Are you someone who loves to entertain guests outdoors? Do you enjoy having people over for drinks and good conversation? If so, then you may be thinking about creating a backyard bar.

A backyard bar can provide the perfect place for you and your friends to gather and relax. Not only is it an excellent spot for summer get-togethers, but it can also be used during the colder months of the year.

Read on to learn about six must-haves to create a beautiful backyard bar that will impress your guests.

Stunning Lights

The key to designing any outdoor space is lighting. With a bar, this is even more important, since odds are you’ll be enjoying the bar at night.

Outdoor lights come in different forms, such as string lights, lanterns, and solar-powered lights. String lights are a popular option for outdoor lighting because they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to set up.

You can buy them in various colors, shapes, and sizes, and they give off a warm, inviting glow. Check out our complete guide on how to hang string lights right here.

You can also consider getting lighting for the bar itself. This could include track lighting, recessed lighting, or even pendant lighting. Keep in mind that you’ll want to ensure that the lights you choose fit your style and décor.

Lively Entertainment

Gathering with friends and family and enjoying some drinks is just half the fun. To ensure your guests have a great time at your parties, have additional entertainment options. Nothing sets the mood like music beating out of speakers, and you can even set up karaoke. How about setting up a TV for a movie night or watching the big game?

If the group is in the mood for some friendly competition, set up games like cornhole, ring toss, or spikeball. No matter what route you go, make sure to have some fun activities for your guests. You want them to enjoy themselves and have a good time, even steps away from the bar.

Comfortable Seats

Even if you and your guests like spending time on your feet chatting, your bar won’t be complete without comfortable seating.

Bar stools or chairs placed around the perimeter will give your guests a place to rest their feet and take a break from standing. Make sure to consider the height of the bar stools or chairs in relation to the height of your bar—you don’t want anyone straining to reach their drink!

One final seating option to consider is lounge furniture. This can include couches, armchairs, or ottomans. Lounge furniture is a great way to add a touch of luxury to your bar and give guests a place to relax.

Related article: Should a kitchen island be the same height as countertops?

Reliable Fridge/Cooler

What’s a bar without drinks, and what use are drinks that get warm? You need a fridge or cooler to store your drinks so they’ll stay cold all night long, especially if it’s hot out. Even if you don’t have space for a dedicated cooler, a bucket of ice will do just fine. Just make sure you have a way to replenish the ice if it’s a long night.

Outdoor fridges and coolers are also a great way to keep food cold, which is perfect if you’re having picnics or barbecues. And if you’re having a big party, you might want to get a keg cooler to keep your kegs cold and easy to dispense. No matter what kind of drinks you’re serving, make sure you have a way to keep them cold.

Additional Decorations

Like a regular indoor bar, your outdoor bar should have plenty of personality. Add some fun and unique decorations to give guests something new to look at every time they stop by.

You could even make it a themed bar and carry the decorations throughout the space. Some ideas for outdoor bar decorations include:

• Glass mason jars
• Signs
• Chalkboards
• Picture frames
• Mirrors
• Flags

Outdoor bar decorations should be fun and unique, just like the outdoor bar itself! Adding some personality to your space will make it more inviting for guests and help create a memorable experience.

Functional Cover

The fun of a backyard bar is enjoying the outdoors, but it’s still a good idea to have cover available, whether permanent or temporary. This way, the party doesn’t have to end just because of a few drops of rain or if the sun is just a little bit too hot. If you only want the bar to be covered when needed, you can have umbrellas, tents, and tarps ready to go.

For a more permanent option, consider awnings or pavilions. These structures can be as simple or elaborate as you want, and they’ll provide shade and shelter whenever you need them. You can even get ones that have built-in lighting so the party can keep going long into the night. If you have the space, you can build a separate bar area that’s fully enclosed.

Here’s a closer look at five different patio covers along with their pros and cons.

Entertain With an Amazing Backyard Bar

A backyard bar can provide the perfect setting for entertaining guests. By following a few simple tips, you can create an inviting space that will make your neighbors jealous.

Be sure to include plenty of seating, lighting, and shade to make your guests feel comfortable, and activities for them to enjoy for the whole night. If you’re looking to take your outdoor entertainment to the next level, consider adding a fridge or cooler to keep drinks cold.

With a little bit of planning, you can turn your backyard into the perfect spot for hosting parties and gatherings all year long!

Thanks to Tony Gilbert from RealFX.com for this guest post.

Related Articles

6 Inspirational Outdoor Kitchen Bar Ideas

How to Keep Outdoor Curtains from Blowing in the Wind

19 Ways to Incorporate Lighting into Your Outdoor Space