As the days get longer and the temperatures climb, May officially kicks off BBQ season across the Piedmont Triad, Smith Mountain Lake, and the High Country. There’s nothing quite like firing up the grill, gathering friends and family, and enjoying a meal under the open sky.
But if you really want to take your backyard barbecues to the next level, it’s not just about the food — the right outdoor lighting and audio setup can completely transform your summer nights.
At Southern Lights, we specialize in luxury outdoor lighting and audio systems that create the perfect setting for unforgettable outdoor entertaining. Here’s how to prep your backyard for a summer full of sizzling memories.
Create a Dedicated Outdoor Cooking Zone
Start by designing a functional grilling area. Whether it’s a built-in outdoor kitchen or a simple grill station, proper lighting is critical.
- Task Lighting for the Grill
Grilling after sunset? You need focused task lighting to make sure steaks are seared to perfection — not guesswork. We install subtle but powerful fixtures that highlight your cooking surfaces without blinding you or your guests. - Pathway and Step Lighting
Keep traffic flowing safely around the cooking area with low-voltage path lights and step lighting. After a few burgers and a couple of drinks, no one wants to trip over an unlit patio step!
Set the Mood with Landscape and Patio Lighting
Once the food’s hot, it’s time to turn up the ambiance.
- Warm Ambient Lighting
Soft, strategically placed landscape lighting around your backyard or patio creates a warm, inviting environment. From uplit trees to softly lit garden beds, we design lighting scenes that enhance the natural beauty of your property. - Overhead Bistro or Moonlighting
Want a magical vibe? Overhead bistro lights strung across patios or subtle moonlighting from trees mimic natural moonlight — creating an enchanting atmosphere without harsh glare. - Permanent Track Lighting
For homeowners who want a more polished, built-in look (and not have to deal with string lights every year), permanent outdoor track lighting offers clean lines, beautiful color control, and worry-free operation year-round.
Complete the Experience with Outdoor Audio
No summer BBQ is complete without great music.
- High-Performance Outdoor Speakers
We design outdoor audio systems that deliver crisp, immersive sound throughout your patio, pool, or lawn areas — no ugly wall-mounted boxes or distorted “garage speakers.” - Seamless Control
With Southern Lights’ premium outdoor audio setups, you can control playlists, volume, and zones right from your smartphone. Perfect for switching from background tunes during dinner to dance music once the sun goes down. - Weather-Resistant Durability
Our audio systems are built to thrive in the elements — rain, heat, humidity — so you don’t have to worry about sudden summer storms ruining the party.
Pro Tip: Combine Lighting and Audio in One Smart System
Imagine setting your grill zone lights brighter, dimming the patio for dining, and cueing up your “Summer Chill” playlist — all with the tap of a button. Southern Lights specializes in integrated outdoor lighting and audio systems that are as smart as they are stunning. One system, total control, endless good times.
Why Choose Southern Lights for Your Backyard Entertaining Upgrades?
- Award-winning Design: Over 30 years of experience creating breathtaking outdoor environments.
- Luxury-Grade Products: Commercial-grade fixtures and speakers, professionally installed.
- White-Glove Service: 24-48 hour service turnaround to keep your system looking and sounding perfect.
- Customized Solutions: Every property is unique — we design lighting and audio systems that fit your space, style, and needs.
Ready to Fire Up Your Backyard This Summer?
Whether you’re hosting intimate family dinners or full-blown summer parties, Southern Lights can help you create the ultimate outdoor entertaining space with premium outdoor lighting and audio.
Call us today for a free design consultation — and let’s make your backyard the hottest (and coolest) place to be this summer.
