Budget-friendly Outdoor Entertaining Hacks

Here's how to host a fab get-together without breaking the bank.

With the pandemic restrictions starting to ease, let's face it—we're all dying to get together. And one of the safest places to do that is still outdoors. Hosting an outdoor party on a budget is a great way to reconnect with friends without spending a ton of money.

Spruce your space.

It doesn't take much to transform your outdoor living areas into an entertaining haven—one that's pretty, comfortable, and draws your guests to gather together. Here are some must-haves that will deliver a big bang for the buck:

An outdoor rug.

These durable pieces are affordable, rinse off with a hose, and help define spaces—they can also cover up a peeling deck or cracked patio. Unroll one under some lounge chairs to create a conversation area or use it under a table to create a pretty space for dining.

Twinkle lights.

The more, the merrier—wrap them around landscaping, trees, or architectural features like columns or a pergola. The soft, diffused light will make for a memorable atmosphere.

A colorful umbrella.

For not a lot of green, you can add a splash of color to tie in with your decor and keep things shaded or protected from a few sprinkles of rain. Some umbrellas even incorporate solar-powered twinkle lights to add some light when the sun goes down.

Ponder a potluck.

When you're keeping to a budget, throwing steaks on the grill for a dozen friends can be expensive. Instead, offer to host a potluck and let everyone bring their best dish. Pro tip: Make sure you sign people up by categories (sides, salads, desserts, mains, etc.) so you don't end up with 10 pasta salads. Don't forget to ask someone to bring cups, napkins, plates, and cutlery if you want an easy cleanup.