Fall is the ideal season for outdoor entertaining. The cooler weather and changing colors of the leaves can make for a cozy, relaxing atmosphere perfect for get-togethers of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or drinking hot cocoa by the fire, we have four unique ways to make the most of your backyard this fall season.
With over 30 years of experience creating exciting and fun outdoor entertaining spaces for our clients, we understand how to make your backyard an oasis. This guide will take you through some of our favorite ways to enjoy your backyard with friends and family this fall.
Before you send out your invites…
Set the stage for outdoor entertainment with simple ways to spruce up the scenery! Fill your planters full of seasonal mums. Dried corn husks and haystacks can add a whimsical fall ambiance to your entire space. Gourds and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes can adorn picnic blankets and make great centerpieces for outdoor dining areas. A little seasonal touch can go a long way in making your outdoor events more memorable.
Idea 1: Set up an outdoor movie theater
What could be more fun than watching your favorite Halloween movie outside with your friends and family? Versatile, functional, and unique, an outdoor movie theater will be your ticket to a season’s worth of fun!
Here are a few quick steps to get started with your movie theatre:
1.) Find a flat spot for the projector and seating in your yard. Ideally, pick a place that’s far from any bright lights!
2.) Get a projector (experts recommend at least 2,500 lumens so you can see the screen clearly), some speakers, outdoor power cords, and a screen. A white wall or a flat white sheet can also do the trick!
3.) Connect your media to the projector. Most projectors should have an HDMI port where you can link it to whatever streaming service you have on your computer.
4.) Set out some relaxed seating options for your guests, like plush chairs and picnic blankets
5.) It’s not a true movie night without plenty of snacks! Providing guests with fizzy drinks, hot chocolate, warm popcorn, and candy is optional but highly recommended.
Idea 2: Host football watch parties complete with tailgating stations
Big games call for big celebrations. If you want to throw a watch party that your friends will talk about for years to come, we’ve got a few pointers:
1.) Set up an outdoor projector (see above for more details) so your guests can watch the game on the big screen!
2.) Get that grill out and start cooking some of your favorite foods! Pick whatever is easiest for your guests to grab and enjoy: Hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, and veggies. Dips and chips are always a great idea, too!
3.) Set up some tailgating drink stations! Get some dispensers for hot and cold drinks. If you have an outdoor bar or kitchen, now’s the time to put it to good use! Consider putting out carafes of coffee, hot chocolate, or a fall-themed sangria.
4.) Get your outdoor eating space ready for entertainment or make one on the fly! A few picnic tables, outdoor chairs, or even some comfy blankets spread across the grass with plush pillows can do the job.
5.) If the game is in the evening, set up outdoor candles and lanterns or hang string lights to create a cozy ambiance. A few extra blankets and some outdoor heaters will also go a long way to keeping your guests comfortable!
Idea 3: Host a cozy bonfire with hot drinks and snacks
Whether you love telling ghost stories by the fire, catching up with old friends, or warming up after a chilly fall day, hosting a bonfire is a perfect way to unwind. Here’s how you can get started:
1.) Find the perfect spot for a fire pit, ideally a flat, stable surface with room for chairs to go around it. A few quick safety tips: ensure your pit is at least 10-20 feet away from any structures. You’ll also want to remove vegetation near the pit, including overhanging branches. Lastly, do not put the fire pit under any sheltered area!
Don’t forget to ask a professional how to set up a fire pit! G&G Landscape Solutions can help you select the right place for your fire pit and construct one that will last you for years to come. We can recommend layouts and materials and take you through the entire process from start to finish; you can view some examples of our work here.
2.) After your fire pit is in place, be sure non-combustible materials like sand, brick, or crushed stone surround it. We can help you select the best material for the job!
3.) Set up seating around your pit. Consider Adirondack chairs or outdoor rocking chairs for your guests to relax as they gaze at the gorgeous fire.
4.) Get ready to eat! Retractable metal skewers and bamboo sticks are perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores. Mountain pie makers are affordable, easy to use, and excellent at making sweet or savory sandwiches. Bring warm cider to your guests to keep their hands and stomachs warm!
5.) Set up a Bluetooth speaker nearby for some added musical ambiance, and you’re ready to have the perfect fall bonfire.
Idea 4: Bring friends together for a friendly game
The best part of playing sports in the fall is enjoying the cooler air and a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether your guests prefer tag football, kickball, soccer, or badminton, here are a few ways to elevate your outdoor gaming experience:
1.) Make lines in your grass a makeshift football field with chalk paint! It’s eco-friendly, looks cool, washes off easily, and makes the game feel more official! You can also create lines for field hockey or soccer games.
2.) Hang a net for badminton or pickleball or set up soccer goal nets! Cornhole is also super fun for a party and is easy to set up and take down.
3.) Outfit each team with matching jerseys or color-coordinating t-shirts. Consider getting trophies for the winning teams to add a fun, competitive edge!
4.) Have a post-game feast to help your guests relax and recharge. Keep it simple: think of hydrating electrolyte drinks, lots of pizza, and maybe even some apple cider donuts. You’ve earned it!
As the crisp fall air settles in and the leaves change, there’s no better time to make the most of your outdoor space. With a few simple additions and a little creativity, your yard can become the go-to spot for friends and family to gather, relax, and create lasting memories.
At G&G Landscaping Solutions, we want to help you embrace the season, get outside, and start planning your perfect fall backyard experience. Whether it’s an outdoor movie theater or an eating space fit for a tailgating party, we can make your fall unforgettable. Contact us today!
