Summer nights are a great time to do outdoor entertaining. Turning your outdoor space into an area to entertain guests does not have to be complicated or expensive. Some cute chairs or benches can be found at local superstores or home improvement stores. Some pretty potted plants can add life and beauty around the sitting area. Seems like all you would need to entertain...in the daytime. The last step that you may forget is lighting. Sure you can just switch on that old porch light when you have friends over after dark, but a step up can make that patio or deck look so much more inviting. It's not difficult or expensive to install lights for ambiance, and there are so many great varieties to pick from. You can hang twinkle lights overhead or put solar lights you stake in the ground. You  can also put fun colored light bulbs to give it a mood. Utilize and enhance your outdoor space and you'll notice your friends are wanting to have barbeques and get-togethers outside more often.

Blog inspired by article featured in The Monitor and can be seen here: http://homes.themonitor.com/news/lighting-278-deck-outdoor.html