The best kind of outdoor party has cute decor and outdoor games, sure. But it also has plenty of food, drinks, and a slew of functional features to keep guests cool and comfortable, including enough furniture and dependable outdoor lighting. Sound daunting? It doesn't have to be.

Throwing an outdoor party that's fun, festive, and filled with food, drink, and conversation requires a few clever outdoor entertaining ideas that'll make planning and prepping a breeze. When you're hosting an outdoor party , certain factors (like unexpected wind or a sunny backyard without an inch of shade) can quickly complicate things.

To help you get started on your journey toward backyard bliss, we've curated some of the most creative, inventive, and downright inspiring small backyard ideas from professional designers, bloggers, and style experts. Get ready to make this the summer you truly enjoy your small outdoor space.

See what fun backyard ideas are trending, according to landscape experts Yardzen. People are spending more time in their backyards, and they're adding amazing backyard features—from plunge pools to saunas to treehouses.

Many of us wish we had a large backyard, but that often isn’t the reality. However, if all you have is a city balcony, a townhouse patio, or just a smaller backyard, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the space—you just need to know how to make the most of it. Here are a few big ideas for filling out your small outdoor spaces.