Living in Australia has it perks, one being the beautiful outdoor spaces we have at our disposal. Local parks, botanical gardens or even your mum’s backyard can become the most exciting party location if styled appropriately. Think beyond the typical family BBQ to a sophisticated, outdoor event. Bringing all the luxury from inside—plush fabrics, comfortable furniture, beautiful décor—into your outdoor space will give a welcoming and comfortable aesthetic to any outdoor gathering. Below are some of our tips to give your invitees the ultimate outdoor event experience.

1. Furniture: Forget deck chairs and foldable tables, use dining chairs or colourful metal stools to add a pop of colour. Bring end tables and sideboards outside and use them as convenient places for your guests to place their drinks, bags or plates. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_11.jpg Left: via Style Me Pretty | Right: via Ruffled Blog

2. Fabrics: Pull together some textiles, such as chiffon drapes, lace curtains and hessian fabric to use as canopies or table runners, or to simply frame a beautiful view for your guests to enjoy Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_07.jpg Left: via Indulgy | Right: via Style Me Pretty

3. Signage: Label your food and drinks with mini chalkboards, or use larger chalkboards as menu boards. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_08.jpg Left: via Wedding Wire | Right: via Style Me Pretty

4. Quilts/Blankets: Use quilts or blankets as unique picnic rugs and bench seat coverings. They can double as cozy blankets for your guests to keep warm when the chilly night air sets in. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_03.jpg Monika’s Bridal Shower | Photography by Angela Rose, Butterfly Bones Photography

5. Lighting: Fairy lights and lanterns give a soft light that will illuminate your soiree when the sun drops. String up fairy lights over trees, pergolas or fences to set the atmosphere for your outdoor affair. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_02.jpg Amali + Beau | Photography by Bianca Milani, The Love Jug 

6. Sun Protection: Remember to protect your guests against the harsh sun by providing hats, parasols, collapsible paper fans and sunscreen. Put together a stand at the entrance to your event with a bunch of sun safety goodies ready for your guests to use. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_05.jpg Eva + Pascal | Photography Lisa Poggi

7. Citronella: During summer, insects can become a very unwelcomed guest at your outdoor event, so burning incense sticks or candles will keep your guests protected. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_09.jpg Left: via 100 Layer Cake | Right: via Victoria Alexander

8. Outdoor Screens: Create a talking point for guests by setting up a DIY movie screen. Hang up some white linen, set up your digital projector and voila – your outdoor screen is ready to set the scene and showcase your favourite images. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_06.jpg Left: via 100 Layer Cake | Right: via 100 Layer Cake

9. Party Invitations: Your invites will give your guests a glimpse of your setting. Include a dress code if you are hosting your event on grass, make a suggestion for your guests to wear flats or casual shoes to ensure they stay comfortable all night long. Blog_OutdoorPartyTips_20150901_10.jpg Left: via Very Sarie | Right: via Style Me Pretty