HGTV's Nate Berkus Has A Smart Hack For Backyard Entertaining This Summer

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Attending a garden party at the home of HGTV power couple Nate Berkus and his husband, Jeremiah Brent, might be your idea of heaven. Imagine how well-curated the surroundings would be, with every minute detail given care. The likelihood of receiving a personalized invite to one of their soirees is slim, but at least we can take a bit of Berkus-ness to add to our own summer get-togethers.

Berkus has a few super-practical tips for what he called, on the "Rachael Ray Show," "the backyard instant makeover for entertaining." Pull off a stylish and comfortable summer party spot simply using the things you already have in your home. On a protective base of a large outdoor rug or two, furnishings and textiles meant for indoors broaden their horizons as part of an inviting backyard setup.

Some of the items on Berkus' list for a transition to outdoor use are wheeled bar carts, candles, small side tables or coffee tables, stools, cushions, trays with handles, and ottomans. He doesn't limit the idea to just one area, either. A few outdoor rugs can designate separate hangouts, maybe placed near enticing features like a flower garden or yard games. Loaded up with cozy informal seating, each spot lets guests know they're welcome to get comfy anywhere they want. Try out even one of Berkus' hosting hacks, and your yard will be the ultimate outdoor entertaining destination this season.

Outdoor rugs are wonderfully durable and weatherproof. It's not hard to find an attractive one for a good price. Many are made from recycled plastic, so it's an environmental no-brainer to pick one up. A great option that's light on the budget is this recycled plastic straw BalajeesUSA Outdoor Rug that's available in lots of patterns and sizes. In the Berkus spirit of using what you already have, instead of buying something new, take your old indoor-outdoor rugs from drab to fab with a bit of fabric dye.

For the furnishings: Glance through your rooms to find pieces that are easy to carry and have potential for outdoor fun. When set atop a rug, don't worry about them getting wet or dirty. Stools and ottomans serve as seating, but topped with a tray or just an oversized bowl, they double as serving areas. Your living room coffee table can stand in as a buffet table, and couch cushions strewn around the mat tell guests they're free to relax. Since sitting on the ground, even on a cushion, can be hard on some people's bodies, have chairs with backs placed nearby to meet everyone's needs.

Wheeled bar carts are a must for your outdoor space. A well-stocked cart awaiting your guests is an open invitation for self-serve refills. A wheeled double-decker cart makes transporting the goods from the kitchen to the patio a breeze, and if the gathering moves toward the fire pit after sunset, the bar cart can come along with you.