Whether your ideal summer includes endless pool parties or gathering around the fire to roast marshmallows, it's time to give your outdoor space a little extra love. From choosing the right furniture to organizing entertaining essentials, here's how to transform your backyard into the perfect summer sanctuary.
Choose Smart Furniture
When entertaining is the goal, breathable open weave materials made of resin wicker are your best bet. The design stays current, holds up to the elements, and dries quickly after summer storms.
Storage That Works (and Looks Good)
Outdoor cabinets, potting stands, or shelving that matches your furniture style can store frequently used items while keeping everything accessible. Think beautiful bins, baskets, and turntables for storing and displaying entertaining supplies—they add texture to your design while keeping things polished. Skip the brightly colored plastic containers and opt for elevated wood, coated metal, or natural materials instead.
Color and Style Trends
This season brings bright patterns and florals alongside textured neutrals. Start with a neutral foundation in your furniture, then add pops of color through pillows, umbrellas, planters, and garden stools. Keep the same elements throughout your outdoor spaces for a cohesive look that suits your style.
Entertaining Made Easy
1. Invest in a Tray
Spend more time with guests and less time running back and forth. Pre-wash any dishes that collected dust over winter, then lay out everything you need around the table - condiments, placemats, napkins, and bug spray.
"Invest in a tray or caddy to carry all the things and limit the number of times you have to go in and out of your house. It also helps to streamline cleanup." - Corrin McCoy of NEAT Method New York City
2. Corral Tabletop Essentials
Keep all your outdoor dining basics - melamine plates, easy-wipe tablecloths, and plastic flatware - together in one designated storage area. This prevents the last-minute scramble when you're setting up for guests and ensures you always know what needs restocking.
"Store all outdoor tabletop items in one large bin or drawer so everything is grab-and-go ready. Include backup supplies like extra napkins and straws. You'll thank yourself later when you're not running to three different places to set the table." - Liz Girsch of NEAT Method Milwaukee
3. Create Stations
Set up dedicated zones for grilling, s'mores, and cocktails by corralling each activity's supplies in separate containers. Store them wherever is closest to your patio door—kitchen drawer, cabinet, or mudroom. Or if you have an outdoor kitchen, here’s how you can give it a space lift.
"Consider every outdoor activity - grilling supplies in one basket, cocktail essentials in another, s'mores kit in a third. The key is having everything for each activity contained in one spot so you're not hunting through multiple cabinets mid-party. My favorite for these is our divided Perforated Basket—it keeps everything organized and portable." - Katie Koentje of NEAT Method San Diego North County
4. Hide the Clutter
Tuck backyard items into opaque storage containers to keep them out of sight and protected from elements. Large deck boxes work perfectly for pool floats and lawn games, while smaller lidded outdoor baskets handle throw blankets and pool towels.
"When looking for outdoor storage furniture ensure it has a mesh bottom so that wet items can drain properly." - Shelley Anbouba of NEAT Method Dallas - Highland Park
5. Post-Party Smart Habits
Your outdoor space should work as hard as your indoor spaces – beautiful, functional, and ready for whatever summer throws your way.
"When cleaning up from your guests, inventory items as you put them away in their homes. Add items that need to be replenished or replaced on your shopping list and items that need to be repaired on your to do list. This will help ensure you already have the entertaining supplies you need before your next gathering." - Susie Renninger, NEAT Method Baltimore North
SHOP THE SOLUTIONS
Perforated Basket
Canisters
Grid Basket
Acacia Turntable
xx,
the NEAT team
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