Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no better place to gather with friends and family than right in your own backyard. Whether you’re planning a casual cookout, a garden cocktail hour, or a full-blown celebration, a little outdoor prep can make your property shine. Below are a few of our favorite tips to get your landscape party-ready.

How to Prepare Your Garden for a Summer Party:

Refresh Ground Surfaces – Give mulch beds or gravel/pea stone areas a quick refresh to tidy things up and suppress weeds. A fresh layer makes everything look newly finished and well-cared for.
Power Wash Hardscapes & Furniture – Blast away the grime of winter and spring by power washing patios, walkways, retaining walls, and outdoor furniture. Clean surfaces set the tone for a polished, welcoming space.
Light It Up – Good lighting makes a party magical—and keeps it going after the sun sets. Add café lights for a festive vibe, wrap mini lights around trees or posts, or install low-voltage landscape lighting to highlight key features. Want something dynamic? Try Wi-Fi–controlled color-changing bulbs.
Add Color with Planters and Annuals – Nothing says summer like lush, vibrant blooms. Strategically placed planters or pops of annuals in garden beds add instant color and life. Choose hues that echo your party theme—or go bold with tropical tones for a lively effect.
Tidy Up the Landscape – A quick maintenance visit can go a long way. Prune dead or unruly branches, edge the beds, and ensure the lawn is mowed a few days before the event so clippings have time to settle and the grass looks clean and crisp.
Manage Irrigation – Turn off sprinkler systems a day or two before your event to keep your guests dry and the lawn firm underfoot. No one wants to sink into soggy grass!
Control Pests – Make your yard comfortable and worry-free by scheduling a spray treatment for ticks and mosquitoes a few days ahead of the party. It’s a small step that makes a big difference—especially during evening gatherings.
Set the Mood with Sound – Music is key to setting the tone. An outdoor speaker system can provide background ambiance or energize the party. There are many wireless and weatherproof options available that won’t require complicated setups.

Bonus Ideas for Extra Impact

Add an outdoor rug under seating areas to define the space
Create a shaded lounge zone with umbrellas or a pop-up canopy
Set up citronella candles or discreet bug repellents (as extra insurance!)
Provide soft throws for when the temperature dips after sunset
Use decorative trays or baskets to organize drink or snack stations
Set up an area for lawn games like cornhole, bocce, or giant Jenga to keep guests of all ages entertained

Hosting Should Be Easy—and Beautiful

With a little planning and a few thoughtful touches, your garden can become the ultimate summer party spot. Whether you’re refreshing an existing yard or dreaming up something entirely new, the design experts at a Blade of Grass can help you create a custom outdoor environment that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

Want to Learn More?

Explore these trusted resources for deeper guidance:

Backyard Party Ideas for a Fun Outdoor Bash – Better Homes & Gardens – Evergreen tips on food, décor, lighting, and seating ideas for outdoor gatherings.
How to Host an Outdoor Party Like a Pro – Martha Stewart – Expert advice on outdoor party planning, from ambiance to table settings.
Entertaining Outdoors – HGTV – Inspiration and practical guidance for creating stylish and functional outdoor entertainment spaces.

Entertaining, Summer

Miriam Hellweg

Miriam began her career at Blade over 15 years ago as crew member, and still loves getting her hands into the dirt. With an eye for detail and encyclopedic knowledge of plants, she excels at caring for our clients properties. See all of Miriam's posts.