7 Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for Entertaining

Sunset Magazine

Having people over this weekend? Spruce up your space fast with these easy ideas.

Upgrade your yard
Upgrade your yard


Upgrade your yard for entertaining
Style expert Caitlin Atkinson says, "The garden is your canvas--paint a warm, inviting picture on it." Here are some easy ways to do just that, and get your outdoor space in shape for weekend entertaining.



Dress the floor
Dress the floor


Dress the floor
A sunny polypropylene outdoor rug adds instant warmth and defines the party space.6- by 9-ft. Dash & Albert Diamond rug in canary and white, $298; pottedstore.com.


Want to really make your outdoor space feel like a living room? Read our Ultimate Outdoor Livingroom Guide.

Mix the seating
Mix the seating


Mix the seating
Folding chairs in fun colors provide flexible extra seating indoors or out.Fermob bistro metal chair, $99; floragrubb.com.

Looking for more ideas? Here are some Santa Fe-inspired patio designs.

Cover the fence
Cover the fence


Cover the fence

Botanical and marine silhouettes--made with painted steel, strategically rusted and then sealed--add a pop of color to a not-yet-plant-covered fence.

More patio ideas


Put in lighting
Put in lighting


Put in lighting
Clusters of lights bring warmth to the patio corners.Bubble caged glass lanterns, from $50; potterybarn.com.

Like the look? Here's more on outdoor lighting.


Mini bar
Mini bar


Bring in a mini bar
A double-decker iron table, enameled a glossy green, sets off summery drinks.Luck side table, $149; cb2.com.

More on outdoor dining


Stylish table
Stylish table


Set a stylish table
Porcelain plates in a geometric pattern echo the rug below.Chase yellow plate, $4.95; crateandbarrel.com.


Like these ideas? Read on for many more hints and tips on setting up an outdoor entertaining area.