For those with a small living space, or even those who just plain have a lot of friends and family, outdoor entertaining can be a great gathering alternative. A picnic table and a few chairs may be enough for some, while for others a more elaborate set-up may be required to incentivize the gang to come on over. Whatever the situation, here are some great solutions and suggestions to make outdoor entertaining a breeze this summer season.

Giving guests someplace to gather can be a great way to make your home the neighborhood hotspot. For those long summer days, few locations are more tempting than a swimming pool. Whether in- or above-ground, a swimming pool is a fun outdoor activity that keeps both kids and adults happy, while providing you with a fun and functional way to stay fit and entertain guests.

As a supplement to the pool, or even just a nice addition to any deck or lawn, a Jacuzzi may be just the trick for cool nights or areas with moderate winters. Jacuzzis are great for entertaining a few adult guests, or as an activity for kids or teenagers at graduation or birthday parties. And when the night entertaining is over, hosts can kick back, and truly relax a nice soak in the hot tub.

Everyone likes to eat, and nothing says outdoor entertainment like a barbeque pit! Some go as far as to actually build a barbeque pit into a deck or patio scheme, while others may decide it’s far easier just to install a grill, however elaborate. If there is a chef-in-the making amongst you and yours, get to work this summer and try to throw a few cook-outs. Mix with party games and goodies for a great kids’ party, or throw in a few splashy cocktails for a great adult mixer.

Why stop with something to eat? Let guests have something to drink as well with a fun and functional outdoor bar. Even though the adults may have more fun with a selection of cocktails and wine and beer fridge, a bar equipped with electric can be great for kids too. Smoothies and sun can keep kids happy when entertaining outdoors- just be sure to lock up the liquor!

Adding a deck or patio to a home can be another fun way of making entertaining a breeze. A deck or patio connected to the home means easy access to all the home’s amenities, like the bathroom, without the mess of coming in and out from the lawn. Try adding tables and chairs, and equipping the deck or patio for both day and nighttime usage.

Today far more classier than what many may remember, the classic fire pit is a modern home entertaining gem, and a great place for guests of all ages to gather. Now available in sheik stone designs, fire pits are perfect for adults to chat, eat and drink, or for kids to hear scary stories and cook marshmallows and wieners.

The most important factor when entertaining outdoors is keeping guests safe, happy, and comfortable. Keep in mind that the climate where you live should affect what entertaining options are right for you. A pool that is used once or twice a year may not be a good investment in a cool area, whereas a fire pit may be exciting, but unusable in a hot and sunny city. Whatever it is you decide to do to entertain you guests, make sure to have fun outdoors!

Byron Jonas enjoys using instant shelters when dining outdoors. There is nothing like outdoor canopies to keep his guests dry