Outdoor Entertaining 101: How to Upgrade Your Backyard on a Budget

Elevate the ambiance with a fire pit

If you’re someone who loves a good campfire, then adding a firepit to your backyard is essential. Not only can a quality firepit add a warm, aesthetic touch to your outdoor space, but it can also be used to roast marshmallows or hotdogs for a fun and nostalgic snack. This fire bowl from Outland Living is a great choice, as it has a no-mess, portable design at an affordable price. The natural lava rocks will enhance the fire’s flickering effect, creating a comforting warmth you and your guests are sure to enjoy every night of the ye`ar. The firebowl comes with a cover, a carry kit, and a hose to easily set it up with your propane tank.

Outland Living Deluxe Firebowl

Now $89.10 (was $149.99) - See it on Amazon

Opt for multipurpose shade solutions

Keeping your skin protected from the sun is important when enjoying your backyard, especially during these summer months. Incorporating an umbrella into your space can protect you and your guests from the sun’s harmful rays while creating an established seating area. You can further add to your backyard’s charm by getting one with fun colors and patterns, like this patio umbrella from Sunnyglade. It features a polyester canopy fabric that is resistant to fade and repels water, and an adjustable crank and tilt system so you can shade your space at the ideal angle. The best part? It also comes with 24 LED bulbs to illuminate your evening dinners and get-togethers, making it a budget-friendly, 2-in-1 addition.

Sunnyglade LED Lighted Umbrella

Invest in a quality seating area

Whether you’re entertaining or enjoying your backyard alone, having quality outdoor seating can change the way you use your space. By investing in an outdoor table and chairs, you can create a place for conversations, meals, games, and more, all while sitting comfortably. This gray rattan set from Flash Furniture can help you make the most of your outdoor space. The curved rattan seat and back make the chairs both stylish and comfortable, and perfectly complement the tempered glass table’s gray rattan edge band. The set’s contemporary glass and metal design make it durable enough for outdoor spaces, allowing you to add the high-quality seating you need at an affordable price.

Flash Furniture Table & Chairs Set

Protect your guests from pests

Summer brings in a lot of bugs, and the most notorious by far is the mosquito. These pesky insects can really put a damper on any outdoor gathering, causing skin irritation and discomfort. Adding some type of repellent to your backyard is essential to having a relaxing and enjoyable experience, which is why this mosquito repellent perimeter system from Thermacell is an effective choice. It’s a convenient, DEET-free bug spray alternative that provides 450 square feet of coverage in two 15-foot zones. With no scent, no flame, and a bargain price, this system is a backyard must-have.

Thermacell Mosquito Repellent Perimeter System

Now $35.18 (was $44.99) - See it on Amazon