There’s just something magical about gathering outside—sunshine, good food, kids running wild, and that laid-back summer vibe that makes everything better. Outdoor entertaining is one of my absolute favorite ways to host. Whether it’s a low-key backyard hangout or a full-on block party, I love finding easy ways to make it fun, welcoming, and just a little extra.
Table of Contents
- Keep the Kids Busy with These Backyard Fun Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
- S’mores + Summer Nights = Outdoor Entertaining Gold
- Set Up a Make-Your-Own Kabob Bar That Feeds a Crowd
- Simple Serving Tips to Make Outdoor Entertaining Feel Extra (Without Extra Work)
- Don’t Forget the Watermelon—This Slicer Is a Summer Hosting MVP
- At the Heart of Outdoor Entertaining: Being Together
- FAQ: Outdoor Entertaining Tips and Tools
Keep the Kids Busy with These Backyard Fun Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining
Let’s be honest—if the kids are happy and occupied, the grown-ups get to relax. That’s why this inflatable waterslide was easily one of our best summer buys. It’s perfect for hours (and I mean hours) of fun during backyard BBQs, birthday parties, or even just on an average Saturday. Bonus: it costs just a bit more than renting one for the day, but you get to pull it out whenever you’re hosting or planning any kind of outdoor entertaining event.
And speaking of kid-approved hits… these inflatable bumper balls are a blast. We blow them up in minutes with our shop vac, and they’re fun for everyone—from little ones to full-grown adults. You can bounce into each other (like they’re technically meant for), or just climb in and roll around like a human hamster. We loved the first set so much, we ordered another set in red so no one has to wait their turn.
S’mores + Summer Nights = Outdoor Entertaining Gold
Is there anything more classic than roasting marshmallows around a fire? For outdoor entertaining, we keep it traditional with a wood-burning, smokeless fire pit in the middle of our patio. It’s the kind of setup that gets everyone talking and gathering together in the coziest way. Just pull up a few Adirondack chairs, pass around the roasting sticks, and let the memories happen.
If your outdoor entertaining space (or patience) isn’t ideal for building a full fire, this little tabletop firepit is a game-changer. It’s compact but totally capable of turning graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into golden perfection. S’mores without building a fire? Yes please.
Set Up a Make-Your-Own Kabob Bar That Feeds a Crowd
Food is essential to a gathering, including outdoor entertaining. And one of my favorite ways to feed a crowd without stressing is a DIY kabob bar. Just lay out the ingredients, set out some skewers, and let everyone build their own masterpiece. Then toss them on the Blackstone grill and dinner is served!
Here are some of our go-to kabob ingredients:
- Zucchini
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Baby potatoes
- Onions
- Cherry tomatoes
- Shrimp
- Chicken
- Steak or beef tips
- Sliced kielbasa
You can prep it all yourself or turn it into a potluck and ask guests to bring a favorite item. Either way, it’s a fun and easy way to feed everyone without juggling ten different dishes.
Simple Serving Tips to Make Outdoor Entertaining Feel Extra (Without Extra Work)
When it comes to food and outdoor entertaining, it’s the little things that elevate your table. You don’t need fancy platters or a Pinterest-worthy setup—but adding a few pretty serving pieces goes a long way.
- Chips + guac look restaurant-ready in a three-part serving tray
- Store-bought cookies + pastries? Gorgeous on a two-tier tray
- Chicken salad and croissants? Even prettier in matching white dishes
- Ice water feels so much fancier in this gorgeous dispenser
- You can’t ever go wrong with a charcuterie board
It’s all about making it feel a little more special without making more work for yourself. To see all my favorite serving pieces from this line, go here.
Don’t Forget the Watermelon—This Slicer Is a Summer Hosting MVP
I feel like it’s a universal rule that summer parties require watermelon. It’s refreshing, cheap, and perfect for feeding a crowd. I use this clever watermelon cuber tool to make quick work of slicing it into perfect cubes—and I’m telling you, it’s weirdly satisfying.
At the Heart of Outdoor Entertaining: Being Together
At the end of the day, what makes a gathering great isn’t the decor, the food, or even the weather—it’s the people. I love creating spaces where my friends and family feel welcomed and loved, and outdoor entertaining gives me the perfect excuse to do just that. Whether it’s a styled tablescape with cloth napkins or paper plates on a folding table, it all counts.
Because it’s not about being fancy—it’s about being together.
I pulled all my favorite outdoor table decor together, and you can check it out here.
FAQ: Outdoor Entertaining Tips and Tools
Inflatable water slides and bumper balls are great options. They’re fun, easy to set up, and keep kids entertained for hours.
Prepare a variety of meats, vegetables, and skewers. Let guests build their own kabobs, then grill them on a BBQ or griddle.
Use tiered trays, matching dishes, and decorative dispensers to elevate the presentation without much effort.
Tabletop fire pits are a convenient alternative, allowing you to roast marshmallows safely and easily.
A watermelon cuber tool slices the fruit into perfect cubes quickly, making serving easier and more efficient.
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