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Take Your Holiday Entertaining Outside With These 10 Tips

October 10, 2016

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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If you’re entertaining family and friends during the holidays and could use a bit more space, we've got easy, festive ideas on getting everyone outdoors and into the spirit of the season.

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Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Celebrate the Season (Outside!)

You don't have to keep the party inside! Turn your favorite outdoor space into an entertaining hot spot this holiday season.

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Makeshift Bar

While a sleek bar cart is nice eye candy, you don't need one to create a functional and stylish serving area for guests to prep a cocktail. Any space can be transformed into a makeshift beverage station — all you really need is some barware, a cutting board and a few holiday decorations.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Musical Entertainment

Make memories by asking guests to bring an instrument and provide the musical entertainment.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza

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Extra Pillows + Blankets

Limited on outdoor furniture? No problem! Keep lots of pillows and extra blankets on hand, and you’ll have no shortage of fireside seating.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Games + Puzzles

Keep a few games and puzzles on hand in a cute caddy that’s easy to take outside.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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DIY Kids' Activity

Keep kids busy with an outdoor crafting activity. This easy mini pompom ornament is so cute you’ll want to make a few, too!

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Coffee + Breakfast Cart

Repurpose a bar or garden cart into a rolling breakfast station complete with gourmet coffees and a variety of newspapers.

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Make It Glow

Skip the traditional candle and toss in a tangle of string lights or battery-operated LED wire lights to amp up holiday lanterns.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Outdoor Place Setting

If your group is a lot larger than your dining room, that's even more reason to take your entertaining outdoors. An outdoor dining table is a great solution to accommodate extra guests. This low-key place setting is festive and casual with woodland sophistication.

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Sense of Wonder

Keep the kids' anticipation high with holiday decor tailored just for them. Give a nod to Santa's workshop with little touches that will spark their imaginations.

Photo: Tomas Espinoza. From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Lead the Way

If you’re entertaining after dark, you’ll want to make sure that pathways and stairs are properly lit. It’s easier than ever to add lights to your existing garlands, thanks to battery-operated LED lights.

Take Your Holiday Entertaining Outside With These 10 Tips

Celebrate the Season (Outside!)

Makeshift Bar

Musical Entertainment

Extra Pillows + Blankets

Games + Puzzles

DIY Kids' Activity

Coffee + Breakfast Cart

Make It Glow

Outdoor Place Setting

Sense of Wonder

Lead the Way

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