This post was created in partnership with TIKI® brand. All photos and opinions are my own!
I love creating special backyard spaces. My little “secret garden” corner of our yard is far from finished, but I dream of the day it will be bursting with plants so I can have a lush private oasis for entertaining and relaxing. But why wait for the perfect conditions? It really doesn’t take much to pull together the space you need for a fun and memorable party. Whether you have a large or small yard (or even a deck or patio!), a small corner can be easily transformed into a charming space for a party or even a quiet dinner for two!
Here are five must-haves to create a memorable party destination in your own backyard:
1) Tuck in seating and tables.
Tuck small tables, chairs and benches in corners or along a pathway to provide a quaint location to sit and serve appetizers, dinner, drinks or dessert.
2) Add flowers and plants.
If your yard or patio is looking a little barren, add a few plants to nestle in the seating area. A mix of plants and flowers of different heights will create interesting layers. Container gardens offer additional opportunities for flowers and greenery. Small vases can hold cut flowers on tables.
3) Set a warm inviting mood.
For an evening party, lighting will make your space more inviting and romantic! TIKI® Brand torches and lanterns can line pathways and table tops to not only light the area, but create a festive party atmosphere to welcome your guests.
4) Color and Pattern
Add more color and pattern to liven up the yard with fun outdoor fabric pillows on chairs and benches.
5) Music
Turn on some music to set just the right mood for your festivity! Keep the volume low enough so your guests can easily chat, but loud enough to bring a little more energy to your party.
Is your backyard ready for simple summer entertaining?
PS. These images were taken weeks ago and my garden is now bursting with flowers! YAY! I’ll have a secret garden update soon!
I need to get outside to create just what you have — a bistro seating area. Love the pulled together objects and the Tikis definitely give a festive air. Thanks. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
Thank you, we are really enjoying it! :) It’s fun to have a little spot to go right in our backyard!
Cannot wait to start entertaining outdoors. These Tiki torches look beautiful.
I think sometimes a small area in a back yard gets used more than a large entertaining area… its a place you can just escape to. I think the color and flowers really make a difference, and I like music as well, even if I just put my iPhone on:)
How beautiful! You have shared some wonderful ideas here. Hope I can implement some of them this summer.
I’d love to see an overhead view of your garden taken from the house. I have a tiny backyard and am really inspired by these photos. I’d love to see how it’s laid out.
Oh, that’s a great idea, I think I can take one from my family room window! :) It looks really cute looking outside at it, I love having that cute little spot to go to right outside!
I love our cozy gazebo area right outside our dining room on the patio. We have a nice living area out there and use it more than the rest of the patio. Love dining our enjoying conversation or drinks al fresco. Great ideas Mellisa! Can’t wait to see your backyard space with all your flowers and shrubs blooming!
Love your little conversation areas! I’ve been looking for something just like the table and two chairs for our front porch! I’d love to know where you got them from! Thanks in advance!
Thank you! I’ve had those so long I don’t really remember where I got the table and chairs. But I’ll see if I can seek out a good alternative and if I’ll come back with an idea for where to find it when I share the garden next. It’s so great to have such a small sized table and chairs for our little yard!
I love a cozy warm outdoor space! So inviting and seasonal.
I’m inspired! I have THE BEST outdoor space and I just do not use it enough. While I’m out there everyday, I don’t gather the others in the family there often enough. Thank you for the inspiration!
would love to have these for our new pea gravel patio!
wow they’be come a long way..some really cute items!
Some very inspiring ideas! I need to get going on the backyard for sure!!
I love using my backyard as additional entertaining space for guests as well as for just me and the hubby!
would look great with a few changes on a balcony
Wonderful photos! Our project new yard is a blank slate, so things like this are very inspirational for me. I think we might have the same topiary plant. I just bought mine at Home Depot. Anyway, nice post, as usual!
It’s so cozy! Every spot has such a gorgeous array of eye candy, and definitely compliments the summertime feel. It’d be the perfect little spot for lunch and even a night cap ;)
Adorable!! I love the simplicity. It’s nice to see a backyard idea that doesn’t involve me dropping 10k on a contractor to produce some ridiculous hotelesque backyard space. As a gardener, I wonder if your side chair there might not get covered in plants. ha ha.