Easy Ways to Make Your Backyard a Happening Haven

Plant Lemongrass to be Bug-Free

First and foremost, tackle the concern of pesky insects to ensure a comfortable, enjoyable experience outside. Lemongrass naturally contains citronella, which repels mosquitoes. It fares well when planted in both pots and the ground, requiring a good amount of sunlight. Plus, lemongrass is multi-functional! Lemongrass is fragrant and will bring heightened flavor to soups, salad dressings, chicken, seafood, and pork recipes. Find out more about the successful planting of lemongrass here.

Add Some Twinkle to Your Night

You can pick up solar-powered lights at nearly every retailer. Choose a solar lantern and have zero preparation – or get crafty with it.

For simple options, consider putting a solar light as a table centerpiece. Many come in a mason jar or lantern designs. Since these have a built-in hanging capability, you can purchase plant brackets to affix to fencing or standalone plant hooks to hang around your entertainment area.

Re-purposing an old chandelier fixture adds whimsy to your backyard if your style is a bit more shabby-chic. This option will take some time, but the wow factor will reward your effort with rave reviews from friends. Follow these steps to make a solar chandelier yourself.

Chandeliers can also look exquisite with candlelight. While this won’t stand up to every element of nature, using glass votives will shield the flame from the breeze. Another showstopping option is to surround a pillar in a glass jar. Add your personal touch with glass pebbles or Himalayan salt rocks.

Lastly, for lighting, pick up some glow-in-the-dark paint to illuminate anything from rocks and pavers to planters and pots.

Host with the Most

Now let’s add those finishing details to make all your soirées unforgettable.

Centerpiece ideas

• Eat your centerpiece. While this might sound odd, edible displays are an attractive and functional focal point for guests to munch and chat around. All you need to do is grab glass containers in a variety of sizes, then chop crisp, colorful veggies for a healthy yet beautiful arrangement.

• Giftwrap table runner. There’s nothing wrong with the vinyl tablecloth décor so popular in the past. They are cheap yet durable. However, there’s a limit on design choices. Most stores offer solids and a few seasonal designs. Giftwrap designs provide a wider range and a higher chance of matching your fabulous style. You can add glamour to your outdoor table by running a strip of wrapping paper down the middle, without the fear of it getting messy, thanks to the small cost. If you don’t want the rest of your table exposed, try kraft paper underneath for full coverage.

• Soft succulents. Offset the exotic lushness of succulents with cool pebbles, glowing candlelight, and rustic pottery to make a stunning bargain centerpiece.

Outdoor Beverage Service

• What should I put it on?
  
  

  Photo courtesy of freutcake.com

  • A wire shelving unit
  • Buckets, buckets, and more buckets!
  • An old door from a thrift or charity storefront
  • A microwave cart
  • Cinder blocks
• What should I serve?
  • Let them make their own. Put all the accoutrément in an attractive tray on your chosen table from above. Vodka, whiskey, tequila, tonic, soda, juice, and garnishes will make your bar a hit – no recipe necessary, but you can also try these tasty summertime pleasers:
    • Caramel Apple Sangria
    • Rosemary-Grapefruit Moscow Mule
    • Spicy Jalapeno Mango Margarita
    • Bourbon Peach Smash
• Any extra touches?
  • Glad you asked! Freeze blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries to act as ice without watering down your dazzling drinks.
  • Any premade drink recipes can be placed in attractive jars for easy pickup and protection from insects.
  • If you have outdoor games or dancing at your party, consider drink holder stakes for hands-free festivities.

A fair warning, these simple additions might cause a problem. Friends and family are likely to want to spend a little too much time in your outdoor entertainment area. We hope you’re ready for the popularity to come and the many gushes of household guests. And let us know in the comments if you have any backyard entertainment favorites!