9 Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining

Entertaining pros share their secrets for elevating the usual backyard barbecue into a memorable outdoor affair.

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#1: Seat creatively

For a sit-down meal, bring out indoor furniture. Surround a table with a mix of chairs or benches (left). The charming combination will put guests at ease and set a come-as-you-are attitude.

Or take cues from a picnic for an even more casual party. Spread blankets and pillows throughout the yard. Set a basket of simple eats and a bucket of cold drinks on each blanket, suggests Michigan native Katie Brown, author of Katie Brown's Outdoor Entertaining.