A Home Fit for Summer Entertaining

When it comes to summer parties, bigger isn’t always better. That’s true for the guest list and it’s true for the home where the celebration is happening. Any home, no matter how cramped it might feel at the moment, can be the setting for a summer soirée, so long as you’re smart and intentional about the way you use your space. 

The first thing you’ll need to do is look around your home with fresh eyes. Try to look past the clutter and furniture that seems like it was always there and see the potential for summer hangouts. For instance, you might have assumed your backyard isn’t big enough for a barbecue, but that’s only because the majority of the space is designed around storage, not entertaining. Sometimes you need to reshuffle your priorities to create new space.

Versatility is also essential for prospective hosts working with limited space. Those living in “cozy” apartments are already used to this, often using one modestly sized room as a dining room, home office, living room and more. Limitations have a way of fueling creativity, so think of how your existing space can be transformed into the setting of a summer celebration. Only have a coffee table in your living room? Place some couch cushions around it and treat it like a dining table. A small balcony is your only outdoor space? Leave it open and put the drinks and appetizers out there to create an indoor/outdoor feel to the party. 

In other words, don’t fixate on the square footage of your home. Take a look at every corner, every nook and cranny in your home, and think of how you can make it more inviting. Once you have a vision for your home as a summer entertainment hub, you’ll be ready to make some changes and additions to unlock its full potential. That’s how you summer, happier. 

When you have an idea of what kind of spaces in your home are being underutilized, you’ll need the right tools to execute your vision for spring and summer entertaining. You can freshen up the aesthetic to make the space feel light and inviting, but there are plenty of everyday items that will prepare your home for your next get together.

While there’s nothing wrong with a good hammock or hot tub, you don’t need to splurge on big ticket items to make your backyard feel like summer. Establishing a summery vibe can be as simple as replacing your dinnerware. These are some of the products, both big and small, that are getting us excited to host friends and family this summer.

Even when you have the right tools and products, it’s still difficult for anyone without a design background to have the confidence to reinvent their home. That’s why Bed Bath & Beyond has teamed up with Decorist, an online interior design service that matches you with a professional designer to create a beautiful room in your style and budget. It’s the easiest way to decorate. 

To give you a sneak peek at the insights they have to offer, we’re sharing some tips Aurielle Jones, a Decorist designer, has for people looking to maximize a modestly sized backyard.