leisure | recreation | sports | travel

Entertain Outdoors for the Perfect Party

Sometimes it’s great to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. What better excuse than when entertaining? Whether you and your family are interested in an elaborate setup or a simple outdoor entertaining idea, it is possible to create a haven where friends and family want to gather. Follow some of the following suggestions for getting the crew to come to you while entertaining outdoors.

When the days get hot and long, everybody wants to cool off, and what better way to cool down than with a residential swimming pool. Every family has a budget, and pools come in all shapes and sizes from in-ground to above-ground, and can have features like waterslides and diving boards for added fun. This great home addition makes for fun outdoor entertaining for guests of all ages.

As a supplement to the pool, or even just a nice addition to any deck or lawn, a Jacuzzi may be just the trick for cool nights or areas with moderate winters. Jacuzzis are great for entertaining a few adult guests, or as an activity for kids or teenagers at graduation or birthday parties. And when the night entertaining is over, hosts can kick back, and truly relax a nice soak in the hot tub.

Everyone likes to eat, and nothing says outdoor entertainment like a barbeque pit! Some go as far as to actually build a barbeque pit into a deck or patio scheme, while others may decide it’s far easier just to install a grill, however elaborate. If there is a chef-in-the making amongst you and yours, get to work this summer and try to throw a few cook-outs. Mix with party games and goodies for a great kids’ party, or throw in a few splashy cocktails for a great adult mixer.

Why stop with something to eat? Let guests have something to drink as well with a fun and functional outdoor bar. Even though the adults may have more fun with a selection of cocktails and wine and beer fridge, a bar equipped with electric can be great for kids too. Smoothies and sun can keep kids happy when entertaining outdoors- just be sure to lock up the liquor!

For off-the-ground entertaining, many families are deciding to add a deck or patio to their home. This relatively inexpensive home addition can add many square feet to your current space, and be invaluable when entertaining. With a table and chairs, a hot tub, or a few loungers out there it is the perfect place to enjoy an evening breeze while high above the bugs and mosquitoes.

For a bit more rustic feel, try a fire pit for both daytime and nighttime entertainment fun. Kids will love the opportunity to cook-out with marshmallows and hotdogs on a stick. Adults like the outdoorsy flair of gathering around the campfire to chat, tell stories, listen to music and enjoy good food, drink and company.

The most important factor when entertaining outdoors is keeping guests safe, happy, and comfortable. Keep in mind that the climate where you live should affect what entertaining options are right for you. A pool that is used once or twice a year may not be a good investment in a cool area, whereas a fire pit may be exciting, but unusable in a hot and sunny city. Whatever it is you decide to do to entertain you guests, make sure to have fun outdoors!

Byron Jonas enjoys using instant shelters when entertaining outdoors. There is nothing like outdoor canopies to keep his guests dry