If you're having a garden party, an intimate gathering for a few friends or a huge formal event such as a wedding or a birthday celebration, you have a wonderful opportunity to decorate your backyard in festive style.

You may even wish to dress up your backyard with a little extra landscaping and creative outdoor decor as part of staging your home for sale.

Creating an inviting atmosphere can make all the difference, whatever the occasion, even if it's no occasion at all, and is just for your and your family.

Dressing up your backyard can be so much fun because it allows you to create 'space' that is different from your normal everyday life. You can create a fantasy and mentally transport yourself and your guests to another world: a Mexican garden courtyard, an oriental haven, a festive carnival or an elegant European estate.

Here are some ideas:

Lighting: Good lighting provides for safety but also creates ambiance if done right. From small tealight holders on tables to hurricane lamps strung above or hanging from hooks on walls, lighting adds an extra dimension to your outdoor decorating. Other popular backyard lighting ideas include small potlights shining up into or down out of bushes and trees, subtle pathway lighting, and even tropical torches. Get creative, and remember to keep lights from shining into people's eyes and keep steps, paths and pool areas well lit.

Water Features: From a huge pond with a waterfall to a tiny, trickling fountain, water adds movement and interest to a backyard. If you do not have the time or money to add something elaborate, you can get a bird bath, a small tabletop fountain or even a mister to keep your guests cool. Ponds with waterlilies and koi fish or goldfish make lovely conversation pieces; for a smaller but equally impactful statement, try an urn or oriental planter filled with water and a lily or a few fish.

Furniture: There is such a wide variety of patio furniture available that you will find myriad ways to fill your needs. You can create conversation areas, have a firepit table [http://patiosetdeals.com/patio-sets-with-fire-pit-table] to gather around, and offer various tables and chairs for people to sit and chat. Socializing is the biggest part of any gathering, so be sure you set up your yard in ways that encourage mingling. You can add colored tablecloths, flowers, confetti or candles to make them festive. It's also fairly easy and inexpensive to get new chair covers and outdoor throw pillows to match a party theme or new color scheme.

Tents/Gazebos: Add a little shelter with style by including a party tent or a patio gazebo [http://patiosetdeals.com/patio-gazebos]. Gazebos can small and intimate, with just a bench, or large enough to accommodate a roomy table and chairs. Backyard gazebos have been very popular and can create a focal point for gatherings. Some tents and gazebos offer netting or plastic on the sides which can roll down to keep bugs or rain and wind out, respectively.

Let these outdoor decorating ideas get you started. Add in a few colorful plants and you'll be well on your way to a spectacular outdoor space, whether for a special event, the sale of your home, or just for you and your family to enjoy.