Warmer weather makes people want to go outside. Wide-open spaces can provide more space to maneuver around and reduce the potential for damage to the interior of your home.  We have been victims of outside get-togethers gone awry, but now we vow to throw the perfect gathering on the patio or deck — free of incident.

Fortunately, we are not left to our own devices to see this through. Local entertaining specialists have been kind enough to share their words of wisdom and instruct us how to throw the patio parties (or bashes) this season. Bid farewell to flies, hello to fresh flowers, and master your table setting by following the excellent advice of master entertainers, local caterers, florists, event planners, and business owners.

To provide an excellent patio party experience, you will want to create a fun and inviting environment. Here's what you will need to create the sort of space that neighbors will not want to leave.