Wow your guests with these trendingoutdoor entertainingideas from professional event and party planners.
Add Ambience with Layered Lighting
One way to create a festive ambience is by leaning into lighting.
Michelle Durpetti, founder of Durpetti Events, suggests layered lighting to create a party-ready atmosphere.
Credit:Jason Donnelly
Smart, dimmable LED fixtures allow hosts to adjust the lighting to match the mood.
Try hanging lights overhead and setting them along tables as well.
For seamless execution, homeowners should opt for wireless, app-controlled lighting systems.
Done correctly, layered lighting draws the eye and encourages mingling.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Kitchen
Have anoutdoor kitchen?
Key trends include smart technology integration, such as app-controlled grills, pizza ovens, and outdoor refrigerators.
Of course, dont limit yourself to the standard grill or stovetop.
Mixed-material countertops, like natural stone and concrete, add both durability and style.
Get Cozy
Just because youre outside during your event doesnt mean you have to rough it.
Lenhart says comfort and flexibility are crucial for seating.
Theres a lovely, casual feel to spaces that welcome you to rearrange them.
They give you permission to relax and be yourself, Lenhart says.
Try something new in your backyard for 2025.
Beyond aesthetics, its all about creative layouts, says LaMere.
Of course, you dont even need traditional dining tables.
You make the rules.
And dining isn’t limited to just the deck or patio.
Buchanan says moving your dining table to an unusual spot can up the overall feel of your event.
Instead of centering on food and drink, these events emphasize relaxation, connection, andmindfulness.
Of course, events dont have to be structured.
Embrace a last-minute bash if you have the capacity.
Get creative, invite your friends over, and watch as the party unfolds.
Gatherings are getting more interactive and experience-driven, LaMere says.
Forbes suggests using different zones of your yard for different parts of the event.
