How to Get Your Backyard Ready for Spring Parties

Hey party people!
My friends over at Zillow have some great tips for you & for your yard. We were hoping to have already started on a big project getting our backyard ready for spring entertaining, but we had a bit of craziness happen in our lives recently, so we’ll hold off for now. But…you don’t have to have a huge budget to get it ready for spring parties…
(Author: Tali Wee)
Winter can leave the backyard looking neglected, overgrown and in no state for entertaining, especially after this cold year. The good news is you can take advantage of the final few weeks of winter to groom and prepare your backyard for the upcoming spring party season.
From lively cocktail festivities, intimate afternoon teas to sophisticated evening soirées, backyards become the perfect backdrops for outdoor entertaining throughout the warmer months. Here are some great tips to get picture-perfect landscaping, dazzling dining areas and exciting entertaining options in the backyard.
1.     Clean and Fertilize
Lawns and garden beds make or break guests’ first impressions, so be sure to address any issues. Remove winter debris, weeds and condition with fertilizer to give the lawn a healthy start to thrive. Tame hedges and plants by pruning overgrowth and finish off by adding mulch to the garden beds for a tidy look.
Not much of green thumb? Find a trusted Atlanta landscaping professional on Zillow to help get the backyard gardens straighten up for spring.

2.     Add Some Color
For an instant backyard refresher, plant bright-colored flowers in mulched garden beds. Bright red, pink and yellow blooms are perfect for spring and help distract from any unsightly areas. Select low-maintenance flowers and plants suitable for Atlanta temperatures and busy homeowners such as red valerian and mandevilla vogue. Another quick and easy way to add a burst of color is to include garden accessories such as potted plants with colorful containers or outdoor furniture with bright cushions and throws. Choose colors and prints to match the seasonal blooms in the backyard.
3.     Create a Theme with Accessories
For a relaxed cocktail party, bring the indoor dining table outside and adorn it with vintage jars or vases filled with flowers from the garden. Set up a drink and dessert station to keep guests hydrated and happy. Pretty platters full of finger foods, matching napkins and colorful tablecloths are perfect for sunny afternoon teas. For small children, add some soft, weather-friendly cushions on the lawn in the shade. Provide entertainment by decorating the backyard with lawn games such as bocce, croquet and bubbles for the kids. Wiring backyard stereo speakers for soft music also sets a tone for a lively springtime party.
For sophisticated evening soirées, include a large table decorated with an elegant tablecloth, a floral centerpiece and contemporary place settings. Light a fire or invest in outdoor heaters to keep guests comfortable throughout the cool evening breezes. Scatter after-dinner seating on the lawn for intimate late-night desserts or cocktails.

4.     Use Lighting to Set the Mood
For daytime gatherings, provide garden umbrellas to shade guests from too much sun. Afternoon parties call for colorful paper lanterns or globe lights to brighten up a space once the sun goes down. Such soft lighting adds a magical flair to any celebration. Twinkling candles are perfect for more intimate nights. For environmentally-friendly options, choose solar-powered lanterns or festive tiki torches. Be safe with outdoor lighting; ensure cords are not in the way of foot traffic or water areas and candles are secure in their holders and out of children’s reach.
These tips are sure to help get the garden ready for spring and leave a lasting impression on guests. Check out Zillow for more home inspiration, décor planning ideas and local home images.

p.s. This is YOUR official invite to the party… join in on the Parties for Pennies Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram & Bloglovin!