Summer is finally here! The weather is getting warmer, plants are in full bloom, and everyone’s getting ready to spend some quality time with their backyard. As you prepare to welcome friends, family members, and neighbors over for games and grilling, make sure your space is ready for entertaining with these options.

Sure, you can pull up a few chairs around a firepit when you feel like having a bonfire, but wouldn’t you rather create a permanent hangout spot? There are countless options for affordable, aesthetically pleasing firepits that are built-in or portable. Once you pick one, get a set of outdoor furniture that remains permanently around the firepit. For example, consider a wicker couch or loveseat with removable cushions.

No outdoor party would be complete without food – whether you’re serving a full meal or finger food for the kids, you’re going to want an outdoor cooking space. You can go all in and build a full kitchen in your back yard complete with a dining set. Or you can opt for the classic grill and patio furniture combo. Be sure to keep all your cooking utensils in one easy-to-access place, so you’re not scrambling to find something.

Consider too setting up a bar or designated drink area. For example, you can opt for a portable island, build your own Tiki bar, or use a picnic bench reserved for mixers, drink accompaniments, and glassware.

Hanging lights and lanterns are a backyard’s best friend. Light up your outdoor spaces by hanging strands of lights along your fence, across a pergola, or between your deck posts. Don’t go overboard, or your backyard will light up like the sun late in the evening but don’t skimp on lights, or guests will have a hard time finding their way around. You can find several different types of lighting to fit your style and backyard to make the space your own.

Croquet, cornhole, bocce ball, ladder toss, horseshoes…. The list of fun backyard games goes on and on. These are all affordable games you can set up to entertain adults and children all summer long.

By designating a specific area for games, you can keep everything in one place (and avoid an errant ball knocking over glasses on the table!) and create different activity areas for guests to choose from.

If you’re hosting a big party, different groups of guests will start to form. Some might dive into your gaming corner while others hop right into making drinks. For your guests who would prefer a quiet corner to catch up, we recommend building a separate space with a couple of chairs and a table a bit further back from the rowdier areas in your backyard.

All you need to host a movie night in your backyard is a sheet and a projector. Hang a big sheet on a wall of your home, and you’re in business! All you need to complete the evening is some popcorn, cold drinks, picnic blankets or chairs, and the right summer flick.

Beautiful backyards are often the most lush, vibrant ones. If you’re going to be doing a lot of entertaining, make sure your backyard greenery is up to snuff. Consider planting bold and colorful annuals or create a butterfly garden to delight guests. If you have a green thumb and love gardening, you can even plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs right near your deck or patio.

Swinging benches, hammocks, and reclining chairs are all welcome outdoor additions when the weather gets hot. Create some places perfect for guests – and your family – to lounge throughout the summer months. Make sure to place these in a shady spot or add an umbrella to avoid sitting in direct sunlight for too long.

Create the backyard you’ll want to spend most of the summer in with these tips. In no time, you’ll have a beautifully crafted space perfect for entertaining your family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoy the summer!