Turn your backyard into a whimsical dreamscape for a summer soiree. Invite family and friends to enjoy an evening outside, complete with delicious food and enchanting decor. 

We’ve gathered five pieces of inspiration that will not only add to the look of your party, but also make it easier to host.

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Skip the Table and Chairs

If you want to throw a soiree worthy of a Pinterest pin, you may want to skip traditional seating. Rather than renting and lugging tables and chairs to your backyard, hunt down some free pallets to build your dining arrangement lower to ground. Gather pillows and throw blankets (or some old sheets) that your guests can sit on.

You can locate free pallets near you by using this nifty pallet locator. Just make sure to bring a friend when meeting with individuals you don’t know.

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Make a Snackable Centerpiece

Rather than dealing with appetizers that you have to make in advance and then serve, create a big charcuterie that runs down the center of your table. Your guests can graze before dinner on cheeses, fruit, nuts and crackers and best of all, you don’t have to worry about a centerpiece. Pluck some flowers, twigs and leaves from your backyard to style around your charcuterie spread.

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Fruit-Infused Water

A few hours before guests arrive, prep some fruit-infused water—it’s the easiest way to keep things cool and elevated. Grab a couple of glass pitchers or oversized drink dispensers, and pick your combos: think cucumber-mint, strawberry-basil, or citrus-berry. Wash and slice your ingredients, toss them in with plenty of ice, and top it all off with filtered water or a splash of sparkling if you’re feeling festive. Let it chill in the fridge until party time. Not only does it look gorgeous, it’s an instant upgrade from plain water—and your guests will keep going back for more.

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Dig Out Your Twinkle Lights

Dig out your holiday decorations boxes and wrap your twinkle lights around the trunks of your trees. You can also buy extra battery-operated LED fairy lights and place them in your shrubs and garden. If you want to drape lights above your tablescape, drape battery-operated lights on light poles. The battery-operated lights make it much easier as you don’t have to deal with extension cords.

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Make it a Potluck

You provided the delicious, snackable centerpiece. Request your guests to bring a dish and make your soiree a potluck. This way, you aren’t stressed out trying to make and serve a huge meal. Request each guest to provide the recipe of their dish in advance. You can make a cute recipe book for all of the guests to take home as a party favor.