Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or a quiet night with a few close friends, entertaining guests is always great. However, it can sometimes be stressful to get everything ready in time. A beautiful yard designed with entertaining guests in mind will not only relax your guests, but it will take a lot of pressure off planning – especially for those last minute get togethers!
Patio Pavers
Paving is great option for outdoor entertainment areas. It requires little effort to maintain, repair is easy, and it is extremely durable. Paving also has a wide variety of possible applications, such as walkways, patios, driveways, or even pools. Patios in particular are a great addition for your yard when entertaining. Not only do they provide a great area for guests, but a patio made with pavers is both cheaper and easier (not to mention less expensive) to maintain than a deck. In addition, paving stones come in a wide variety of colors and textures, so you can always find something that complements your yard. Belgard Pavers in particular offers a diverse range of paving stones from classic designs like the simple and utilitarian Holland Stone to contemporary designs like the luxurious and elegant Esprit.
Seating Areas
Seating areas are an absolute necessity for entertaining in your yard. In order to keep your guests comfortable and relaxed patio furniture is always the most obvious choice. There are a wide variety of styles, colors, and materials for patio furniture. Therefore, what you end up putting in your yard is largely going to be based on how much you’re planning on spending, what materials you want your guests to relax on, and of course, what’s going to look best with your landscape design. Plastic or metal lawn chairs are great inexpensive options that are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles and give your yard a great laid-back look. If you enjoy a more midcentury style, wrought iron furniture is a great durable option. However, if durability is your main concern, nothing beats classic cast iron furniture. Not only is it durable, but because it is so heavy there’s no worry that the wind will blow away your outdoor furniture! If you prefer a more contemporary look and feel, consider all-weather or resin wicker chairs, sofas, or sectionals. Pieces made from this material tend to be eye catching and very resistant to weather. If you want your landscape design to work double duty, don't forget that retaining walls can also be designed to offer more seating.
Outdoor Lighting
Not only is outdoor lighting essential for those gatherings that go on into the night, it can really tie the yard together. There are many possible options in terms of outdoor lighting, this why we recommend that your lighting needs to reflect the style and vision you have for your landscape – especially in areas that are used for entertaining. Even when the sun is still out, nobody wants to look out and see an eyesore of a light fixture. This is one of the reasons we recommend Kichler lighting for your outdoor lighting needs. They provide a wide assortment of products for all of your outdoor lighting needs. They have everything from wall lighting, hanging lanterns, and address lights to outdoor chandeliers in styles ranging from
For more great ideas for lighting your landscape, see our article How to Plan Landscape Lighting for Your Yard.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are a perfect addition to any yard. Because they are both beautiful and practical, they often make the center piece of the area of the yard used for entertaining. There are so many options available for an outdoor kitchen, we recommend you start by making a list of things that are essential for your kitchen. A great grill is one of the most important aspects of any landscape designed for entertaining. Grills come in many shapes, sizes, and brands. We recommend Summerset Grills for everything from freestanding grills to BBQ islands. These grills are beautiful, durable, and luxurious. In addition, Summerset Grills offer a very high degree of customization so you can really use your creativity. If, for example, you want to make sure that there is always a cold drink at arms reach while your grilling? Add an outdoor rated refrigerator to your BBQ island. Grills are a great low maintenance solution when you want to ensure that your yard can be used as a space for entertainment.
Ready to start planning your yard for entertaining guests? Give us a call at (636) 688-6647, we love doing custom work and will happily design something that works perfectly for you.
