The official start of summer 2019 is just a few days away, which means so are backyard barbecues and pool parties. If you love to host in your backyard or on your deck, you’ll want to ensure that space is as comfortable as possible for your guests.

There are a few features that can transform that ordinary patch of grass into an ideal space for parties and entertaining.

Comfy seating

Toss out that rickety old wicker furniture and opt for something more modern and stylish. Your backyard seating can be just as comfortable as your indoor seating. Some stylish, modern outdoor chairs will go a long way toward giving it a trendier look.

Optimize the seating arrangements for the function you want your backyard to serve. Is it a dining space or a lounge space? If it’s the latter, go for ottomans, sofas, and armchairs.

Bar & kitchen

An outdoor bar and kitchen area serve as a focal point for your outdoor entertainment space. This doesn’t have to be an expensive or extensive installment. Just a nice grill or outdoor range, some weatherproof cabinetry, and a beautiful island is all you need.

Make sure to place your outdoor bar or kitchen under an overhang or a pergola to keep appliances dry. Place a couple of bar stools around it and it’ll be a hit at parties.

Fire pit

Everyone loves a fire pit. All at once, it’s a gathering space and a way to keep warm during those cool summer nights. You can build one yourself or buy a fire pit table and assemble some of those comfortable outdoor chairs you buy around it.

Want to get extra modern with this enhancement? Get one with fire glass. These are tempered glass shards that can make up the base of the fire pit as opposed to charcoal. They’ll shimmer and shine among the flames, without losing their shape or color.