Among the many things that have been hard to miss out on this past year, get-togethers with friends and family are surely one of the top ones. 

But after more than a year spent at home, is your backyard ready for those big gatherings? Since spring is the perfect season for outdoor improvements, here are some of the best backyard upgrades that will help turn your outdoor space into a hosting haven. 

Add a fire pit

According to top agent insights from a recent HomeLight report, fire pits are one of the most popular backyard upgrades. 

When it comes to hosting, fire pits not only provide warmth on chilly evenings, but they also offer a focal point for guests to gather around. 

And you don’t need a fancy, built-in fire pit to get that upgraded feel. Portable fire pits made of metals like steel or cast iron are portable (if a bit heavy) and can be moved from grass to patio or deck as the mood strikes. And since they’re relatively inexpensive, they’re an easy addition to any yard. 

Create conversation areas with outdoor seating and tables

It’s amazing how a few chairs and an outdoor table can instantly take a backyard from empty open space to a place to gather. 

If you don’t want to splurge on a full seating and table set, you can start simply by getting a few plastic Adirondack chairs and some small tables for drinks. By placing them in a loose circle on your grass or patio, or around your fire pit, you’ve instantly given guests a place to settle in for a bit and enjoy a drink, a s’more, or just a conversation. 

Utilize your backyard office, if you have one

If you’re one of the many people who’ve discovered the joys of having a backyard office, you may also have realized how useful the space can be for entertaining. (That’s not to mention that it could add to your net proceeds when you sell your home!)

Whether it’s functioning as a guest room for overnight guests, or serving as an additional space for food and drinks, a well-designed backyard office can up your hosting potential exponentially. 

Add lighting

Solar lights, string lights, and electric lanterns can give your backyard a warm, inviting, party-ready feel—not to mention make it safer for both guests and you and your family, alike. 

If you have a covered area, like a screened porch, consider adding string lights to the ceiling. For decks, string lights can be wound around the balusters and railings. 

Lanterns or taller tiki torches can be used to line the border of your grass, marking off your yard and giving it clear boundaries. This can be more appealing visually than a wide expanse that has no clear borders. 

And solar lights are perfect for lining walkways and sidewalks, as well as providing lower-profile lighting for around trees or to line borders around flower beds. 

When it’s time to host those outdoor gatherings again, you want your yard looking its best. With a few small upgrades, you’ll be party-ready in no time!