Once you have your backyard entertaining spaces arranged and furnished, it’s time to get ready for your next gathering.
Keeping your guests comfortable should be at the forefront. To make your guests feel at home from the minute they set foot in your backyard, strive to carry over the aesthetically pleasing nature of your landscape into all elements of your outdoor entertaining space.
Adding cozy touches like outdoor throw pillows and blankets for cooler days is a great way to show your guests that you thought carefully about their comfort during the time they’ll be spending in your backyard. Leave these comfort items arranged on your outdoor furniture so guests can grab them as needed.
There’s another major factor to consider when it comes to guest comfort: bugs. While they have their place in this world, we certainly don’t want them crashing our parties.
In the days leading up to your gathering, make sure any water features in your yard are functioning properly, as mosquitoes may come and lay their eggs in stagnant water.
Planting herbs that naturally repel pests, such as lemon balm, lavender, citronella, and marigolds, can help to deter some of the mosquitoes hanging around your neighborhood.
Also, consider using mosquito barriers, a product with garlic as an active ingredient, to keep pests at bay and prevent your guests from having to swat and scratch their evening away. These barriers use natural chemicals, helping you to avoid the harsh ingredients that are often found in conventional pest control products.
Cultivate your landscape design so that it is inviting, providing a full sensory experience for your guests. Having a variety of plants to look at, smell, taste, touch, and even hear rustling in the wind, will engage your friends and family on another level.
Having a wide variety in your landscape, with varying heights, widths, and depths, can increase the visual interest in your backyard, and can even make it look larger. A professional landscaper can offer tips on what to plant, and when.
Adding many types of trees, shrubs, and perennials in a space adds tons of beauty, and even a very small space can include a wide variety with an efficient planting plan implemented by a design firm. For example, consider starting off with a couple of larger trees, which will add height and create privacy. Dogwoods like the Cherokee Princess Dogwood have great height and gorgeous flowers.
It’s important to select plants with varying seasonal interest so that you can enjoy your garden throughout every season. For example, fothergilla is a good choice, as they exhibit fiery shades in the fall. White astilbe and yellow ligularia offer early summer blooms to start the season with color. For easy care and year-round interest, choose a low-maintenance ground cover that corresponds to your planting zone.
Something very important to consider no matter what type of entertaining you’ll be doing is whether you’ll have sufficient shade and lighting. If you lack shade trees, it may be a good idea to consider having an arbor, pergola, gazebo or some umbrellas installed for the comfort of your guests.
Adding outdoor lighting to increase visibility and safety during after-sunset gatherings can be simple, with options ranging from hanging string lights to installing more permanent and appealing solar or wired lighting throughout your landscape.
A useful and comfortable outdoor entertaining space often reflects your home. Much of the entertaining you do will allow you the chance to make your backyard a fresher, roomier extension of where you live — an outdoor living room, really, in your backyard space.
The most important thing in customizing your backyard design for entertaining is to make sure that it works for you.
One of the many satisfying ways of utilizing your outdoor space is by entertaining your family, friends, and neighbors. Hosting gatherings in the fresh air of the garden that you care for throughout the seasons can be fun and very rewarding.
How to Design Your Outdoor Entertainment Area
A backyard should be both beautiful and functional. You can achieve both by thinking through the design (or redesign) process, starting with your hardscape. Contacting a professional landscape design firm is a great first step, as they will have the expertise and resources to make this design process smooth and stress-free.
When planning your outdoor entertainment space, you’ll have many different options for designing and building a hardscape, customized to your unique landscape.
When planning your outdoor living space, it’s important to consider the types of entertaining you plan to do there. While you’re establishing your vision and goals, you’ll find there are many different entertainment area ideas, such as:
A full outdoor kitchen, complete with and a grill, cooktop, refrigerator, storage, sink and countertops
A backyard patio with a pleasing ambiance for alfresco outdoor dining
A seating area with comfortable patio furniture such as sofas topped with comfy pillows and surrounded by an outdoor TV
A fire pit for roasting marshmallows for s’mores
A stamped concrete pool deck, surrounding an in-ground swimming pool
Whatever backyard design you choose, you should create good flow in your outdoor entertaining space by considering all of the spaces you wish to incorporate in your backyard. Paths and natural stone walkways should be planned and installed thoughtfully based on the location of your sitting areas, focal points in your yard, and the entrance to your home.
Outdoor dining and entertaining can lead to spills on your artificial grass. Common spills like ketchup, wine, or soda can be easily managed with a mild detergent and water. Blot the spill first, then apply the cleaning solution and blot again. Artificial grass is typically stain-resistant, making it easier to clean than indoor carpets.
By following these tips, you can maintain a clean and attractive artificial lawn with minimal effort. Regular maintenance not only enhances the appearance of your lawn but also extends its lifespan, providing you with a beautiful and hassle-free outdoor space.
Artificial grass is excellent for households with pets, but you’ll need to manage their waste to maintain its condition. Here’s how:
Solid Waste: Use a scoop to remove solid waste. For any residue or less solid messes, clean the area with a mild detergent. If there are any lingering stains, spray the spot with white vinegar and blot dry.
Urine: Simply rinse the area with water to dilute and remove urine. The built-in drainage system of artificial grass prevents puddling, ensuring a clean and dry surface.
Consider designating a specific area of your yard for your pets to make cleanup easier.
To keep your artificial grass looking its best, periodic brushing is essential. Similar to vacuuming indoor carpets to maintain their pile, brushing your artificial lawn helps the blades stay upright. Use a long-handled brush with soft bristles to sweep the lawn occasionally. This not only keeps the grass looking lush but also ensures a more natural appearance.
Debris like leaves, twigs, and other yard waste can accumulate on your artificial grass. A leaf blower is an efficient tool for removing this debris quickly. Blow the debris into a corner of your yard for easy collection and disposal. This method is especially useful after storms or during the autumn when leaves are abundant. It’s a fast and simple way to keep your lawn clean, saving you time compared to traditional mowing.
Although artificial grass requires significantly less upkeep than natural grass, regular cleaning is still necessary to keep it looking vibrant and ensure its longevity. Depending on your specific location and circumstances, some of these tasks might be more relevant than others. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining your artificial grass.
Indoor Putting GreenLove golf? Create your own indoor putting green! An indoor green allows you to practice your putt regardless of the weather and adds a unique feature to your home. Building one is easier than you might think: construct a frame, lay down the artificial grass, and cut out holes. This fun addition can turn any space into a golfer’s paradise.
Low-Maintenance Roof GardenNo yard? No problem. Transform your flat roof into a lush, green retreat with synthetic turf. Cut the turf to fit your roof, secure it in place, and add planters, outdoor furniture, and decorative elements. This easy upgrade provides a beautiful, maintenance-free space to relax and enjoy nature.
Vertical GardensBrighten up dull walls by covering them with synthetic grass. This creative approach brings a touch of the outdoors inside without the hassle of live plants. Measure your wall, cut the turf to size, and use appropriate fixings to attach it. This unique feature can transform any room, making it vibrant and inviting.
Conceal Unsightly FeaturesHide unattractive outdoor items like waste bins or compost heaps with artificial grass. Build a box or frame around the item and cover it with turf to seamlessly blend it into your garden. This clever solution not only conceals these necessities but also adds to the overall aesthetic of your yard.
Pool SurroundsReplace traditional pool tiles with synthetic grass for a non-slip, visually appealing surface. Artificial grass around your pool provides a safe, comfortable area to walk on and enhances the look of your poolside year-round. This durable, easy-to-maintain option is perfect for creating a luxurious, resort-like feel in your backyard.