We’ve been sprucing up the back for all things spring, but we also have some changes coming our way for around the pool. I was thinking about some of my favorite elements for outdoor entertaining since we tend to do a lot of that in the warmer months. We’ve said here before that our home is a swinging door with three teens in the house. Here are some of our tried and true go-to’s for some simple seasonal solutions: Our Best Tips for Entertaining Outdoors!
1. Create Multiple Areas for Gathering
When it comes to this topic it goes without saying, but you don’t have to have a pool for a great backyard space. From our back deck and dining area to the cabana and lounge chairs, we have multiple gathering spaces. We inherited the backyard with a ton of work ahead of us, and as our pool guy told us, we’ve certainly made the best of it. The key is to offer lots of options for gatherings, whether it’s guests or just family. We have plans up our sleeves for a little upgrade of sorts this spring because you know what they say about home ownership. {No rest for the weary?} You won’t regret having multiple, versatile options.
2. Embrace the Outdoors
Outside is a beautiful opportunity to make your house feel larger by extending those spaces. We’re excited to spruce it all up each spring and bring in our own touches. So enjoy the process of being outside and getting a little fresh air. But we say all these spaces create a great ambiance when everything comes together. Flexing that green thumb is one of the keys to making things feel cozy and colorful. Repeat after me… plants, flowers, succulents {if you’re bad at it}, and more… do it. It’s therapeutic and fun – plants and all those little details make all the difference and make it cozy.
3. Shady Options
No, not in the suspicious kind… but options for shade when it comes to lounging in the daytime. We love a good, excellent spot in those warmer months. Whether it’s a giant umbrella, a covered pergola, a porch, a retractable covering, or more, consider that an option, too for those warmer days when the sun is just too much.
4. Layer Up
When it comes to setting the table, if you’re looking for something extra, feel free to bring it to life with layers of melamine. I love collecting affordable pieces to mix and match all season long and then adding to it. It’s a great way to avoid anything breakable while bringing in all the good colors and vibes for something extra special.
Bonus: Flowers!
When it comes to setting the table, flowers are always fun. We also say they don’t have to break the bank. Grocery store combos will do, and we usually pull a little mix and match together with multiple options to piece it all together. We also love grabbing them from the yard for that particular mix. There’s something about those little pieces that elevate the look.
5. Fabrics
Outdoors are a great way to embrace color and have a little fun. I can’t recommend that more for enjoying time with friends and family. Making it comfy comes down to cushions and pillow options that really bring the space to life. You can always go basic with the furniture and really elevate the look with the softer elements. They don’t have to be custom-made, but finding different combos and bringing them together gives them that unique, bespoke look.
6. Lights + Music
Repeat after me: It’s all about the ambiance. Bringing in multiple lighting options for the great outdoors, whether they’re the yard brand of string light options or Kichler, is a great way to layer with lighting after the sun sets. Lighting sets the mood and is often an afterthought, so be sure to consider it when it comes to establishing your design.
And Music… because wireless speakers are the easy route to connect your latest playlist. It’s like icing on the cake with all things gathering.
7. Food
We always say keep it simple. If you order out or barbecue it up, make and prep ahead of time so that you’re not stuck in the kitchen while others wonder where you disappeared to. Easy is the way to go, no matter what you make. See some of our favorite ideas here.
8. Have Fun
We always say that if you’re having fun with your house, it shows in the outcome of your choices. We love pulling a good outdoor space together for our clients, too. They’re definitely one of our very favorite spaces when the weather is oh-so nice. We hope our ideas inspired you today. Happy creating! Let the warmer season commence.
Leave a Reply