The first step in turning your backyard into a relaxing and inviting space for entertaining is to assess your current setup. Do you have a deck or patio space that can be spruced up with new outdoor furniture or ambient lighting? Simple touches like these can completely transform an existing area.

Don’t have a deck or patio in your yard? Take a look at your property and identify the best area for setting up a new entertainment area. Factor in how you plan to use the space. For example, if you’ll be having lots of outdoor dinner parties, you may want to build a patio close to the kitchen. Or you can choose to build further away from the house and use landscaping to create a lush and intimate party environment.

Do you have trees in your yard that need to be trimmed? Are there any dead bushes or flowers to remove? What about patches of grass that could use some TLC? A simple overhaul of your current landscaping design will make it easier to assess what needs to be added or taken away in order to increase your yard’s visual appeal. Try surrounding a patio space with dense trees for privacy, or lining walkways with flowers or other decorative plants to liven things up.

Your new outdoor entertainment space should provide fun year-round. For the heat of summer, invest in a custom awning like those offered by OutdoorFabrics.com. The right awning will not only shield your party from the bright summer sun, but will also keep your guests dry during any surprise showers.

All-weather entertainment systems will make a perfect addition for your new outdoor space. Look for compact subwoofers or satellite speakers that can be strategically hidden throughout your yard so the music follows guests wherever they are.

A sound system is a must for parties, but movie buffs may want to consider an outdoor television or projector screen to host screening nights for friends.

Ditch uncomfortable patio chairs and outfit your new space with versatile seating. Aim to mimic the comfort of an indoor living room, and look for cushioned benches, chaise lounges, and even all-weather couches. When selecting new pieces, be sure to find the right outdoor fabric, such as stain-resistant, waterproof, and fade-resistant fabrics like those sold by OutdoorFabrics.com. They offer outdoor furniture fabrics in a variety of colors and prints to make any space look great.

If you love hosting dinner parties in your home, use an outdoor grill to enjoy al fresco dining in the warm weather months. Traditional charcoal grills work just fine, but a built-in grill makes a great addition for the right space. You can also get extra fancy and impress your guests with a meat smoker, or even an outdoor pizza oven!

Fire pits are another great way to enhance your outdoor entertainment space. Do-it-yourself kits are available at home improvement centers, or you can keep things simple with a ready-to-buy fire pit like a chiminea.

Expand your current living space with the addition of drapes or French doors. For example, use a set of curtains to connect an indoor living room with an exterior patio. Bridging the two spaces will invite guests to wander between, and create an indoor-outdoor entertaining area that your friends are sure to love.

When the sun begins to set on your afternoon gathering, use outdoor lighting to extend the party into nighttime. Lighting is a great way to add flair to an outdoor space, and there are countless options:

• Try adding lights to landscaping or walkways for a warm glow that will also help your guests walk safely from place to place.

• Use lanterns or torches to create an intimate atmosphere for dinner parties.

• Solar lights are another popular option for taking a party from day to night.

Outdoor Fabrics offer awnings, cushions, drapes, and pillows that are meant to withstand inclement weather. They are purveyors of easy-to-clean, stain-resistant outdoor furniture fabrics that keep your entertaining space looking great year-round.

For more info, visit www.outdoorfabrics.com or call 1-800-640-3539.

Summary

Use these tips to transform your backyard into an inviting entertainment space. Use lighting, a quality sound system, lush plants, and comfortable seating with outdoor fabrics to create a quality entertainment area your friends will love.