{"id":7163,"date":"2018-05-15T13:26:00","date_gmt":"2018-05-15T17:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/?p=7163"},"modified":"2023-07-13T06:27:23","modified_gmt":"2023-07-13T10:27:23","slug":"how-prepare-backyard-summer-entertaining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/how-prepare-backyard-summer-entertaining\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare Your Backyard for Summer Entertaining"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each year, spring comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Blooming trees are overtaken by lush green foliage and temperatures steadily climb as we cruise into summer at full speed. Summer brings sunshine, friends, and super fun outdoor gatherings. If you\u2019re hoping your backyard becomes your neighborhood\u2019s hot spot for barbeques, dinner parties, and July 4th celebrations, prepare your space with these pro tips.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7168\" style=\"width: 410px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/sale\/for-her\/the-cat-s-pajamas\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7168\" class=\"wp-image-7168 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/cats-pajamas-flamingo-capri-set-made-america.jpg\" alt=\"Light Summer Pajamas\" width=\"400\" height=\"488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/cats-pajamas-flamingo-capri-set-made-america.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/cats-pajamas-flamingo-capri-set-made-america-246x300.jpg 246w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-7168\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">It&#8217;s heating up! We adore this summery &#8216;Made in America&#8217; Flamingo pajama set from The Cat&#8217;s Pajamas.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7 Tips to Get Your Backyard Ready for Summer<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><b>1. Spring cleaning made easy.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A simple way to add some sparkle to your outdoor space is to give the patio and furniture a good scrub-down. Shave time off this process and rent a pressure washer from your local home improvement store. A pressure washer will blast away years of dirt and grime from any surface. Your patio furniture, windows, siding, fencing, deck, and any masonry will sparkle like the day they were installed &#8212; and you won\u2019t even break a sweat! You won\u2019t even have to get out of your pajamas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>2. Create a chef\u2019s paradise.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step in entertaining is <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wanting <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">to entertain. Create an inviting space where you and your family can cook, mix drinks, and socialize. First, give your grill a good deep clean to keep it running safely in tip-top shape. Consider investing in a patio-friendly kitchen island, so you can spread out your ingredients and comfortably have everything at your fingertips. Place the cooler or ice bucket next to the island so it can double as \u201cthe bar.\u201d Guests will stop by for a drink and chat while you\u2019re manning the grill. If there\u2019s a garden bed nearby, it might the perfect spot for herbs. An herb garden will provide you with fresh ingredients for your favorite dishes and refreshments all summer long!<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7169\" style=\"width: 337px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/pajamas\/kid-s-pajamas\/flapjacks\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7169\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7169\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lazy-one-flapjack-kids-pajamas.jpg\" alt=\"Lazy One Flapjack Kids Pajamas\" width=\"327\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lazy-one-flapjack-kids-pajamas.jpg 327w, https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/lazy-one-flapjack-kids-pajamas-191x300.jpg 191w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 327px) 100vw, 327px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-7169\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Safety first! When treating your lawn, opt for eco-friendly pest and weed control so your little ones can safely enjoy the great outdoors!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><b>3. Give the lawn a facelift.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A week or two before you plan to host your first backyard soiree, trim the grass, seed and fertilize bald spots, and spray for weeds. If you\u2019re concerned about harmful chemicals, there are a host of \u201cgreen\u201d alternatives on the market today. Now you can keep your grass looking fresh while keeping your kids and pets safe. Even if you\u2019re not in the mood to plant, weed and mulch your garden beds to give them a \u201cfresh\u201d appearance before your guests arrive. With these small adjustments, your yard will look like a manicured putting green.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Light it up!<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighting is essential for creating a magical ambiance for summer outdoor gatherings. Pull out your ladder and check and replace the bulbs in your existing outdoor lighting. If your backyard is darker than you\u2019d like, consider installing easy solar-powered lights that don\u2019t require a power-source. Many quality solar brands have an impressive battery life and will last well into the night. Other options are battery-operated LED lanterns, that can be installed virtually anywhere with a weight-bearing hook. