So you like having people over but your backyard isn’t quite ready for outdoor entertaining. Not to worry, there are many ways you can make your outdoor space perfect for company.

Start with simple changes. Then, over time, bigger improvements can give you the entertaining space of your dreams.

A simple setup for outdoor entertaining

The first easy change you can make is to add patio furniture and decor to make your guests feel welcome. This could be as basic as a few chairs so everyone is comfortable or adding an outdoor dining set. Even loungers give family and friends a place to relax with a beverage and some good conversation. Add some potted plants for a bit of nature, and sprinkle in some pillows and throws to make the space more inviting.

Add some shade

Now that your guests have places to sit, it’s time to make them even more comfortable by adding shade. This way your outdoor space is usable all year and you don’t have to fear the summer heat. Retractable screens do a great job of blocking east and west light at different times of the day. (Note: we can only add retractable screens to patios we have custom-built).

For full shade, go with a patio cover to make sure everyone is cool and covered at all times. You could even add outdoor fans for extra comfort.

Lighten up the place

A little lighting can go a long way. It doesn’t just help your guests see at night, it can also set a relaxing mood. There are different kinds of lighting that can step up the look and usability of your patio.
Decorative lights– string lights, candles, torches, lanterns, and table lights are a quick, DIY way to bring in some brightness
Landscape lighting– sconces, well lights, solar lights, and permanent lighting around your yard, house, and fence make sure your outdoor space is always ready for company
Security lighting– make sure your guests are safe when they walk around with path and step lighting so they don’t trip on anything

Gather around the fire for outdoor entertaining

Fireplaces and firepits are both fun for people to sit around and warm up on a chilly night.

Fire pits can become the epicenter of your outdoor gathering space and be used to make smores in the summer. They can be built in a specific spot or there are portable pits that you can move around the yard.

Another option is to build a permanent outdoor fireplace. This can be a traditional wood-burning fireplace or a gas powered option that turns on with a remote. Both will help make the patio usable year round and they are great focal points to ground your outdoor space.

Bring the kitchen outside

Dinner parties are the cornerstone of great entertaining. Every get-together needs good food and drinks and there’s no better way to serve your guests than to prepare the meal right outside. Building an outdoor kitchen makes it even easier. You can serve the meal hot and fresh from a built-in gas or charcoal grill or even a pizza oven. Plus, everyone can help themselves to a cold drink or a glass of wine right from the fridge. No going in and out of the house and missing all the fun.

Make a big splash with a pool

The ultimate in outdoor entertaining is a swimming pool. It makes your house the number one destination in the summer, keeping guests cool and kids entertained.

If you don’t currently have a pool, we can discuss options for a water feature to your outdoor space. And if you already have one, we can build you a cabana or even a pool house to take your space to the next level.

When you’re ready for outdoor entertaining, give one of our outdoor living specialists a call at 281-265-1994 in Houston or 972-915-2727 in Dallas/Fort Worth.