30 Outdoor Entertaining Ideas That’ll Save You Tons of Time

Throwing an outdoor party that’s filled with food, drink, and fun conversation is helped by some entertaining ideas that’ll make planning and prepping a breeze. Certain factors (like unexpected wind or a sunny backyard without an inch of shade) can quickly complicate things. For a truly foolproof shindig, lean into the spirit of the season with easy ways to work with the elements. Try tablecloth weights, no-fuss table settings, and a simple menu that won’t leave you stranded in the kitchen while your guests mingle outside.

Whether you’re having family over for an impromptu patio day or are prepping for a giant Fourth of July bash for the entire neighborhood, these tips are designed to help make your life easier, so you can kick back and enjoy the summer with your family and friends.

1. Craft a Signature Cocktail

Rather than stock a whole bar, opt for one (easy) big-batch cocktail as a crowd pleaser, then offer wine, beer, and some nonalcoholic options and boom — your outdoor party bar is done.

2. Opt for Finger Foods

Create a menu that focuses on foods that can be eaten with your hands (and maybe even without a plate or bowl). Think hot dogs, corn on the cob, then cupcakes or popsicles for dessert. Not only will it give you that laid-back party vibe, but it’ll help cut back on waste by reducing the plastic utensils or disposable plates you use (or cut back on the dishwashing you need to do).

3. Spruce Up a Plain Cake for Dessert

Who wants to bake in the middle of summer? Rather than bake your own dessert, head to the bakery aisle for a pre-baked angel food cake or pound cake. You can slice a cake and layer it with fruit, pudding, and whipped cream for an English trifle, deck it out with sprinkles and other easy-to-apply decorations.

4. Plan on a Potluck

There’s nothing wrong with going potluck for your party — especially if you’re planning for a large crowd. Decide what you want to provide (main dishes and drinks are common), and let your guests fill in the blanks with some snacks, sides, and desserts.

5. Upcycle Your Decor

Wash out cans, bottles, and jars and use them to hold utensils or straws, serve as glasses, or serve desserts. (Bonus: You can simply recycle your party goods at the end of the night.)

6. Let AI Be Your DJ

Looking for the perfect picnic playlist? Rather than handcraft it, look for mood options on music streaming services. Most have a killer selection of party playlists, whether you’re looking for a relaxed vibe, throwback songs, or a full-on dance party.

7. Make Your Meal DIY

You supply the fixings, let them create the feast. If you have an outdoor pizza oven, all you need is pre-made pizza dough and sauce, shredded cheeses, and an array of toppings to let everyone create a masterpiece. Do a fun DIY bar (like make your own tacos, or an over-the-top salad bar with all kinds of goodies). Ice cream and sundae fixings take care of dessert.

8. Focus on Comfy Seating

Thick, comfortable chair cushions will encourage guests to linger at the table. If you don’t already have some, consider investing in replacement cushions in a weatherproof material. Patio heaters can also help create a comfortable outdoor environment if temperatures dip at night.

9. Get Creative with Disposables

Lay brown craft paper across a table for a casually finished look and super-easy clean-up. If the kids (or adults) are looking for an activity, set out crayons on a craft-paper-covered kids’ table and they can doodle on the tablecloth until dinner is ready.

10. Don’t Stress About Matching Dishware

Don’t get overly fussy with dinnerware — an eclectic mix feels more laid-back anyway. Feel free to pair your crisp white plates with vintage florals or even modern stripes for a relaxed vibe.

11. Keep the Menu Simple

Serve seasonal classics for a backyard picnic: Salads, fresh fruit, and cold drinks will satisfy the crowd, and you won’t have to stand at a hot stove for hours. Alternatively, grilling up a delicious dinner will let you hang out with your guests as you prepare the food, so you won’t feel isolated in the kitchen.

12. Work With the Weather

Make wind less of an issue by skipping a tablecloth altogether. Or, if you have to have a tablecloth, consider ordering a set of tablecloth weights that will ensure it stays in place. Alternatively, you can weigh disposable dishes down (and greet guests) with small bowls of fresh fruit for an added touch of color.

