Outdoor Party Solutions

Entertaining outdoors is a popular way to spend time with family and friends. New products cater to this trend toward outdoor living and entertaining.

Food and Drinks
Many companies have gone beyond the ordinary grill to bring more options to outdoor dining. GE Monogram Outdoor Cooking Centers are made of heavy-gauge stainless steel and are designed for built-in or freestanding applications. They pair full-size grills with a dual-burner cooktop. A portable cart provides shelves and condiment bins to keep cooking materials organized and nearby.

To keep drinks cool, Vintage offers The Bartending Center, which can endure any weather condition, has a refrigerated base, insulated ice center, two drawers for chilling bottles or keeping food cool, a built-in sink and removable cutting board.

Music
Music is an important part of any gathering; however, playing music outdoors presents some challenges. "The most important thing about the outdoor speaker is its ability to stand up to the elements," says Mitch Witten, Sonance vice president of sales and marketing.

Also, because sound dissipates more readily outdoors, homeowners need stereos that play music at a higher level than is needed indoors, and speakers must be well-placed for optimal sound.

"Where you place speakers depends on the size and shape of the yard," says Witten.

Lighting
To keep guests safe and add atmosphere, use lighting to illuminate pathways and entryways. Also, light up architectural features. Green or black lighting fixtures blend in with plants and trees, which allows the lighting to appear more natural.