5 Ways to Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate Party Space

A good backyard can be better than Xanax. “Creating an open-air entertaining space after months of not seeing anyone in a pandemic really saved our sanity,” says Karin Gist, creator and executive producer of Our Kind of People (premiering on September 21 on FOX). Gist and her partner Claire Brown, also the show’s executive producer, enlisted the help of Michelle Fahmy, principal of L.A. design firm Haus of Meeshie, to transform their Palm Springs backyard into an oasis that doubles as a party hub.

“It was really important to us to have an outdoor space that wasn’t just a backyard, but a living space that could act like an escape,” Brown says. Fahmy took note and fused the outdoor “rooms” with the couple’s personalities—similar yet different, mixed with a splash of artistic flair. “We were really working on creating our own vibe,” Gist adds. “A vibe that felt like no one else could ever pull off.” The result: an Alice in Wonderland–esque charm with Old Hollywood roots. Get your own backyard party started with these tips.

Create an enticing backdrop

A dull gray cinderblock wall partitioned the backyard from the neighbors, and it looked, well, awful. Gist and Brown wanted to awaken the backyard, and Fahmy suggested a checkered pattern inspired by the chess game in the topiary gardens of Alice in Wonderland to make it “whimsical and peculiar.” Not only does the contrasting motif reflect the black-and-white narrative in the interiors, but it adds depth to the entire space. “The wall is a backdrop for all the other items in the space to pop off of,” Fahmy says. “This creates a way to layer pattern on pattern.” Friends love it too, especially for snapping selfies. “It’s like we have our own [Instagrammable] Paul Smith wall,” Brown jokes.

Add pops of accent color

Hot pink and yellow are constantly sneaking up for delightful bouts of surprise—a tiered flamingo serving dish here, a florescent yellow bar cart there. “Brightly powder-coated accessories and vibrant throw pillows invite relaxation and put guests at ease,” Fahmy says. “It makes the space inviting rather than stuffy.” To spruce up the dining table, Fahmy opted for Portuguese multi-colored ceramic vases in lieu of real flowers as centerpieces (they tend to wilt quickly in the Palm Springs sun) to make the alfresco dining experience more charming. Colorful pool floaties exude nothing but fun.

Gather around big and bright furnishings

To anchor the yard, Fahmy made the modular outdoor sofa the centerpiece: It’s ideally located between the pool and the bar. Pink is one of Gist and Brown’s favorite colors, so when they had to reupholster the off-white CB2 Bizerte outdoor sofa—it wasn’t going to hold up to their Goldendoodle’s pool-to-lounging antics—the hot hue was an obvious choice. Fahmy chose the stripy Sunbrella fabric, which pops against the moody house exterior. Guests naturally gravitate to the bright spot. The kitschy accessories only add to the eye candy.

Create comfort zones

For the backyard to feel cohesive, Fahmy broke it up into zones designated by a carpeting of turf pads that give the space a “room within a room” feel. “The key to entertaining is to create a good flow and areas of interest,” Fahmy says. “People will gravitate toward a space that best fits their mood.” With the daybed a stone’s throw away from the dining spot, guests can meander to further indulge in post-dinner libations. It also happens to be Gist’s favorite writing spot. “The outdoor sounds act like a sound machine, so I can stay focused,” she says. “It feels like I’m in a little creative cubby.”

Present places to plop

One thing that ties it all together is plenty of shade and places to plop your glass (or your bum) on. “You want to anticipate guests’ needs before they do,” says Fahmy, who has a background in hospitality. Here, you’ll find at least a dozen places to park cocktail glasses. Fahmy—keen on fashion meets function—made her own side tables, in addition to the perky buttercup-colored tables by the couch. She painted the hourglass-shaped stands Mambo Pink to anchor the scalloped umbrellas that dot the entire yard. Another favorite among guests is the crimson letters of the Frankbros Amore bench, which are as much of a conversation starter as a testament to the couple.