We all love to spend time outdoors with friends and family. But you know what no one loves? Getting sunburned, bitten by bugs, and catching a chill after the sun sets. We compiled an easy and useful guide to outdoor entertainment that includes ideas and tips on spending time in your outdoor space comfortably.

Set the Scene

Regardless of what you decide to do in your backyard or on your patio, if your surroundings need serious help, it will put a damper on the whole event. For example, imagine entertaining your loved ones right next to some unsightly garbage cans or unappealing unwashed windows.

The easy solution is to assess your 360-degree view before you begin setting up for your shindig. If you can’t roll out the garbage cans to an area that won’t be seen, consider creating a screen that will hide them from view. You could grab a few indoor plants and arrange them in front of the area you are trying to conceal. Alternatively, try putting lawn torches into pots for an easy barrier and additional lighting.

When you consider cleaning your outdoor space, you’d be surprised how even the most minor improvements can make a world of difference. Hire professionals for window cleaning service and take inspiration from this helpful outdoors cleaning tips guide: “Tips For Outdoor Spring Cleaning Guide”.

Seating Arrangements

Regardless of what your outdoor activities will include, one thing will most likely stay the same – your guests will need a place to sit. Set up a corner or another cozy area with chairs and a small table where your guests can set down their food and drinks. Don’t forget to throw down some cushions to make it cozy. And add a blanket or two if you think you’ll be hanging out late into the night – especially if you have a firepit to keep the fun going.

Bring the Bar Outside

If you place self-serve refreshments outside, you will reduce indoor traffic and encourage everyone to enjoy their time outdoors together. You can start by filling a cooler with ice and placing various beverages in it before hiding it under the table or somewhere where it won’t get in the way. You can even put quick signs on different coolers, one for adults and one for kids drinks – and don’t forget to attach a beer or wine opener to the adult coolers with a string for easy opening.

If you have more time on your hands, you could experiment with filling a wheelbarrow with ice and drinks. And for extra credit, try creating a signature drink – those are always a hit and can be served in outdoor jars or containers with a big bowl of crushed ice.

Let There Be Light!

Creating an appealing lighting setting is an essential step in setting the mood of the party. If you don’t have many outdoor outlets, you may try opting for candles, but what do you do on those breezy summer nights?

Instead of regular candles, try using flameless pillars or votives and scatter them throughout the outdoor space. Alternatively, you can try using traditional candles set inside mason jars – or check out the battery-powered twinkle lights you can buy to put in the mason jars.

Solar-powered fairy lights can also add hassle-free lighting that will look nice and not be influenced by the wind.

Say No to Bugs

Nothing is more annoying than coming back to your glass of wine only to find out that it is now filled with bugs. To solve this problem, try creating homemade drink protectors by poking straws through parchment paper and placing them upside down in a glass for protection – also a great way to personalize your guest’s name on their cocktail.

You can also plan ahead and invest in plants that are natural bug repellents. For example, try mint, lavender, rosemary, and citronella planted in pots and dispersed throughout your outdoor space.  And, to keep it easy, there are a great variety of citronella candles that can be an option as well offered at many home improvement or garden store retailers.

Outdoors Activities

Now that your space is set up, it’s time to provide entertainment. You can set up games like ring toss, horse-shoe toss, corn hole, and croquet for your guests to enjoy.

If you are serving food, make sure it is something that will hold up outside. BBQ, appetizers, and light summer dinners should all be able to do the trick.

And don’t forget the music. Ensure everyone is in a festive mood by setting up outdoor speakers and picking a playlist for your outdoor event.

And last but not least: make sure your guest bathroom is clean and ready for use. We know party prep can be consuming, and you might not be in the mood to deal with a dirty bathroom. So let us take the reigns on prepping your indoor space. We can help with commercial cleaning and bathroom cleaning services making your interior clean so that you can focus on your outdoor entertaining.

Learn More About Immaculate Clean Services

Immaculate Clean offers friendly and efficient house cleaning services in Eldersburg, MD, that will leave your house spotless and mess-free. Contact us today!