Sometimes it’s great to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. What better excuse than when entertaining? Whether you and your family are interested in an elaborate setup or a simple outdoor entertaining idea, it is possible to create a haven where friends and family want to gather. Follow some of the following suggestions for getting the crew to come to you while entertaining outdoors.

When the days get hot and long, everybody wants to cool off, and what better way to cool down than with a residential swimming pool. Every family has a budget, and pools come in all shapes and sizes from in-ground to above-ground, and can have features like waterslides and diving boards for added fun. This great home addition makes for fun outdoor entertaining for guests of all ages.

For those living in cooler climates, a Jacuzzi can accomplish much the same goal. Even in the winter, a late-night Jacuzzi can be a great way to relax and entertain. This is an outdoor entertainment gem especially for homes that are not concerned with entertaining kids!

Everyone likes someone that is providing refreshments and what better way to keep everyone fed and happy than with a barbeque! Some families go big with a large, stationary grill, while others prefer something small and mobile. Consider how much you will be using the grill, and how much you and/or your family really likes to cook. There is nothing wrong with being the kind of people that order pizza, but for sunny Sunday afternoons, during football games, or for sunset outdoor dining, there is nothing better than some home-cooked barbeque action.

Why stop with something to eat? Let guests have something to drink as well with a fun and functional outdoor bar. Even though the adults may have more fun with a selection of cocktails and wine and beer fridge, a bar equipped with electric can be great for kids too. Smoothies and sun can keep kids happy when entertaining outdoors- just be sure to lock up the liquor!

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, not everyone is comfortable out in the lawn. Get up and out of the dirt by building a home deck or patio. A home deck can be as small as the size of a table and chairs, or as large as to wrap around the home. Make sure there is plenty of space to sit down, eat, drink, relax and play, and enjoy an extension of your home in the form of a deck or patio.

Today far more classier than what many may remember, the classic fire pit is a modern home entertaining gem, and a great place for guests of all ages to gather. Now available in sheik stone designs, fire pits are perfect for adults to chat, eat and drink, or for kids to hear scary stories and cook marshmallows and wieners.

No matter what your style when entertaining outdoors it is best to consider the comfort of your guests first. If you live in a cold area, outdoor heat lamps might be a good idea. If where you live is warm, an area with lots of cool breezes or a pool may be in order. If mosquitoes and other pests are an issue, plan ahead with tiki torches or bug spray. Above all else, when entertaining outdoors it is best to make sure guests are happy, comfortable, and above all having a good time.

Byron Jonas loves using instant shelters when entertaining outside. There is nothing like outdoor canopies to keep his guests dry