Outdoor Entertaining in a Small Space

With summer just around the corner, and the economic forecast pointing to more of us entertaining at home, its time to take another look at your outdoor living space.

Even if you do not have a sprawling backyard or a wrap-around deck, outdoor entertaining can be just as fun in smaller spaces.

Here are a few tips to inspire you.

How to add character to a small space.

Create a fun ambiance for your party with these great tips.

• Plants are an easy and accessible way to create outdoor "walls". Line up colorful planters bursting with flowers to section off your dining area or use a trellis with climbing flowers to screen off the barbecue.

• Layer a weather-resistant rug (ballarddesigns.com) to create a space. It can be used on grass, wood or cement -- anywhere you like. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes. Choose one in a fun print to add some character to space.

• All-weather pillows are another easy way to create a cozy, intimate setting. Plop them on the ground for extra seating or use them to spice up your old patio set.

How to set the lighting for an outdoor meal:

No matter if your space is big or small, you can always rely on good lighting to set the mood.

• Hanging up strands of globe lights (or your holiday lights) easily takes a dark space and turns it into a chic little party spot.
  

• If you want to get really creative, think about hangingbattery-operated paper lanterns or simply line your space with candles housed in funky lanterns or hurricanes.

Ideas for outdoor entertaining furniture:

• Wrought-iron and wicker are popular choices for outdoor furniture because they age well and can stand up to the elements. Plus, they can both easily be painted to fit your decor.
  

• If your space is too small for a full patio set, be sure to have at least enough chairs for guests and then create a make-shift table.
  

An old door or piece of plywood balanced over two apple boxes or paint cans will do just fine. Cover it in a funky piece of oil cloth or other wipeable fabric and let the fun beg

Ready to shop for a few new pieces to spruce things up before your next outdoor bash? Check out a few of our favorite resources.

• Make the garage sale/yard sale/flea market rounds. It's amazing what a bit of cleaning, painting and TLC can do to second-hand items.

• Head online to shopping sites like Overstock.com or try Ebay.com for local sellers.

Have fun with Outdoor Accessories:

• When it comes to summer entertaining, bold, colorful accessories such as melamine plates, cups, platters and other summer-fun items are really what its all about. Stock up and use portable baskets to carry your items outside.

• Also, think about dual-purpose items. A large galvanized tub can sit quietly in a corner filled with ice to hold summer beverages. Later, empty it out and use it store your party essentials.

• Decorations like windchimes and hanging planters can add lots of personality to your space. Just don't over do it!