If you want to entertain in your yard, here are three things you can do to ensure your outdoor space is set up for hosting.
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Design Your Space To Accommodate Parties
If you want to be able to entertain in your yard, it needs to be designed with that in mind. Being intentional with your yard design from the start will ensure that you end up with an outdoor space that can accommodate guests.
First, consider how you want to host in your yard.
If you enjoy having people over for pool parties, BBQ’s, or having your kids’ friends over on the weekend, your yard needs to be set up for daytime use. This means ensuring everyone is comfortable during the hottest, sunniest part of the day.
Having shaded space that can fit everyone in your gathering is key. You don’t want your guests to all be huddled under a tiny umbrella. Or going back and forth from inside to outside whenever they start to overheat.
Try to create 2-3 different covered areas in your yard so everyone who is using your outdoor space is comfortable.
Products like retractable patio covers, ceiling fans, or misters are all great at keeping guests comfortable on a hot summer day. And they can all be integrated seamlessly into your yard, as long as they’re planned with the design.
When you try to retrofit, you might end up with clunky add-ons that take away from the overall look of your yard. Which is why it’s so important to work with a design team that manages all the important details in addition to the overall concept of your space.
If you envision yourself hosting outdoor dinner parties, movie nights, or transitioning from afternoon BBQ into the evening, your yard needs to be set up for nighttime entertainment.
This means ensuring there is lighting, heat features, and fire features for you and your guests. This is especially important if you live somewhere like southern California, where it’s hot and sunny during the day, but the temperature drops significantly at night.
Custom lighting in the right places makes your yard a whole new experience after dark. And extends the time you’re able to spend and host outside.
Also consider adding integrated heating elements to make everyone more comfortable. We have created covered patios that have infrared heaters built into the ceilings. But, fire features like a fire table, fire element, and more can also add warmth to your yard at night.
There are so many ways you can prep your space for every day enjoyment – and entertaining your loved ones as long as you prioritize hosting when you’re planning your design.
Don’t make entertaining guests in your yard an afterthought!
Ask Yourself: How Do You Like To Entertain?
Before you start working with a designer to create your yard, ask yourself this question: How do you like to entertain?
How many people do you envision inviting over?
How often will there be other people outside of you and your family in your outdoor space?
What kinds of activities do you and your loved ones enjoy?
These are all helpful questions to consider when you’re still in the planning stages.
One great example of this is to think about screens.
Do you want just one massive TV screen in your yard?
Do you want to be able to watch the game from anywhere in your yard – whether you’re at the bar, in the pool, or lounging?
Or, do you want your yard to be completely Zen? A screen-free zone where you and your guests can unwind?
This is just one feature, but it’s a good idea to consider how you will be using your outdoor space with family and friends when you’re planning the rest of your yard design, as well.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
There is nothing worse than a party with too many people in a small space.
And if you want to host, make sure your yard can accommodate all of your guests. Comfortably.
There should be seating for everyone coming to your gathering and plenty of space for each person to enjoy the amenities in your yard.
Sometimes a yard is designed only for the people who live in the residence. So, there’s no room for others when they do want to host.
Avoid this by planning for the people you envision inviting over.
While you and your family might be the ones using your yard on a daily basis, if you know you want your yard to be the go-to for holidays, millstones, birthdays, and other celebrations, create different seating zones and cozy areas.
This way, there’s room to host. But your yard also won’t feel empty or like it’s missing something when it is just your family using the space. Loungers, outdoor living areas, and a sunken seating area. These are all elements that can be added to your yard to create ample room for guests, but also be enjoyable for everyday use.
Work With A Professional Design Team
We are here to help you get the yard you’ve always wanted and host every important milestone in your outdoor space. Click the button below to book a free design consultation call with our team to get started today.
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