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How to turn your backyard into the ultimate hosting space – with just a few smart buys
These small upgrades make the biggest difference

Summer has finally arrived, and we're doing everything in our power to soak up every minute of sunshine: going on bike rides, spending days at the beach, and one of our personal favorites, hosting outdoor parties. Whether it's a laid-back barbecue or a full-on party, there's something special about gathering everyone together in these warmer months. Easy, breezy nights are summer at its best.
To take your summer hosting to the next level, look to Hubspace, The Home Depot’s exclusive smart home platform. The collection of smart home essentials – outdoor lighting, speaker bulbs, ceiling fans, and more –can transform your backyard into a beautifully lit, fully connected space. From ambient lighting that syncs to your playlist to quiet ceiling fans that keep guests cool even in the muggiest heat, each product powered by Hubspace is designed to work seamlessly with the rest. Best of all, everything runs through the Hubspace app*, so you can control your setup anytime, anywhere – no running back and forth required.
*Full features require Wi-Fi connection. Products must be in range for Bluetooth connection.
This convertible chest freezer from Vissani – powered by Hubspace, of course – lets you switch between fridge and freezer mode with your app. It has smart alerts if the device goes offline or experiences high temperature changes, and it will also alert you when supercooling or freezing is complete. It's a must-have for keeping your meats and drinks cool for your next soiree.
With motion detection, customizable color settings, and easy smartphone control, the Maxdetct 240° is a security upgrade that doubles as outdoor ambiance. Create the perfect mood with the light's full spectrum of colors.
There's nothing worse than a noisy fan, so make sure you can hear your conversations with this large ceiling fan by Kensgrove. It's perfect for covered patios and will provide year-round comfort.
Set the mood before guests even step inside. This LED wall light sconce can attach anywhere and lets you change light colors, adjust brightness, and control it all from the Hubspace app.
With the touch of a button or a simple voice command, this smart glass door can instantly change from transparent to private. It's the perfect option for keeping your space stylish but secure, especially when you're entertaining and prefer to keep the inside view blocked.
Looking for something similar to the bulb above but want to step it up a notch? These string lights really do it all. They're color-changing and music syncing, so you can set the perfect party vibes with dozens of colors, built-in themes, and a party mode that flashes to the beat. Just plug it in and sync it up. Your guests will have the best time.
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