For some people, the backyard is all about the kids or a space to grow as much produce as possible. For others, the outdoors is a place for entertaining friends and family. A place where there is ample room to relax, where
the style is all about comfort and where the mess isn’t fussed over.
If you’re number one desire for your backyard is to entertain, whether it’s for an impromptu barbecue or a formal festive lunch, there are several design elements to consider. From making your garden visually appeal to the key amenities, we share with you how to create the perfect backyard for entertaining.
Optimise your garden layout
If you’re starting from scratch, you have the perfect opportunity to design your garden layout to suit hosting outdoors. Consider the orientation of your garden and how you can make the most of the natural sunlight. Think about whether you want to create different zones in your garden for guests to retreat to and how you may access these spaces. You may want to consider the proximity to the kitchen and the relationship with the interior.
If you’re simply updating your existing garden to better perform as an entertaining space, consider how you can link your spaces together to encourage people to move into your garden. Can you reorientate or extend areas of the garden such as a patio to make better use of the space?
Consider how you entertain
Entertaining doesn’t necessarily mean you need a large outdoor table that can seat a crowd or a built-in kitchen with all the bells and whistles. Consider how you like to entertain and design your space accordingly. If you love a sit-down feast, then yes, a table would be a great addition to your outdoor area. If you prefer to spend time chatting over a cheese platter, then comfortable lounge seating around a fire pit may be a better option. If you entertain at night, outdoor lighting, music and heat can enhance the atmosphere. If you’re outdoor space is limited and your existing patio or deck is situated close to your interior dining room,
perhaps a flexible lounge area will offer more value. Simply dine indoors and allow the party to spill outside.
Think about all year-round usage
If you’re investing in your outdoor space, you’ll want to be able to utilise it to entertain as much as possible. This means you need to consider how you can make the space work for you all year-round. If you live in a warmer climate, providing shade should be at the top of your list. You can do this through the use of umbrellas, awnings or a creeper-clad pergola structure.
Likewise, if you live in a temperate or cooler climate, it’s worth thinking about how you can optimise your outdoor space to use it in times when the weather it’s as glorious. Creating an enclosed outdoor room that’s protected from the cool winds will become an inviting space. Adding amenities such as a fire pit, built-in fireplace or heaters can also encourage you to entertain outdoors even in those cooler months.
Choose durable materials and finishes
If you’ve designed a garden that’s inviting and your hosting skills are polished, chances are your home is going to be very popular amongst friends and family. You could find yourself hosting every event and family gathering throughout the year! So, it’s worth spending the time to choose your materials and finishes wisely.
Consider outdoor furniture that’s built with quality componentry and materials that will hold up to the weather conditions and high usage. Choose surfaces that are durable as well as visually appealing, and that are suitable for your application. Installing tiles that don’t have a non-slip finish for example around a pool could be a disaster! It may cost more initially, but you won’t need to replace after one full calendar year of entertaining.
Information provided courtesy of luxury outdoor specialist Eco Outdoor.
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