Secrets to Smarter Hosting in 2026: 3 Easy Upgrades

Alfresco garden dining table underneath vines. Table decorated with florals — (Image credit: Future)

Jump to category:

1. Install Motion Sensor Lighting
2. Use an Automatic Sprinkler
3. Place a Smart Speaker Outside

Now the sun is shining, I'm getting ready for another hosting season in the garden. I'm increasingly relying on smart gadgets to make things like lighting, watering my lawn, and even entertainment effortless, so I can focus on what really matters: giving loved ones my full attention.

It's one of those details less spoken about when it comes to entertaining garden ideas, but having things like smart lighting and automatic sprinklers set up before guests arrive means you can really enjoy your gatherings stress-free.

1. Install Motion Sensor Lighting

Garden with patio, three large terracotta pots and sun loungers — Motion sensor lighting makes your garden less hazardous come nightfall

If you haven't already added motion sensor outdoor lighting to your yard, I promise it will be a game-changer.

I have a floodlight in my front yard that comes on when it detects my guests arriving. I favor it over lighting that stays on permanently because it doesn't shine into my neighbor's properties and doesn't disturb nocturnal wildlife unnecessarily.

It simply senses motion and comes on to provide light as my guests walk up the path to the front door without struggling in the dark.

The best part is that motion sensor lights come in lots of different forms, from the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam (available on Amazon) to this white motion sensor light from Walmart.

What I like about the former is the fact that it has a 150º wide-angle camera, acting as a garden security lighting. It stores recordings locally for no extra charge and even has optional alerts so you can be immediately made aware of any unexpected activity outside your home.

REOLINK

Solar Floodlight Cam

Illuminate and protect your home with the All-in-One Solar Floodlight Cam. Combining 2K ultra-clear resolution, motion-activated 1000-lumen lighting, and wire-free solar power, it delivers effortless, high-end security with AI-powered detection, two-way talk, and seamless, low-maintenance operation – day or night. This design is also wire-free, easy to install, and maintain via solar power. Since it’s Reolink’s newest innovation, it’s launching with a special price of $88 during Reolink’s Annual Spring Sale (March 25-31).

2. Use an Automatic Sprinkler

Summer garden lawn with a bench at the back — Sprinklers help reduce water waste significantly in comparison to traditional hoses

If there's one thing that dominates my time in the lead-up to a gathering or garden party, it's trying to get my lawn to stay green and thick.

Watering your lawn can take a lot of effort and time, not to mention a large volume of water. But, automatic sprinklers keep your grass hydrated without you needing to think about it.

Plus, they help reduce water waste in the yard by only using as much as necessary.

Of course, there are lots of sprinklers you can choose from, but for a smart addition to the yard, I recommend opting for one like this oscillating sprinkler with a timer from Amazon.

Alternatively, you can turn your existing sprinkler into an automated one using this attachable timer from Walmart.

Once your timer is set, you don't have to worry about how long to leave your sprinkler on for. However, you may want to check out our guide on which lawn sprinkler layout is best for your yard.

Melnor

Oscillating Sprinkler with Timer

This oscillating sprinkler has a timer so you don't have to worry about turning it off. It has 20 precision nozzles and covers up to 4,000 sq ft. You can adjust the width and range of the watering pattern to suit your lawn.

3. Place a Smart Speaker Outside

table outdoors with soft pink linen, plates and glasses of rose wine, and a fig tart — Music effortlessly elevates your gathering

With the table set and your guests comfortably seated, the last thing you want is for deafening silence to disrupt the ambience of your garden party.

At the same time, you don't want the hassle of a speaker that requires you to constantly get up to plug your phone into. Instead, place a portable smart speaker in a subtle location in your yard.

I always place mine behind my container garden on my patio, so it doesn't stand out as an eyesore among my carefully curated tablescape.

Having said that, there are some charming and decorative smart speakers on the market. I'm particularly taken by this IKEA portable SOLSKYDD Bluetooth speaker in orange.

Portable ones are best because you can move them indoors and outdoors as needed, while the Bluetooth aspect allows you to change your music and volume from the comfort of your seat.

Even better, if one of your guests is particularly good at making a playlist to set the tone, they can connect from their phone and take over as DJ.

IKEA

SOLSKYDD Portable Bluetooth Speaker

This colorful smart speaker will brighten up interiors and patios during gatherings. It has a clear sound and simply connects to your phone or computer via Bluetooth. It has a rechargeable battery and comes with a metal stand. Also available in white.

With these smart garden gadgets in place, you can turn your attention to preparing your yard for summer hosting. The products below are sure to elevate your outdoor seating area.

Love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.

Outdoor Throw Pillow

This checker outdoor throw pillow has playful charm. Add it to your outdoor benches and seats for comfort. It measures 18x18".

Melamine Lemon Plates

These gorgeous lemon plates bring a Mediterranean touch to your al fresco dining. You get 6 in this set.

Green Outdoor Rug

This beautiful outdoor rug turns your patio into an extension of the home. It's made from polypropene and weighs just 2lbs.

Tenielle is a Gardens Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. She holds a qualification in MA Magazine Journalism and has over six years of journalistic experience. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. As our in-house houseplant expert, Tenielle writes on a range of solutions to houseplant problems, as well as other 'how to' guides, inspiring garden projects, and the latest gardening news. When she isn't writing, Tenielle can be found propagating her ever-growing collection of indoor plants, helping others overcome common houseplant pests and diseases, volunteering at a local gardening club, and attending gardening workshops, like a composting masterclass.