Your Outdoor Entertaining Guide

Some of the best summer memories are made together outdoors. From impromptu pool parties to al fresco dining to s’mores desserts under the stars next to a fire pit, the outdoors can be your perfect outdoor entertaining space.

If you want to be the talk of the neighborhood for fun or maybe create a relaxing spot to unwind, Watson’s has all of your outdoor furniture and accessories to entertain in your style.

As you begin to plan out or update your outdoor entertaining space, make sure to consider all the following items and make sure to stop into Watson’s to find what you’re looking for! 

No outdoor entertainment space, whether for a few people or a whole party, is complete without appropriate seating.

You’ll want to begin with seating for those in your home. Just like your indoor space and having a favorite chair or spot, think about this with your outdoor space. Pick seating that’s comfortable for you and the family and build around that. 

Watson’s offers a large range of outdoor seating, from sectionals to sofas, and many of our outdoor seating is versatile. Lounge chairs are great options that are easy to move and can be used almost anywhere.

Chaise and Adirondack chairs are a favorite for around the pool to relax and sunbath or for a front porch space. 

Looking for a more intimate seating arrangement? Our loveseats can accomplish that or be useful for smaller outdoor spaces. 

Often overlooked, multifunctional seats can include a bench or ottoman. When not in use for seating, these can act as an accent table or footrest.

The variety of seating options and how to arrange them can seem endless. Watson’s experts can help you determine the best type, size, and placement for your outdoor seating.

Whether you want to cook and eat outdoors or just dine outdoors, Watson’s can get you set up with a table and chair set to fit the size of your space and the style you want.

If you have a larger space, consider a full outdoor dining set, perfect for dinners, celebrations, and parties.

If you have a smaller space, or don’t want to take up as much space, consider a chat or pub set. Sets can come in several sizes, from two, four, or even six seats.

Summertime isn’t the same without grilling. As you decide how you want to arrange and set up your outdoor entertaining space, make sure to include space for a grill or even a brick oven!

And if you’re hosting a party outside, YETI coolers are a staple for keeping your beverages, popsicles, and ice cream cold.

An overall must-have for any outdoor entertaining space is a fire pit. They are versatile in both uses and seasons, allowing you to extend your outdoor entertaining to all year round!

Our popular propane fire pits add both elegance and fun to any outdoor space. They also are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to ensure everyone has a spot around the fire pit. From stories and s’mores to curling up in the evening with a good book next to the fire, Watson’s has the perfect selection.

Just make sure when you’re planning your space that you have enough room around your fire pit to walk and keep it away from flammable materials.

The best part about propane fire pits (apart from their simple maintenance and instant use) is that you can easily move them and re-arrange them within your space.

An above ground pool, spa, or hot tub is a sure way to turn up the heat or cool down for your outdoor entertaining. 

Above ground pools are a great option if you have limited space or want to have something you can move around. Watson’s carries a variety of sizes in both round and oval shapes.

You can also be more creative with your decking and décor options with an above ground pool.

To take your outdoor entertainment a step further that will last all year round, a hot tub or spa may be the perfect addition. Many people opt for an above ground pool and hot tub to account for both your cold and warm seasons and weather. Plus, hot tubs come with some pretty big health benefits, including reducing stress, relaxing muscles, and better sleep.

Our above ground pools, spas, and hot tubs are easy and quick to install, which means fun and entertainment doesn’t have to wait this summer.

If you have a very open outdoor space without much or any tree coverage, you’ll want to consider options to bring in shade for comfort. Our large umbrellas for both dining sets and as stand-alone pieces with bases allows you to pick exactly where you want to bring in some extra shade.

If you have young children, consider an umbrella for their play area or sandbox. Add them between your lounge or chaise chairs for relief from direct sunlight. 

Watson’s carries umbrellas in a variety of sizes to fit your needs for both shade and style.

Don’t forget the lighting when it comes to outdoor entertaining, especially at night. While a fire pit can create some light, it’s important to make sure walkways are well lit for safety purposes. Large lanterns, hanging string lights, and even flameless candles can illuminate your pathways and pace and create an inviting and intimate environment.

You can also think outside of the box when it comes to outdoor lighting. Watson’s carries outdoor table and floor lamps that add light, texture, and style to your outdoor spaces, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor.

Considerations for Outdoor Entertaining

Regardless of how you decide to decorate or arrange your outdoor entertainment space, you’ll want to make sure to keep the following considerations in mind:

• Fire Hazards: Make sure items like grills, fire pits, or even candles are placed away from flammable items.
• Foot Traffic: Make sure you have ample room for people to walk around and that furniture or décor, like outdoor rugs, aren’t placed in areas that could cause tripping.
• Materials and Fabric: Outdoor furniture, accessories, dining sets, and more are made from specific materials and fabrics meant to withstand environmental elements. Don’t use indoor furniture or accessories outside. Watson’s carries a large selection of outdoor accessories to choose from!
• Storage: As you create your outdoor entertainment space, consider what you would need to store either between uses or after the summer season. Proper storage means longer-lasting furniture and accessories for more fun. From pool inflatables and towels to serve ware and décor, make sure you have storage.
• Have Fun: Whether you have a large space or small balcony, there’s options for everyone to entertain. Watson’s can help you determine the best use of space and give you ideas you may not be thinking of!

Outdoor entertaining can certainly look different for everyone. Regardless of what your entertaining looks like, from intimate date nights or family nights to weekend BBQs and pool parties, Watson’s has you covered for all types of entertaining outdoors. Stop into one of our nine superstore locations and pick out your furniture and accessories to bring home today and start enjoying!