As the flowers pop up in the spring, so too do the casual outdoor gatherings, the back yard barbecues and the family get togethers that this year - just feel safer outside. No doubt, gathering outside this year is even more appealing than in years past. And, with the temps climbing, we’re hoping to spend more and more time outside. To get our outdoor spaces ready for our families and any fun gatherings, here are a few tips:
1. Plan out functional areas.
Just as we start with necessary functionality and a space plan for indoor spaces, outdoor spaces benefit from starting with asking practical questions - what would you like to do in the space? How many people do you hope to accommodate? A dining area requires a different set up than a lounging area. An outdoor kitchen or grilling space would have a different set of needs than a space to “play”. Consider, how convenient a dining area or outdoor kitchen area is to access to indoor. In what climate do you hope to enjoy your outdoor space? Adding a fireplace, fire pit or space heaters can extend the outdoor gathering season dramatically in the Midwest. Here is a great round up of the top 11 most stylish fire pits that you can buy online from HOUSE BEAUTIFUL.
Designer: Emily Henderson
Source: Style by Emily Henderson Blog
2. Consider the sun!
Thinking through where the sun will be in the sky at different times of day can help determine the best placement, size and adaptability of sun protection. Could a pergola with a roof provide the best protection? Where would it be helpful to have an umbrella or multiple umbrellas? The shape of umbrellas and their ability to tip to shade sun glare can also make a big difference in an enjoyable dinner. It is never fun to be the one sitting at the end of the table when the sun is setting directly into your eyes!
Designer: Madeline Stuart
Source: House Beautiful
3. Include simple storage.
A bin, outdoor cabinet or even a deck box can make preparing for a planned or impromptu gathering much easier. Outdoor dishes that are easily accessible from the grilling area, blankets that are convenient to a fire pit, or cushions that are handy additions to a bench, rocking chair or lounging spot can make outdoor living a little easier. For a home full of kiddos, a deck box full of bats, balls, bases and all the essentials for a quick game make set up and clean up much easier.
Source: West Elm
4. Choose furniture that fits your lifestyle.
Are you willing to put cushions away every night? Or, would you prefer something that doesn’t require that extra step? Furniture covers are a necessary investment - especially in the Midwest. Consider - where will you store the covers when the furniture is in use? Do you love gardening? Would a planting table be helpful? Would built-in planters be a welcome addition or something else to tend to? While there are so many great outdoor furniture options, it is important to consider what matters most to you.
Designer: Peter Dunham, Architect: Bob White
Sournce: veranada
5. Remember the little touches that create the ambiance.
Consider the lighting - could pathway lighting help for evening entertaining? Once the sun goes down, could solar powered lights provide an enchanting atmosphere to continue conversations? Music - with so many great options for wireless, wifi speakers, it is easy to connect to streaming music services for a perfect summer playlist. And of course, you can’t control the temperature, but ceiling fans or space heaters can help add some comfort on hot or cool evenings.
Designer: Lavin Label
Source: Country Living
At the end of the day, we are really looking forward to a peaceful morning on the deck with our coffee, a back yard full of family to celebrate summer birthdays and the casual impromptu margarita night. With a little advance preparation and having a space set up, it is even easier to be ready when those gorgeous days blur into summer nights.