There are many times when it can help to extend the living space of the home, outside. Those that live in smaller dwellings may relay on outdoor entertainment areas to host guests during warmer weather, and as such, there are some intriguing outdoor entertainment trends emerging.

It is a wise investment for those consumers that want to take full advantage of their home's exteriors to add components and features to enhance their entertainment experience. Depending on the budget, environment, and buyer preferences, there are some distinct pieces that can transform your yard into a cool place to view movies, listen to music, or entertain friends and family.

Some things to know when setting up your outdoor entertainment area include:

Be sure fixtures and cords are weather-resistant.

First things first: be sure that your receptacles, extension cords, and fixtures are water resistant and resilient to weather. Nothing ends a movie night with friends like a catastrophe with the electrical circuits.

Check out the new outdoor televisions

If you are looking for something impressive to truly set the tone for your space, check out some of the new outdoor TVs, which are perfect for any size space. In addition to being durable and resistant to moisture, frequently these sets offer special facades and glass fronts that will cut down on the glare.

Projection screens can be a budget-friendly option.

If you are sticking to a fairly stringent budget, try a projection screen first, and plan on using an HDMI cord to project the movie from your laptop and projector to the side of an exterior wall, door, or inexpensive screen.

Contain your space with overhead protection.

If possible, position your outdoor theater space in a protected area, porch, patio, or underneath an overhead structure. This simply provides a bit of protection for your electronics, and guests, during inclement weather. Talk with contractors about simple overheads that may secure to an exterior wall of the home.

Whether you live in 500 square-feet or 5000, there are some advantages to transforming your yard into an entertainment area. Enjoy the best weather of the season, and don't let small quarters inhibit your enjoyment this summer. Talk with electronic retailers for the best components to complete your media center, and for those items that will work well outside.