Outdoor Entertaining the Agriframes Way

Choose the Perfect Spot

Start by picking the right location in your yard - selecting the best area for get-togethers is crucial for relaxed entertaining. It is useful to consider how you will be using the space . If you're carrying food in and out from the kitchen, set up closer to the house. Prefer grilling or outdoor cooking? Choose a more open spot that suits a barbecue setup.

A naturally shaded or private area is ideal. If you can, arrange space to catch the late-day sun or offer sunset views - creating a focal point is key and a garden structure like the Agriframes Gothic Gazebo or Round Gazebo makes a stunning centerpiece to your outdoor layout and is ideal if you like to entertain outside or enjoy regular al fresco family meals.

Define Your Space

Once your spot is chosen, make it feel distinct and welcoming with a structure like the Round Pergola, available in extendable sizes to suit large or small gatherings and is perfect for celebrations or special occasions - shelter and privacy can be added with a curtain or canopy suspended from the sides.  If you're close to the house, a series of Garden Arches can provide structure and shade without overpowering the space

For more intimate corners or smaller yards, the Round Gazebo can act as a cozy dining nook or food service station - a really practical option if you like to barbecue or grill.

Create elegant definition of your space with Agriframes Garden Screens, with options that can be used both freestanding or wall-mounted. These are perfect for climbing plants—train Star Jasmine, Passionflower, or Clematis up the sides for natural privacy and visual charm.

Temporary dividers can also be made using Regency Zinc Troughs - Fill them with tall, breezy ornamental grasses like Muhlenbergia, Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), or Stipa tenuissima to create movement, texture, and a gentle sense of enclosure - you can add further definition to the socialising area by placing a few outdoor rugs underfoot. 

Set the Scene

Extend your gatherings well into the evening with layered lighting. Mix and match solar fairy lights, festoons, and ground lights for a warm and inviting glow.

String festoon lights across pergolas or gazebos for overhead sparkle. Drape fairy lights through trees or around arches to form enchanting walkways. Use ground-level  lights to define pathways or zones within the yard - solar-powered or USB charged options with auto-on at dusk and adjustable brightness are the ideal solution and will give a soft, subtle wash of light which helps to highlight the garden’s best features. 

Fairy lights can be fixed to the top of a pergola in criss-cross pattern for a twinkly ‘ceiling-of-stars’ effect or twisted around an Arch to create a sparking walkway

Plants can shine at night, too, with spot lights tucked inside a container. This works particularly well with over-sized architectural-style varieties with shapely leaves. Try Japanese Aralia, Fatsia Japonica, or a banana palm for a particularly dramatic effect.

And don’t forget candlelight - group LED flameless candles along walkways or in fire-safe lanterns for added magic.

Add Scent and Flavor

Evening entertaining calls for mood-enhancing fragrance. Grow night-scented plants in containers near seating areas - Four O’clocks (Mirabilis jalapa), Evening Primrose, Sweet Rocket, or Nicotiana are excellent picks in warmer U.S. zones.

For a functional and fragrant touch, fill Zinc Planters with rosemary, mint, or lemon balm for garnishing drinks and salads.

Train a Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) across an Agriframes Monet Trellis for a lush, evergreen backdrop and powerful floral scent as night falls.

With just a few thoughtful additions from Agriframes, you can transform your backyard into a year-round haven for entertaining - set the stage and make every gathering unforgettable.

Shop our full collection of Gazebos, Pergolas, Garden Screens, and accessories at www.agriframes.us.