9 Steps to a Patio Lounge

1. Use different types of lighting to set the mood as the night progresses. Include lanterns, bamboo torches, votives and string lights.
2. Roll out a punchy outdoor carpet. Inject colour and pattern and create an indoor feel outside.
3. Turn a regular chaise into low, lounge-style bench seating. Drop the back and add a variety of comfy cushions.
4. Go tropical! Make over your fence by nailing in a series of pre-made bamboo sheets.
5. Use large ottomans to create several low cocktail and hors d’oeuvres stations.
6. Arrange affordable potted palms along the fenceline.
7. Choose a vibrant modern palette that will still look bright at twilight.
8. Dress things up with simple white paper lanterns hanging from fence posts to set a festive vibe.
9. Use top-quality plastic dinnerware and acrylic glassware that’s safe for outside.

* Get a closer look at the decor details of this patio lounge.

Bar Checklist
Set up and stock the bar before your guests arrive so that all you have to worry about is serving up the drinks.

• Ice, ice baby: You cannot have too much ice. The more ice you have, the colder it will stay. Keep two coolers or tubs by the bar: one to chill bottles, the other to scoop from when mixing drinks.
• Glassware: Allow three glasses per guest. Have a mixture of short glasses (for liquor on the rocks), tall glasses (for drinks containing bubbles or juice) and stemware (for cocktails or wine). There’s no need to get too particular, just use what you have. These three types are versatile and can be used to serve any drink.
• Tools of the trade: Bottle opener, corkscrew, bar spoon (or swizzle sticks), cocktail shaker, shot glasses, cutting board, paring knife, cocktail napkins, tea towels, pitchers for mixes and an ice scoop.
• Garnishes: Lemons, limes and cocktail olives. Get seasonal with cherries or other fresh fruit.
• Napkins: Allow three paper napkins per guest. Have smaller cocktail napkins on hand, too.
• Before you buy booze: Know that one 750 ml bottle of wine pours 4-6 glasses. One 750 ml bottle of liquor pours about 26 drinks.
• Streamline your bar: The most basic set-up includes white and red wine, gin, vodka, rum, whiskey, vermouth, triple sec and beer.
• Mixers: Club soda, tonic water, cola and diet cola, ginger ale, cranberry and orange juices, flat and sparkling water.
• Party trick: Make things even easier by serving a signature cocktail. People will love your personal touch. And if you’re not famous for a particular drink, you soon will be!