Looking to whip your backyard into shape for grilling season? It all starts with getting your outdoor living areas ready for entertaining. From creating multifaceted spaces that best accommodate your guests to adding accent lighting features for nighttime grilling, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to get the most out of your patio this summer.
Create Multiple Spaces
Whether hosting a BBQ for family and friends or designing a relaxing spot to unwind, the proper seating makes all the difference. Section out various spaces to create areas for specific activities like dining, lounging, and recreation.
For the dining area, orient the space near the bar or kitchen for an efficient flow of movement. If you plan to host smaller events with a handful of family and friends, it could be worth investing in a solid wood dining set to fit everyone. Be sure to cover any lounge chairs or couches with sectional covers to help the furniture to enjoy the patio for years to come.
Set Up an Open Kitchen
Using a grill in place of a stovetop, you can add a sink and counter space on either side of the grilling surface for a simple but efficient outdoor kitchen. For added sophistication, consider the addition of a functional kitchen island for more storage and space for food prep.
You can create bar seating around the grill so that guests can hang nearby while you work. Set up some comfy chairs in a U-shape facing the direction of the grill so that you can pop back and forth between the cooking area and lounging area, always staying within earshot of the conversation.
Pro Tip: Chair covers are an excellent choice for protecting all seating accommodations you have available. This way, you can keep your carefully curated collection of furniture in great condition for many more parties to come.
Make Your Fire Pit the Focal Point
Turn your fire pit area into a functional relaxation spot to mellow out while enjoying sizzling steaks and grilled corn. Create a cozy ambiance with additional mood lighting, a few planters, a footstool, and a couple ottomans. Make sure your ottoman covers enough space for your guests to sit.
Maximize the area by spreading a few picnic blankets and throwing some accent pillows and cushions for a bohemian design that accommodates every guest, no matter the size of the party.
Don’t Forget Shade
When planning a grill day out in the yard, weatherproof the area before storm clouds crowd the clear sky. A heavy downpour, rapid winds, and even the scorching sun can all damage your outdoor space and ruin your plans.
To combat such situations, consider adding shade to your patio or deck. A well-constructed canopy is the perfect way to keep your entire patio protected from corner to corner. Along with canopies, you can protect the integrity of your outdoor lounging area with sectional covers.
Hang Ambient Lighting
Cookouts are more fun when the sun goes down! Before grilling day, plan out ways to illuminate the porch and brighten up the walkways. Invest in a mix of landscape lighting like bistro lights or lanterns to turn your BBQ party into a glowing paradise.
A set of string lights wrapped around your pergola, walls, and privacy fence do an exceptional job of building an intimate atmosphere in your backyard. For a more rustic and mystical appeal, hanging string lights on the ceiling overhead the outdoor dining table or candle-lit lanterns and glass votives can do wonders.
Add a Pop of Color
Your backyard is a retreat in itself, so elevate its lively atmosphere by creatively incorporating a variety of plant life to add vibrance and color. When deciding on various ways to brighten up the area, think outside the box with a simple and innovative design technique.
- Plant a vertical garden with pretty climbers and flowering plants.
- Paint your door a vibrant hue that complements your porch.
- Add brightly-colored curtains, patterned rugs, and bold pillows and cushions.
- Experiment with rich color choices for your furniture, chair covers, and hardscapes.
Play it Cool
As the weather warms up, experiment with your water features in your backyard. Whether it be a pond or a fountain, an individual water feature goes a long way in giving your backyard variety and dimension.As for something more refreshing, beat the summer heart with a built-in pool or even opt for a temporary inflatable set with a hose attachment. When it comes to summer sun, there’s no better bet than kicking back, relaxing, and cooling down – especially in the company of good food and even better friends.
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