The Best Way to Use Your Outdoor Space
Outdoor living spaces have been hugely popular with homeowners for years, and that’s not changing any time soon. Decks, patios, gardens and other backyard spaces give homeowners a place to relax, spend time with family, and host friends. Especially for the socially minded homeowner, outdoor living areas give lots of ways to entertain guests. If you’re considering an outdoor living area addition or renovation, here are some of the best ways you can use your outdoor space to entertain.
Cookouts
Who doesn’t love a cookout? Slap some burgers and veggies on a grill, hand guests a beverage and enjoy the day. Depending on your taste, you can make your outdoor dining areas as simple or high-end as you prefer. If you like a more low-key setting, set up a grill on or next to a simple deck (but a safe distance from your house, so you don’t start a fire). To host more elaborate outdoor dinner parties, outdoor kitchens are increasingly popular. You can get a full oven and sink set up in a covered outdoor living space, even set up with a bar. For something somewhere in between, there’s the “grillzebo,” a gazebo set up with an oven and a bar.
Pizza
Say you like the idea of eating outside but want something different than the traditional grilled foods like burgers and brats. Consider adding a pizza oven as part of your outdoor living space, where you can have delicious oven-fired pizza without having to leave home. This is a unique experience for you and your guests. It’s energy efficient, not hugely cost prohibitive and considered fun and relaxing by many. For a fun party experience, have a topping bar set up and let people make their own.
Fireplace/fire pit
There’s no better way to enjoy a crisp, fall evening than sitting around a fire with family and friends. For open outdoor areas, you might prefer a fire pit people can gather round and roast marshmallows or hot dogs. In covered spaces, outdoor fireplaces provide a cozy place to gather and enjoy the evening. Invite some friends over, make some s’mores and tell ghost stories by the firelight. If that’s not your scene, just invite friends over to chat and enjoy the warmth and light of the fire — maybe with a glass of wine in hand.
Games
If you and your family prefer interactive activities, make sure your outdoor living area has plenty of space for yard games. If you’re having a backyard barbecue, set up some yard games like corn hole, bocce ball or croquet. Depending on how many people you have, try setting up a tournament and awarding “prizes,” like silly hats or stickers. If you prefer watching games, outdoor TVs are a big trend. Create an outdoor living room, complete with an outdoor TV so you and your guests can stay outside without missing the big game. (And if someone wants to sneak off to play croquet, they can still keep an eye on the TV.)
Themed parties
No matter what type of outdoor space you have, a themed party is sure to get people excited. This time of year, you could tap into Oktoberfest vibes, or maybe have a Halloween theme. You can have stations with different activities that fit your theme, and food and decorations to match. Or, if you do have an outdoor TV, have everyone dress up for a watch party of your favorite show — whether it’s still airing or not (people still love “Game of Thrones,” after all).
With a well-built outdoor space, the possibilities are endless. These are just some of the outside entertainment ideas we think you’ll love. Have others? Give us a shout here, or check out some of the coolest decks we’ve built.
