you’ve thrown the best bash of the summer, be sure to come back and let us know how it went. We always love hearing about new and creative ways to entertain guests outdoors.

In the meantime, do you have any tips or tricks up your sleeve? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to hear them!