In preparation for these upcoming outdoor gatherings, we asked hostess extraordinaire Amanda McClements of Salt & Sundry to share her secrets for making a backyard shindig shine. Bring the inside out: Use your favorite pillows, throws and lamps from indoors to dress up your outdoor space for the evening. Create a serve-yourself bar: Set up a simple bar with pitchers of a pre-batched cocktail, wine and beer on ice so there’s no running inside to the fridge.