Summer is here, but the Summer of 2020 is going to be an unusual one. It's usually the season for outdoor grilling, pool parties, and enjoying quality time outside. 

Due to social distancing guidelines, at-home backyard fun can be a great alternative to getting out in more public settings. If you’re someone who’s always dreamed of being the entertainer in the neighborhood but don’t quite feel like your backyard is set up for summer gatherings, here are six easy ways you can elevate your backyard space and make it the perfect spot for friends and family to enjoy the summer together.

Install a Surround Sound Speaker System

Music is a universal language and always seems to bring people together. By installing an outdoor speaker system, you can ensure there will always be great vibes in your backyard.

Pick the Perfect Patio Furniture

In order to make sure your friends and family always feel comfortable coming over for grill outs or summer parties, you must have great patio furniture and ample seating. First, you’ll need an outdoor table so guests can eat outside and set down their food and snacks. It’s also smart to choose a few comfortable seating options aside from the table such a lounge chairs for by the pool. If you have the space, there are plenty of waterproof couches that can make any backyard space feel luxurious. Even a simple outdoor area rug can really add dimension and design to your entertainment spot. 

Add Landscaping and/or Rockscaping Design

Landscaping is so important because, when done well, it can turn any ordinary house into a luscious, Zen retreat. Tending to your yard, planting greenery, and choosing pretty potted plants to decorate your backyard with could be a very rewarding and fun activity to do with your family during the summer. Rockscaping is also an impressive way to transform your backyard into a peaceful and inviting space that everyone will want to spend time in. Not to mention, rockscaping is cheap, unique, and easy to maintain compared to typical landscaping designs.

Perfect Patio Mood Lighting

Lighting your patio area can be a subtle way to make your family and friends feel like they’re in an outdoor oasis. Analyze your backyard and choose some places to add pretty fairy lights. For example, many people string them to the roof but a fun idea is to wrap them around trees. Steer clear from any colored lights other than white or light yellow to make sure it doesn’t feel like Christmas in the summer. Big lanterns that either hang or sit on the ground with candles inside are a classy way to include lighting as well. If you’re going for a tropical vibe, consider buying some durable metal tiki torches.

Include a Water Feature

You don’t need to have a pool in your backyard to have the perfect spot for entertainment. But including some sort of water feature creates a calming atmosphere that everyone will love. Whether it’s a small pond with a waterfall, a simple DIY fountain out of decorative pots, or a shallow water stream with smooth pebbles — adding a water feature will truly take your backyard to the next level.

Have a Few Different Hangout Spots

Something that always makes a party last longer is having a few different areas for guests to hang out. This will keep everyone from needing to go inside and creates room for different conversations or activities to occur around the yard. For instance, have a section for grilling, eating and sitting near the patio furniture. Then, set up lounge chairs scattered around the pool or in a circle in a separate area for another space to gather. You can also place game sets (Cornhole, anyone?) in the grassy area and even set up a comfortable hammock somewhere else for two more added hangout spots.