8 Tips For Outdoor Entertaining {Giveaway}

This is a sponsored post brought to you in collaboration with Cree. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.

1.Comfortable seating is a must when entertaining outdoors. And plenty of it! I use a different array of seating options on my patio. The first to always be used is my patio set that I purchased a few years ago. Just some new stain and chair covers is all that was needed to spruce it up. I keep some mesh chairs on hand also for overflow. But my go to seating for a large amount of people are benches. I have three to four benches outside at any given time to accommodate. Another fun option for lawn seating is offer over sized pillows.

2.Layer. Layer. Layer. Keep things comfortable by using pillows on your benches, chairs and patio set. Also, as it gets dark it tends to get cold, so have a few blankets laying around.

3.It's easy to add color to any patio with flowers. Use flowers in hanging pots, urns, or even in unexpected vases on tables.

4.Offer a relief from the sun. The sun can sometimes be detrimental to a great outdoor party especially on hot days. Use umbrellas for extra shade, or even a privacy screen to shield out the sun when it gets low on the horizon.

5.Make your patio an extension of your living room. Make it comfy! Use rugs and pillows and decor just like you would in your living room.I like using lanterns, mirrors, and metal garden balls. You can even bring your indoor furniture outdoors for the night to mix things up a bit. 

6.Keep the beverages coming! The hotter the weather, the more you want to drink. Make sure you keep your guests happy with cool beverages on hand.

7.And of course, good food is always a part of a great outdoor party. Even if it's just appetizers or a full on dinner.

8.As the sun sets, outdoor lighting is key to keep the party going. String lights and lanterns are a great way to light your outdoor entertaining area.

Also remember the main lighting in the eves of your house. I like to use Cree PAR38 LED bulbs for this. The sockets are so hard to reach, but once I put the LED bulbs in place,  I don't have to worry about changing them for years and years to come since they last about 25 times longer than normal bulbs. Plus, leaving them on all night won't bother the electric bill too much since they use 82% less energy :) They are rated for wet weather so they are also perfect for flood lights too and are dimmable, bonus! To find more information about Cree, visit their website at www.creebulb.com; they are also available to purchase at Home Depot.

Here's a quick tour of my patio and porch and the ways I use outdoor lighting in my entertaining space. 
 
Now for the GIVEAWAY!  

Cree has so graciously offered to give one of my readers a package up to $70 worth of bulbs! 

For an entry, leave a comment below letting me know which room you need Cree LED bulbs in the most (if not all of them :) )

For an additional entry:

 Like Thrifty and Chic on Facebook or Instagram and let me know that you did in the comments.

  PLEASE give me a way to contact you! This giveaway is open to US residents only.

Giveaway Ends Wednesday, August 5th at Midnight PT!

 Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”