Here in the Midwest we know how to summer hard–days spent on the water, drinks shared on the deck, parties around the campfire, and on and on. The skies the limit on ways to entertain outdoors in the summer, including extensive use of your favorite patio, deck, or backyard. Make hosting in the great outdoors a breeze with these easy tips.

Summer outdoor entertaining comes down to:

• Comfort - Great seating options, ways to control the heat and cold, and gasp bug control

• Lighting - Shade during the hottest parts of the day and lights for nighttime

• Simple Outdoor Solutions - Keep hosting outside easy with simple solutions–ice bucket tables to keep drinks cool, a serving table for snacks, napkin and utensil holders, serving trays, and more

• Ambiance - Decorate your outdoor space with simple wall decor, planters, candles, throw pillows, and more

Comfort

Outdoor entertainment starts with the basics: seating. A classic patio set is essential for hosting any gathering, which will feature drinks and food, even if it’s just a basic appetizer (which, let’s be honest, is just about any get together). Beyond the patio set, be sure to add seating options so all your guests can sit back and relax. Adirondack chairs are a great option, but if storage space is at a premium, look to outdoor folding chairs. Add side tables, or outdoor folding tables, among the chairs so all your guests have a place to store their phones, beverages, and plates.

Next, keep your guests comfortable with as much temperature control as possible. Set up a sun shade to find relief in the hottest part of the day, and maybe set up an outdoor fan to supply a cooling breeze. When the temperatures dip in the evening, utilize a fire table patio set for some gentle heat and ambience. If temperatures dip too much, turn on the patio heater and pull out the outdoor throw blankets. The fun doesn’t have to stop just because temperatures swing!

Last, think about that dreaded insect control. Depending on your location and time of day, mosquitos (and other insects) can make or break a gathering. While the jury is out on the effectiveness of citronella candles, you can build a bonfire for a natural deterrent. Mosquitos are also inhibited by a breeze so create your own with an outdoor fan. If all else fails, keep insect repellant spray close to keep you and your guests pest free.

Lighting

During the day, lighting is rarely a problem but as the evening wears on you’ll want to utilize warm, welcoming lights to keep the party going. Sun shades featuring built-in lights can double for daytime and evening use. Set up lanterns on tables for minimal lighting or outdoor lamps to brighten the night. Outdoor patio lights strung up around or over your gathering space create a fun, carefree feel.

Simple Outdoor Solutions

Make your life easier when entertaining outside by bringing hosting essentials outside with you instead of relying on running in and out the door to fetch each needed item. Serving carts are a great way to set up everything your guests need. Prep the table with utensil and napkin holders to prevent the wind from blowing anything away, then add your plates, glasses, and refreshments for an easy self-serve set up. Nestle an ice bucket table among your seating options to keep drinks cool. And stash a serving tray close by to minimize the number of trips you might still need to make inside.

Ambiance

Bring the coziness of your indoor home to the outdoors with simple additions. Planters, lanterns or candles, outdoor tabletop decor, and wall art complete an outdoor space and make your guests feel even more at home. Add texture to your outdoor space with accent pillows, throw blankets, and outdoor rugs to create a more layered, cozy feel. The outdoor decor market exploded in recent years so you have many options to make your space uniquely you while providing ultimate comfort for family and friends.

Outdoor entertaining is a quintessential part of summer and you can host your own gatherings with a breeze by following these easy tips for making your backyard the place to be this summer.