How To Maximize Your Garden Or Patio For Outdoor Entertainment

Being able to entertain guests in your outdoor space is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of having one. There are many simple things you can do to maximize your garden and patio for doing so and all of which require no hard work, just a little bit of thinking and planning.

Create Conversation Areas

When of the smartest things you can do when designing for outdoor entertainment is to create conversation areas. Conversation areas are groups of chairs and tables that are spread out around your space so that people can sit down and talk or chat away, from the larger groups of people.

These could be anything from a bistro set off to the side, a low wall to sit on with a small table to rest food and drinks, an outdoor bar, or even a quiet garden bench in a private nook.  Be creative. Conversation areas always work especially well when they have a view of a water feature, garden, or other focal points. If you don’t have too much space you can even create multiple groups of seating on your patio instead of one large one.

Design For Traffic Flow

Don’t forget to create an outdoor area that helps your guests naturally move towards these conversation areas along with any other interesting features. A simple stone or pebble garden path is an easy and good-looking DIY option, for helping your guests to move around the property to desired areas.

Perhaps a secluded gazebo, arbor, pergola, or fish pond could be where you ultimately lead them. Making intelligent decisions about where you place your furniture can also help. It is always better to design two adjoining areas with different intentions.

While one can function as a place to sit down and eat a meal, the one next to it could be for reclining and having a few drinks or some coffee. This will get your guests moving and milling around, not just standing around in one big group or sitting in one large circle.

Many Furniture Options

There are all types of patio and garden furniture that will work well with the style of not only your outdoor space but with that of your house itself as well. Furniture sets are a great way to help you create those conversation areas.

From teak to rattan garden furniture there are many natural options and don’t forget metals like wrought iron and other synthetic choices. Don’t worry if you don’t own enough outdoor furniture for that big party, because you can always bring your indoor furniture out, weather permitting of course.

Many homeowners choose to mix it up by using a different style or material of furniture in each conversation area, which can really enhance the feel. Just remember if you do choose to do so, make sure the furniture which matches your home is placed the closest any that is of another style is a little further away.

Dishware Is Easy

While it might be okay to use plastic or paper dishware a few times a year if you are having guests over regularly it’s worth having a second set of dishes just to use outdoors. And of course, it is much better for the environment too.  You don’t necessarily have to buy a new set; you can use an old one from inside.

Or you could always buy some at a second-hand store and don’t be afraid to mix and match. On rare occasions like more formal parties, you can also bring out your good stuff from indoors. It’s as easy as that!

Plants Require Simple Planning

There are limitless options when it comes to plants for your outdoor space.  It’s all up to your own preference of style, color, size, scent, etc. However, there is one very simple and overlooked action you can take to guarantee that whatever plants you choose look amazing.

Choosing plants that will be flowering or in season when you are going to have the majority of your get-togethers might take a few seconds of thinking but it will result in months of happiness. There is nothing worse than having people over and sitting next to a garden that is not in bloom.

Lighting Can Be Very Cheap

The party shouldn’t stop when it starts to get dark. Proper lighting is an essential part of every garden or patio especially if you are hosting an event. Nobody wants their guests stumbling around tripping over things. While lighting might sound expensive it’s really not.

There are a huge variety of options and many times the cheaper the better. Hanging paper lanterns can make an inexpensive yet fantastic-looking choice especially poolside. Torches of all sizes are another favorite and one whose flames can create interesting moving shadows around you as you sit and talk.

Candles too are dirt cheap and create an ambiance like no other. They can also be used to supply any number of fragrant aromas.

Don’t Forget To Keep Out The Pests

Pests especially mosquitoes and other flying insects can really ruin a good time and in short order. Having an area to sit and relax that is screened in can help to make sure you have a pest-free space. Screened in gazebos, porches, and patio enclosures are ideal for this.

Citronella candles and torches are a fun way to take care of both lighting and pest control in one step. And just a few simple steps like throwing away rotting or fallen fruits that many insects love and spraying developing and existing wasp and yellow jacket nests are an easy way to prevent any future pest problems.

Implementing these ideas into your existing space or the one you are currently planning will make it the perfect place to entertain. By trying one or a few of these the next time you have an event you’ll be sure to drastically improve everyone’s enjoyment and experience.

Stop Shopping for Garden Décor!