20 Tips for Designing a Party-Perfect Backyard

Interior comfort surrounded by the great outdoors is the ideal setting for a kickin' soiree. Enjoy a meal alfresco with all the luxury of being inside — beautiful artwork, a spacious, wood dining table surrounded by deep, bright yellow chairs and a cushy feel underfoot, thanks to a soft blue area rug.

Take your entertainment from day to night by stringing lights all around your backyard. They transform a shadowy landscape into an enchanted scene and guarantee that guests feel welcome long after the sun has set.

Give kids a place to escape from the boring grown-ups. Pull together pint-sized furnishings, like little Adirondack chairs, play tents and low wicker stools that double as tabletops. Have a collection of fun outdoor toys and games on hand so they can explore nature and play together while the adults eat and chat.

No matter the season, a fire pit is always a welcome addition. Built-in gabion benches surround the offset decomposed granite firepit for a party-ready space. A concrete slab walkway with black Mexican pebble joints adds a striking contrast to the calming, low-maintenance landscaping.