Dust off those patio chairs and deck umbrellas, its entertainment time, baby! One of the best parts of summer is that you really don't need a reason to gather with friends and family, raise a toast and share a laugh over a summer soiree. While entertaining comes naturally to some, it can cause a panic for others. Plan for your guests' comfort and less day-of stress with plenty of cozy outdoor seating options, cool drinks, shade solutions, bug repellants and more.

1. Focus on Comfy Seating: At a summer party, nobody is in a rush to be anywhere, so it is important to have enough seating options to suit your guests. Pull out sturdy wicker furniture or patio lounge chairs accompanied by some outdoor folding chairs. This will offer options to your guests as they mingle around and move seats throughout the party. If you don't already have cushioned outdoor chairs, consider investing in some new chairs or just some replacement weatherproof cushions to update your current set. Thick and comfortable cushions on chairs will encourage your guests to linger at the table and enjoy their evening.

2. Keep the Menu Simple: Party day shouldn’t feel stressful. Serve up seasonal classics at your backyard picnic such as salads, fresh fruits and cold drinks, all of which will satisfy the crowd and won't require you to stand by the hot stove for hours. Using your Big Green Egg or grill to cook some outdoor pizzas, hot dogs or burgers will still allow you to chat with your guests as you prepare yummy dinner.

3. Set Up Shade Solutions: A sunburn does not make for a fun party favor. A market or cantilever umbrella not only fulfills the obvious task of providing shade, but also helps define your outdoor space. Multiple umbrellas set up around a yard that gets a lot of sun will create shady retreats, which will not only keep your guests cool but also encourage more mingling at these various areas.

4. Outdoor Decor: Keep it simple for your outdoor gathering. Borrow from your garden and arrange a beautiful bundle of flowers and place it as a centerpiece. Green up your outdoor dining space with a charming boxwood hedge. You could even set out a bowl of seasonal fruits, such as lemons, oranges and limes, to tie in with the summery vibe. Mason jars make instant summer party fun! Adorable and functional, they can be used for a variety of purposes, from holding a bouquet of flowers to serving summer punch!

5. Keep Drinks Cool: A nice cold beverage can easily make or break a party on a hot summer day. Make sure you are prepared to keep the drinks cool and refilled. Coolers provide great insulation, and packing the cans closer to each other and covering them with ice will keep them cooler, longer. For a more stylish patio accessory, try an ice bucket table. This piece can be paired next to your different seating options and even doubles as a place for guests to set their drinks down!

6. Keep Bugs Off the Guest List: Bees, flies and mosquitos in attendance can really make or break your outdoor party. If it’s too buggy outside, your guests will want to go inside. Make sure you place out plenty of citronella candles or have incense sticks on hand to light when the sun starts to set. You may also consider setting out a bottle or two of bug spray for guests to use if they wish.

7. Faux Glow: Outdoor string lights and lanterns give off a warm glow that will create the perfect ambiance in your outdoor space after the sun sets.

8. DIY Sweet Treats: No party is complete without dessert, and what better dessert for an outdoor summer party than s’mores! A decorative tray filled with s’mores ingredients placed next to the fire table creates the self-serve s’mores bar DREAM. What better way to end the night than with s’mores, smiles and sticky fingers?

At the end of the day, remember that your guests are there simply to enjoy the company of old friends, have a few drinks and enjoy the summer sun. With these helpful tips, throwing your summer soiree should be nothing short of a simple task.