13. Define Your Outdoor Space

An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, but it also helps define your outdoor space. If you have a yard that gets full sun, consider setting up multiple patio umbrellas and mini-seating areas around the backyard or deck. These shaded retreats will also encourage mingling at a larger party, as guests will congregate at the various seating areas.

14. Repurpose Indoor Furniture

When covered with pillows, a cot becomes an outdoor settee. Consider grabbing your indoor chairs for extra seating, or if the weather forecast looks good, recruit some indoor throw pillows as extra outdoor accessories. Just remember to pull everything inside once the party is over.

15. Encourage Mingling

Set up tables in separate areas ― say, drinks in one spot, dessert in another ― to encourage guests to roam. If guests have to cross the backyard to grab a drink, they’re more likely to strike up a conversation along the way.

16. Create a Mobile Drinks Station

Stock a bar cart with essentials: glasses, ice, a cocktail shaker, and swizzle sticks. Simply wheel it back to the kitchen if supplies run low, then slide it back outside to keep things flowing.

17. Choose Unfussy Decorations

Floating peonies and gardenias make a pretty centerpiece. Just pour water into a large serving platter, and trim the stems off of each flower — no floral design skills necessary.

18. Keep Cold Foods Cold

To keep dairy-based dips and other perishable dishes chilled, fill a large bowl with ice, and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Place the dish on top and it will stay colder for longer. Just be sure to keep an eye on these dishes and replace the dip and ice bath as needed.

19. Find New Uses for Old Things

Keep bugs away from food with an upended wire-mesh colander. Use ice-pop sticks to distinguish the rare burgers from the well-done. When you get creative with the supplies you already have around your house, you’ll buy less and save yourself a trip to the store (and a few dollars).

20. Lean on Nature for Supplies

Not enough seating to go around? Even tree stumps will do just fine. Similarly, use potted plants from your yard as table decor, and if you have an herb garden, use fresh basil or rosemary as a garnish on dishes and cocktails.

21. Encourage Guests to Serve Themselves

Set up a lemonade stand to keep guests hydrated. Place glasses within easy reach on a dessert stand. This way, everyone can grab what they need and you won’t have to play bartender.

22. Get Inspired By the Shore

Embrace a seasonally-appropriate theme, like a seashore motif. Seashells lend a coastal vibe, and tie a starfish to a basic napkin ring for a beachy feel.

23. Borrow From Your Garden

Fill colorful pails with straight-from-the-garden flowers. If you don’t have a beautiful garden to snip flowers from, consider letting branches or leaves stand in as easy table decor.

24. Let the Weather Determine the Menu

Steamy night? Keep guests plied with simple fare like sparkling drinks and savory bites. Opt for cooling foods on a particularly hot day, or choose richer foods on a chilly, end-of-summer evening.

25. Set the Mood

Paper lanterns draped from tree limbs are charmingly festive (use dark extension cords that will blend in). Repurposed white Christmas lights also provide a magical twinkle effect. Even inexpensive tea lights set in clean glass jam jars can create ambience. Careful — with a scene this magical, your guests will want to stick around late into the night.

26. Keep Bugs Away

Circle your party area with citronella candles or incense sticks to light when the sun starts to set. The scent will help keep bugs at bay. Also consider setting out a bottle (or two) of bug spray on the perimeter of the party for guests to use.

27. Create a Faux Glow

Battery-operated flameless candles give off the same warm glow as traditional candles, with no fear of wind, fire hazard, or spilled wax. If you’re planning to have young children or pets running around the backyard, this is a great option.

28. Use Overhead Lighting

Wrap a vintage chandelier with fairy lights for a romantic vibe. You can also string fairy lights along a table or in a nearby tree or bush.

29. Gather ‘Round the Fire

A fire pit is a must for s’mores and stories. Invest in a wood-burning fire pit and your family is bound to use it several times (or even every night) throughout the summer and fall.

30. Add Areas for Both Sitting and Lounging

The mark of a great summer evening? No one is in any rush and everyone wants to hang out late into the night. Pull out the sturdy wicker furniture, perfect for lolling in on lazy summer nights. Or, pull over reclining lounge chairs or stylish beach chairs so guests can lie back and enjoy the evening.