“When I was growing up, the recreation room was the paneled basement. Today the family room is really outdoors,” says Leeda Marting, founder of Charleston Gardens and author of the recently released Creating Outdoor Rooms. The family room, living room, playroom, dining room, and even the kitchen move outside during temperate months. So it’s only natural that warm-weather parties would follow right along. “Outdoor living is in keeping with the way people live today,” Marting says. “It’s all about a casual sense of ease and fun.”

Read on to discover quick tips for creating a festive garden space and try them out at your next party!