How to Decorate Your Deck for Outdoor Entertaining

Do you dream of hosting backyard barbecues, casual cocktail evenings, and pool parties all summer long? In your mind, should every upcoming birthday bash, retirement party, or weekend hangout take place on your sprawling deck optimized for fun in the sun? Without the proper setup, your deck could become a bare, neglected space primarily used to get from the house to the backyard.

To cultivate a space for entertaining, socializing, and hosting guests, you need to properly furnish and decorate your deck. But have no fear—follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be able to put together a last-minute alfresco dinner or an elaborate tea party without problems.

A common problem with decks in full sun exposure is overheating. Your Sunday cookout can start to lag if your kids are sweating and agitated waiting for your famous burgers. If you plan on hosting many outdoor events and your deck doesn’t have natural coverage from trees or nearby buildings, a shade structure is essential.

The overhead beam structure of a pergola provides shade for a welcome reprieve from the sun. Arrange a rocking chair set or a dining area underneath a pergola without the need for an umbrella.

Pergolas are extremely customizable, so you can match your decking or opt for a vibrant hue to make a statement. With a Trex® Pergola™ kit, you can choose between a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles for a modern pergola with clean lines or a rustic, curved pergola that emulates stained wood.

Pergolas provide entertainment functionality, so you can accessorize and add necessary elements like speaker systems to play your favorite tunes. Add a ceiling fan for circulation, or adorn your pergola with hanging curtains for optional privacy.

To provide shade for certain areas along your deck, you can always install standing umbrellas. Erecting a lattice wall and snaking vines and plants throughout can also add shading, especially if you angle your wall to be perpendicular to the setting sun.

After adding a structure to your deck, it’s time to furnish it with your guests in mind. Depending on your region, your deck furniture will have to weather rain, snow, salty sea air, or beating sun throughout the year without degrading, fading, or cracking.

How do you select deck furniture specifically for hosting large gatherings? Easy! When considering your deck, leave plenty of centrally-located space for mingling, dancing, or swapping stories by candlelight. Seat 40 people or more by spreading out deep seating sets and benches along the perimeter of your deck, either flush to the wall or integrated into the design. A few seating sets can be situated in the corner for guests to take a break and relax.=

Need a centerpiece to structure your gatherings? Try an outdoor fireplace on your deck to keep the conversation flowing late into the night. Just take proper precautions to buy a fire pit table that is safe to use atop your decking.

You can also furnish your deck for food-centric occasions or to add a fun pop of color. Check out the rest of our deck design ideas to choose furniture united by a central theme.

Elevate your entertainment deck with an infusion of green. Plantlife adds organic charm and practical privacy to your outdoor space, so your guests are relaxed and out of view from nosy neighbors.

If you want to seclude your deck or at least prevent cars from the street from seeing in, a simple row of tall planters with trees or shrubs will do the trick. Evergreens like cypress, arborvitae, and juniper can be planted along the exterior of your deck for effective privacy planting. Lattice walls also allow you to showcase your green thumb with plenty of options for vines, crawlers, or vertical planters.

Now that you’ve set the stage for a memorable cookout or swanky cocktail party, complete the effect with decorations and accent pieces to tie everything together. Here are a few outdoor deck decorating ideas to curate a cohesive space.

Is your deck looking sparse? A water feature like a bubbling fountain adds a soothing soundscape to your deck and serves as a terrific focal point and conversation starter. Fountains and sculptures can also disguise awkward corners.