Host a Laid-Back Girls’ Night in Your Own Backyard

Ever feel like getting away with your friends, but don’t have the time, money or energy to plan an excursion?

Bringing interior design elements outside for a few hours allowed me to create a chic setting for a summertime girls’ night around the campfire. A few items borrowed from the living room created a cozy outdoor lounge perfect for a classy evening close to home.

To start I created a welcome sign using bistro-style chalkboard markers and a kids’ chalkboard easel from a thrift store. Paper lanterns filled with sand and votive candles were purchased online in bulk, enough for several parties this summer.





The sign and lanterns led guests around the side of the house and through the backyard, ending at our girls’ night setting along the edge of the woods.

I created a makeshift serving buffet by placing two folding party trays side by side and covering them with black fabric. An old shutter placed on top made for a nice, level surface.


Metal star lights were draped through the trees over the serving buffet. To tie and drape the lights in the tree branches, I used green floral wire.


I created a cozy lounging area in the grass under the star-lit tree. I brought my indoor-outdoor rug from the kitchen along with a couple of throw pillows and a chunky blanket.





In true girls’ night fashion, chocolate and wine were on the menu. Little aluminum pails from the hardware store made perfect fireside wine buckets.





Throw pillows borrowed from my living room made our wooden Adirondack chairs more comfortable. I made sure whatever I brought outside could be washed to remove campfire smells.

Other pieces I borrowed from inside were ceramic garden stools. I normally use these as end tables in the living room. They worked perfectly by the campfire.


Good conversation, stars in the sky, a warm fire, bare feet, wine and chocolate added up to a perfect girls’ night.





The best part about entertaining in the backyard is being close to home. At the end of the night, my husband and our kids joined in on the marshmallow roasting and stargazing fun.

More: 20 Ideas for Easygoing Summer Parties

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