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>5. Plan for pests. <\/b><\/h3>\n<p>With the warm weather comes all sorts of creepy crawlies. Again, there are plenty of eco-friendly options if you\u2019d like to spray for insects like ants in the weeks before you entertain. Stock up on deet-free bug spray for guests and citronella candles or citronella oil burners. Another option for pest control is to plant lemongrass, lavender, and mint. Not only are these plants beautiful and functional, they also deter mosquitoes and gnats!<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_7170\" style=\"width: 478px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/pajamas\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7170\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7170\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/creative-outdoor-seating-pajamas.jpg\" alt=\"Creative Outdoor Seating\" width=\"468\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/creative-outdoor-seating-pajamas.jpg 468w, https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/creative-outdoor-seating-pajamas-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 468px) 100vw, 468px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-7170\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Get creative with your outdoor seating! This sleek <a href=\"https:\/\/dornob.com\/curved-outdoor-benches-for-modular-conversationalists\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">modular bench<\/a> can be used\u00a0in a variety of ways.<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><b>6. Creative seating.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan on entertaining a crowd throughout the season, having a set or two of stackable outdoor chairs tucked away in your shed or garage is a great idea. However, storage space can be an issue for many homes. In this case, get creative and choose seating that serves multiple purposes. For example, simple benches can seat many people, take up minimal space, and can also serve as a place to set a drink down. Cut logs are rustic and decorative, but can be used as either a seat or a side table. Think outside the box to make the most of your space!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7. Shade and shelter.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>Summer makes us think of sunshine, but can turn at any moment &#8212; especially if you\u2019re living in the Northeast! Whether it\u2019s a sudden scorcher or an unexpected summer storm, be prepared with flexible shelter so your party isn\u2019t crammed indoors or cancelled. Umbrellas with bases are an excellent solution as are \u201cpop up tents,\u201d which can be quickly assembled and easily stored.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We hope you find these tips useful! All of us at The Pajama Company wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. Like many Americans, we look for opportunities to support the American worker and American entrepreneur. We\u2019re proud to tell our customers about the brands we carry that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/pajamas\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">produce 100% of their merchandise in the United States<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more inspiration for family activities or gift ideas, visit us at <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/?target=blog\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thepajamacompany.com\/blog<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/pajamas\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-7171\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pajamas-made-in-america-USA.jpg\" alt=\"Pajamas Made In America\" width=\"800\" height=\"351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pajamas-made-in-america-USA.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pajamas-made-in-america-USA-300x132.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pajamas-made-in-america-USA-768x337.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pajamas-made-in-america-USA-624x274.jpg 624w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Each year, spring comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Blooming trees are overtaken by lush green foliage and temperatures steadily climb as we cruise into summer at full speed. Summer brings sunshine, friends, and super fun outdoor gatherings. If you\u2019re hoping your backyard becomes your neighborhood\u2019s hot spot for barbeques, dinner parties, and 4th of July M celebrations, prepare your space with these pro tips.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7167,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[357,641,642,106,7,12,140,1,6],"tags":[462,817,816,772,771,821,151,815,755,819,214,528,634,790,10,42,564,585,818,820,658],"class_list":["post-7163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-2","category-family-fun","category-family-fun-family-2","category-happiness","category-kids-pajamas","category-spring","category-summer","category-uncategorized","category-womens-pajamas","tag-4th-of-july","tag-barbeque","tag-bbq","tag-easy-entertaining","tag-entertaining","tag-entertaining-tips","tag-fashion","tag-july-4","tag-kids-pajamas","tag-lawncare","tag-made-in-america","tag-memorial-day","tag-mens-pajamas","tag-outdoors","tag-pajamas","tag-party-ideas","tag-spring","tag-summer","tag-summer-party","tag-usa","tag-womens-pajamas"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7163"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7163\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9705,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7163\/revisions\/9705"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thepajamacompany.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}