Banner image courtesy of Ben Rosett
For most people, outdoor entertaining is something you do in the summer or, if the weather is really warm, late spring. You throw a few burgers on the grill, string up some lights, and you have a party. But don’t you think you’re missing out if that’s all you do when it comes to entertaining?
Every season has its own vibe and its own perks, and your backyard can match it. Spring is perfect for brunches under the sun. Fall is just made for long dinners wrapped in blankets and the smell of wood smoke. And winter? If you have a fire pit and a glass of mulled wine, why even bother with what’s happening inside?
If you design your space well, it’ll work regardless of the season. And if you love having people over, you’ll want to do that.
How to Entertain Outdoors Year-Round
Entertaining outdoors doesn’t have to end by Labor Day, but it will unless you’re creative and have a good setup. If you don’t already have a deck, what I would do is I’d find a local deck builder near me. Once I find a pro who can build me one for the right price without sacrificing quality, because a quality deck is always a huge plus, especially for entertaining.
Let’s go over some ideas.
1. Spring Brunch Under a Pergola
Spring is ideal for slow mornings and good food, which also means it’s ideal for an outdoor brunch. Set up everything under a pergola and let the sunlight filter in just enough. You want it to be bright, but not blinding. Add a table with soft linens, pastel dishes, and a vase with fresh flowers.
You can also add a few throw pillows and cozy seating corners so your guests can settle in and enjoy the conversation.
If it’s very sunny outside, you don’t need lighting, but if it’s not, you can have accent lighting for a sense of calm and polish.
2. Garden-to-Table Dinner Party
Once the garden starts producing, you have a theme for your next gathering. A garden-to-table dinner doesn’t have to be complicated, and if you grow your own herbs and vegetables, your evening can be planned around what’s fresh.
Put planter boxes or a vertical herb wall around your deck. This will bring the garden into your space, plus everything will smell amazing. Use low LED garden lights and keep the furniture minimal and natural.
All you need is a long wooden table, woven chairs, and maybe a linen runner.
3. Sunset Cocktail Hour
Aside from a summer barbecue, which is a must for most people, a sunset cocktail hour is another excellent idea for entertaining, especially at the end of summer. Host a cocktail hour that starts just before sunset hits and let the light set the tone for the entire evening. Stick to a simple, clean look: light wood, neutral cushions, a plant or two, and plenty of cocktails.
When the sun sets, you’ll see how the mood will change, which is why you want to have good lighting. Step lights, lanterns, and wall sconces will keep everything warm without overpowering the natural glow.
4. Fall Harvest Gathering
Fall is all about warmth. Warm colors, warm food, warm company. Why not plan a dinner that leans into rustic touches like hay bales, seasonal wreaths, and of course, pumpkins? Who doesn’t love pumpkins?
Serve a bit of comfort food and something warm to drink and your party is pretty much done. Add string lights with an amber glow and toss in a few fluffy blankets on benches and chairs. If you have the space, a small firewood rack or vintage lanterns will go perfectly with this setup.
5. Outdoor Movie Night
Early fall and late spring are perfect for outdoor movie nights. No fancy setup needed here, just a projector, a screen, or even a blank wall, and a comfy place to sit. A pergola will work great as a frame for your screen, and a tiered deck can double as a stadium if it’s designed right.
Our rugs on the floor, scatter cushions and beanbags, and there’s your theater.
6. Winter Firepit Circle
Cold weather is actually good for you (unless you go too far, of course), so why be cooped up inside all the time? A fire pit, whether it’s built-in or portable, can make an otherwise bland chilly evening into something you’ll always remember. Arrange the seating in a circle around the flames and add windbreaks like slatted wood screens or tall planters to block the wind.
Heated furniture covers or throws can stretch your hangout longer, so add those in if it’s really cold outside. Serve hot drinks like mulled wine and cocoa and you’ll all forget you’re outside in winter.
Conclusion
Outdoor entertaining can exist all year if you plan it well. You can flip pancakes in the spring, grill in July, and sip cider around the fire in December. Each season has its own kind of beauty and you can’t appreciate it inside. So head out, invite your friends, and don’t let the weather stop you from enjoying fresh air.