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11 Ways to Upgrade Your Yard for Entertaining

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

Sunset
1 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

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.

2 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

Dress the floor

A sunny polypropylene outdoor rug adds instant warmth and defines the party space. 6- by 9-ft.

3 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

Mix the seating

Folding chairs in fun colors provide flexible extra seating indoors or out.

4 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

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.

5 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

Put in lighting

Clusters of lights bring warmth to the patio corners.

6 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

Bring in a mini bar

A double-decker iron table, enameled a glossy green, sets off summery drinks.

7 /12 Photo by Thomas J. Story; written by Julie Chai

Illuminate the evening

Perforated porcelain candleholders cast a geometric glow over the whole space.

8 /12 Jeffery Cross

Inject some metal

Use this 16-inch-wide dish as a shallow planter or fill it with water for a mini reflecting pool. Either way, the parrot red color makes this a standout feature.

9 /12 Jeffery Cross

Get cozy

Found, finally: A soft throw that can actually be left outside, thanks to Sunbrella’s performance fibers.

10 /12 Jeffery Cross

Serve with flair

Serve nuts, olives, and other small bites in these solid ash 10- by 11-inch trays. They wipe clean with a sponge.

11 /12 Jeffery Cross

Add pops of color

Fill these 7-inch pots with fragrant basil and march a row of them down an outdoor dining table or hang them with wall hooks.

12 /12 Jeffery Cross

Dine on eye candy

Artist Lotta Jansdotter spreads her Scandi-inspired patterns over a line of outdoor-ready melamine dinnerware.