After a long winter of being trapped indoors, many of us look forward with great anticipation to back yard barbeques, pool parties and being outdoors at every opportunity. While we all enjoy this time spent with friends, family and sunshine, creating the perfect outdoor environment for entertaining can leave many homeowners staring emptily into their back yards with no idea where to start.
The first step in building a high-quality entertaining area is to evaluate how you plan to use the space, as well as what you already have in place (like a deck, patio or pool). Think about what type of entertaining you prefer. For instance, do you throw regular weekend cookouts, or classy, elegant outdoor cocktail parties? Do you or your guests have children, and if so, how old are they? What kind of climate do you live in? Answering a few of these simple questions can be a good starting point when planning the development of your outdoor space.
Obviously, you want to make the most of whatever space you have. Depending on your available area, you may have to get creative. While a large, spacious back yard may lend itself well to an expansive deck with lots of chairs, tables and benches, a smaller area might require a little improvisation. For instance, rather than fixed furniture, you may want to use folding chairs, or built in benches that can double as storage for your other outdoor party supplies. This can open up room when you aren't entertaining, allowing a small space to be functional regardless of how it is being used.
During the warmer months, shade is an imperative. Since no one wants their guests fainting from overexposure to the heat, consider the possibilities for creating shade over your yard or deck. Homeowners fortunate enough to have fully grown trees may have a natural source of shade, but for many newer constructions (or those living in the city), it may be necessary to install a permanent or retractable shade, or employ the use of large patio umbrellas. If you're interested in more permanent coverage, there is also the possibility of building a covered deck, which can protect from rain and other bad weather as well as sun. For those feeling particularly ambitious, the addition of an outdoor ceiling fan is an excellent addition to any outdoor entertaining area.
If space and budget allow for it, a truly worthwhile investment in any back yard is an outdoor kitchen. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, these kitchens increase the entertaining possibilities exponentially. Don't be afraid to look around for inspiration when you begin planning your outdoor space. You can take ideas from famous structures, inventive architecture and even renowned gardens and other outdoor spaces. Get creative and combine elements from all over to build an area that is unique and well-designed as well as comfortable and functional. Choosing the best elements to suit your needs will make you the most popular entertainer in the neighborhood.
The first step in building a high-quality entertaining area is to evaluate how you plan to use the space, as well as what you already have in place (like a deck, patio or pool). Think about what type of entertaining you prefer. For instance, do you throw regular weekend cookouts, or classy, elegant outdoor cocktail parties? Do you or your guests have children, and if so, how old are they? What kind of climate do you live in? Answering a few of these simple questions can be a good starting point when planning the development of your outdoor space.
Obviously, you want to make the most of whatever space you have. Depending on your available area, you may have to get creative. While a large, spacious back yard may lend itself well to an expansive deck with lots of chairs, tables and benches, a smaller area might require a little improvisation. For instance, rather than fixed furniture, you may want to use folding chairs, or built in benches that can double as storage for your other outdoor party supplies. This can open up room when you aren't entertaining, allowing a small space to be functional regardless of how it is being used.
During the warmer months, shade is an imperative. Since no one wants their guests fainting from overexposure to the heat, consider the possibilities for creating shade over your yard or deck. Homeowners fortunate enough to have fully grown trees may have a natural source of shade, but for many newer constructions (or those living in the city), it may be necessary to install a permanent or retractable shade, or employ the use of large patio umbrellas. If you're interested in more permanent coverage, there is also the possibility of building a covered deck, which can protect from rain and other bad weather as well as sun. For those feeling particularly ambitious, the addition of an outdoor ceiling fan is an excellent addition to any outdoor entertaining area.
If space and budget allow for it, a truly worthwhile investment in any back yard is an outdoor kitchen. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, these kitchens increase the entertaining possibilities exponentially. Don't be afraid to look around for inspiration when you begin planning your outdoor space. You can take ideas from famous structures, inventive architecture and even renowned gardens and other outdoor spaces. Get creative and combine elements from all over to build an area that is unique and well-designed as well as comfortable and functional. Choosing the best elements to suit your needs will make you the most popular entertainer in the neighborhood.
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